GRAFTING WORKSHOP
 
UT Extension Greene County will conduct a grafting workshop on Thursday, March 24, 2016.  The class will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the UT Extension Office located at 204 North Cutler Street, Suite 105, in the lower level of the County Courthouse Annex. Registration is limited to fifteen participants!
 
We will have rootstock available with descriptions on the rootstock below.
You must order a minimum of seven (7) rootstock. 
 
The fee for rootstock will be as follows:
·        7 rootstock will be $30.00.
·        There may be additional rootstock available after class for $1.00 each (you will need to bring additional money if you wish to purchase any excess that we might have).
·        Grafting tape (enough for approximately 10 trees will be provided).  Additional grafting tape will be available for purchase.
·        A variety of scion wood will be available at the grafting workshop.
·        There will be grafting knives available for you to use. 
 
Please note: If you have a specific tree you want to graft, please bring pre-cut scion wood (water-sprouts) from the tree you wish to graft. Water sprouts are the long straight whips that grow vertically in the tree, usually from the top sides of the branches. Refer below for additional information on collecting scion wood.  Store in the refrigerator (Do not store any fruit in refrigerator with scion wood).
 
To register and purchase your rootstock, please drop by our office or visit our website at http://www.bsmga.com/store/p30/2016_Grafting_Workshop.html.  Registration is limited to the first fifteen that purchase rootstock!
 
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
 
 
Rootstock Info:
Malling VII (M7)
Descended from 'Doucin Reinette' in France, around 1688. Very popular in areas with cold winters, and deep well-drained soils. Suckers profusely, prone to crown gall, resistant to fire blight, tolerates wet soils but does best where it can root deeply. Trees are 50% of full size, or so-called "semi dwarfs." Hardens off early in season. Will bear fruit for 25-30 years. Not compatible with Winesap.

Malling XI (M11)
'Northern Spy' hybrid. Quite drought tolerant. Not very precocious, minimal suckering, fairly tolerant of wet sites, prone to burr knots. Good anchorage. Matures late. About 75% of full tree size.

 
Grafting is the process by which a fruit tree is asexually propagated resulting in a new young tree, which will be genetically identical to the parent tree. It is a common (but mistaken) belief that apple seeds collected from a particular variety can be planted to produce an exact genetic copy of that variety. To reproduce an exact copy of any selected apple variety, it must be spring grafted or summer budded.

A shoot or twig (known as a scion or scion wood) is collected in January or February and stored under refrigeration until grafting season (typically March). The process of grafting itself is quite simple. A selected piece of scion wood is inserted into the rootstock of a young apple tree where, over time, it will heal and fuse together to produce a new tree.
The most important point in collecting scion wood is to be sure to collect new growth (twigs or shoots that emerged the previous summer). New growth is identified by its smooth, reddish or greenish bark in contrast to older growth which will have rough, grayish-colored bark. New growth will have small, tight buds and rarely have side limbs, twigs or branches which are common on older growth. The two photographs below show examples of good and bad scion wood.
On older, unmanaged trees, new growth may be difficult to find. Normally, this new growth can be found out on the tips of twigs high up on the sunny side of the tree. You can also find new growth on “water sprouts” which are vigorous, whip-like shoots ranging in size from a couple of inches to several feet in length and typically found growing vertically upwards from the trunk or larger limbs. Not all water sprouts are new growth, however. Be sure that any water sprout selected for scion wood has no side branches or twigs.

Collect the proper scion wood cuttings in late January to mid-February. The cuttings should ideally be eight to ten inches in length and approximately the diameter of a pencil, although pieces of a smaller length and diameter can be successfully grafted. Bundle the scion wood together and label each variety separately. Wrap the bundles in a damp (not wet) paper towel and enclose tightly in Saran Wrap or a plastic bag.

Notice in the first photo the relatively smooth cuttings with small buds. This one-year-old wood is excellent grafting material. The second photo shows two and three-year-old fruiting wood which is unsuitable for grafting. However, the cutting in the middle of the second photo shows a short length of wood at the top which is good viable scion wood. Frequently on older trees this is the best material that can be collected.

Steven Huff, UT Extension Jefferson County will be conducting the workshop.

​Dr. David Lockwood, Professor, UT Extension Plant Sciences Department, will be conducting both a Small Fruits and Pruning Demonstration on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 
 
The cost is $35.00 for BOTH the Small Fruits class and the Pruning Demonstration with lunch provided.  If you prefer to only participate in either the Small Fruits class or the Pruning Demo, that option is available as well when you register, but no lunch will be provided.  The Small Fruits class will be held from 9:00 am until noon at the UT Extension Office.  The Pruning Demo will be held at a local demonstration site. 
 
Advanced registration is required by February 11, 2016.  Call 798-1710 for more information.  Fee can be mailed to UT Extension – Greene County, 204 N. Cutler Street, Suite 105, Greeneville, TN  37745 or stop by the office located downstairs of the Greene County Courthouse Annex.  You may also register online at: www.bsmga.com/pre-register-here1.html.  Please note you only need to register for one option online!
 
The University of Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Spring 2016 - The Gardener’s Toolshed Series - Starting SOON!

 Brought to you by UT Extension, Greene County
 
Basic Home Gardening Workshops will be offered during March and April.  All classes will be held on Tuesdays, incorporating a variety of four topics into each of the five sessions.  Learn all you need to know about site preparation, soil-testing, composting, plant and seed selection, small space gardening, cover crops, pollinators, companion plants and herbs, pest ID and control, and in-depth growth characteristics of veggies in your garden!  Each class will offer a unique “freebie” to take home with you, including seeds, reliable resources, and even a free soil test! 
Each session will be from 5:30 PM to 8:00 p.m. at the UT Extension Office, 204 North Cutler Street, Suite 105, Greeneville, TN  37745 (Downstairs in the County Courthouse Annex building.)

• Tuesday, March 8, 2016 – Gardening Basics I
  • Site Preparataion, Soil-Testing basics, Composting How-To’s, and Plant and Seed Selection
• Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – Gardening Basics II
  • Insects, Weeds, Diseases, and Organic, Conventional and Natural Control Strategies
• Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – Pest ID
  • Cole Crops, Small Space Gardening Ideas, Cover Crops, and Pollinators
• Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – Herbs
  • Companion Planting in the Garden, Medicinal and Culinary Herbs, and Creating Gifts from the  Garden
• Tuesday, April 5, 2016 – Veggie Crops
  • Tomatoes, Legumes, Cucurbits, and Root Crop Growing Strategies and Ideas

Cost is only $25.00 per session or register for all five for only $100.00! Space is limited, so register early to reserve your seat for each session! 
​
You can call the UT Extension Office (423-798-1710) OR pre-register here: http://www.bsmga.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Payment is required by Monday, February 22, 2016 for ALL sessions.
 
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development.  University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating.  UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
 

​“Beekeeping Basics,” a course geared at beginner beekeepers will be offered in a three part series.  Part I and II will take place at the UT Extension Office on Tuesday, April 19th and Thursday, April 21st from 5:30 until 8:00 pm.  Part III will be held on Saturday, April 23rd.  The April session will start at the UT Extension Office at 10:00 AM.  A classroom session will be held until noon.  After lunch, which will be included in your registration fee, the class will travel to a local beekeeper to “play” in the hives.
 
John Hamrick, Extension Agent and beekeeper from Washington County will be instructing the class, and Beth Hembree and Jerry Kische, members of our local Beekeepers Association will also be available during both sessions. 
 
$40 is the fee to attend this 3-part course and attendance is required for all three sessions.
 
Advanced registration is required by April 15, 2016.  Call 798-1710 for more information.  Fee can be mailed to UT Extension – Greene County, 204 N. Cutler Street, Suite 105, Greeneville, TN  37745 or stop by the office located downstairs in the Greene County Courthouse Annex.  You may also register online at: http://www.bsmga.com/pre-register-here.html
 
The University of Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Big Spring Master Gardener Association held their annual year-end Celebration on December 15, 2015 at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville.  Master Gardeners were recognized for their individual and group achievements in 2015, as well as participated in their favorite “Christmas Movie Character” contest, in which Kyler Johnson was awarded the most creative; Jane Karuschkat was the recipient of the most traditional; and most confusing costume was given to Mary Goldman.   

2015 was the culmination of 6 years of service for the Big Spring Master Gardener Association in Greene County.  The following members were recognized for their dedication to the program for five consecutive years of service:  Bob Fleegle, Patricia Hayes, Lamar Neas, Virginia Williams, and Heather Youngblood. 

Those receiving recognition as VIP’s, which are those that have been active members for three years included:  Aliceson Bales, George Blanks, Lois Blanks, Phyllis Conner, Mary Goldman, Ken Harrison, Penny Humphreys, and Laura Rosenberg.
Many members received recognition in service awards for their annual commitment in volunteering.

Bronze
50-100 Hours
Lois Blanks
Bob Fleegle
Kyler Johnson
Carol Mallory
Darlene Moore
Lamar Neas
Mary Anna Pirozzoli
Donna Rogers
Zaria Simoni​
Silver
100-200 Hours
Aliceson Bales
Michele Bradley
Phyllis Conner
Martha Fluharty
Ken harrison
Patricia Hayes
Beth Hembree
Penny Humphreys
Julie Ibanez
Glenn Karuschkat
Jerry Kische
Pat Moore
Amy Reid
Lydia Sweatt
Virginia Williams
Heather Youngblood
Gold
200-300 Hours
Jeanne Driese
Jeff Gilliland
Platinum
300+ Hours
Mary Goldman
Jeanie Jackson

BSMGA members that gave over 100 hours of volunteer service in 2015 were recognized for their dedication and commitment with a certificate and oak leaf pins to commemorate their accomplishments.  These recipients were: 
 
2015 Gold Leaf Club Members - Members with over 100 hours of service
21 MG’s contributed 3820.15 hours in 2015 totaling $88,130.86

Aliceson Bales
Michele Bradley
Phyllis Conner
Jeanne Driese (2)
Martha Fluharty
Jeff Gilliland (2)
Mary Goldman (3)
Ken Harrison
Patricia Hayes
Beth Hembree
Penny Humphreys
Julie Ibanez
Jeanie Jackson (4)
Glenn Karuschkat
Jerry Kische
Pat Moore
Amy Reid
Lydia Sweatt
Virginia Williams
Heather Youngblood

 
The following members were recognized for outstanding service to BSMGA:

2015 Bud Sprout Winner – Glenn Karuschkat

2015 Community Service Award Winner – Aliceson Bales

2015 Greene Thumb Award Winner – Mary Goldman

2015 Club Service Award Winner – Michele Bradley

2015 Excellence in Service Award Winner (for most hours) – Jeanie Jackson

Honorary Big Spring Master Gardener – Justin Aiken, Peter Ibanez, Jane Karuschkat

The following individuals were elected to serve on the 2016 Leadership Team:

President:  Michele Bradley
Vice President: Jerry Kische
Secretary: Julie Ibanez
Treasurer:  Glenn Karuschkat
Parliamentarian:  Lamar Neas & Virginia Williams
Reporter: Mary Goldman & Jeanie Jackson
2015 Class Rep:  Amy Reid
 
Last but not least, the BSMGA certified ten interns into the BSMGA program during 2015.  These members participated in 40 hours of classroom training, as well as devoted 40 hours of volunteering to community service projects within Greene County’s BSMGA program.  The newest additions to the BSMGA in 2015: Julie Ibanez, Kyler Johnson, Glenn Karuschkat, Carol Mallory, Mary Anna Pirozzoli, Amy Reid, Donna Rogers, Zaria Simoni, Lydia Sweatt, and Cheryl Van Dyck. 
 
As the value of a volunteer hour was worth $23.07 in 2015, according to the Department of Labor statistics, BSMGA contributed $111,040.52 in economic in Greene County through their annual cumulative total of 4813.20 hours.

The BSMGA is looking forward to yet another year of exciting and worthwhile community gardening projects throughout Greene County.  Projects include:  maintaining the Greene County Museum landscape; participating in weekly gardening seminars at the Boys & Girls Club; maintaining the New Hope Cemetery landscape; maintaining and facilitating educational seminars for the Soup Kitchen gardens; designing and implementing historic, period-era gardens at the Dickson Williams Mansion; growing the landscape beds at the Greene County Fairgrounds; hosting a Plant Sale on May 7thh at the Greene County Fairgrounds; and a Farm2Fork dinner in the early summer, as well as participating in Greene County Fair events; participating in community events such as Kid’s Day on the Farm; the Greene County Christmas Parade; and being available to answer questions in the Master Gardener lab at the Greene County UT Extension Office every Monday through Thursday from 10 AM – 3PM.
​
For additional information on the BSMGA, please feel free to contact the Greene County UT Extension Office at 423-798-1710 or e-mail Melody Rose, Extension Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator at mtrose@utk.edu.  Also check out the BSMGA website at bsmga.com
 
 

Costume particiaptnts

Platinum award winners giving over 300 over during 2015.

Gold Leaf Club Memebrs giving over 100 hours of service during 2015.
 

BSMGA members receiving their 5 year pin for 5 consecutive years of continued service to BSMGA.

​The 2016 Big Spring/UT Extension Greene County Master Gardener classes will begin on Tuesday, February 2nd and continue through April 7th (there are snow dates built into this schedule). All sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Greene County UT Extension Office. The fee for the program is $175.00 which includes an extensive 800 plus page Master Gardener Textbook, your name badges, hand lens and other related materials. Four partial scholarships will be awarded on an as needed basis.

Tennessee Master Gardeners (TMG's) are trained volunteers who help the UT Extension Office provide information and educate the public in home horticulture.  Prospective TMG’s attend 40 hours of horticultural classes and are required to volunteer 40 hours of community service through the Extension Office. The University of Tennessee sponsors the Tennessee Master Gardener Program.

The main goal of the Master Gardener program is to enhance the availability of horticultural information and to improve the quality of life within community gardens and landscapes. These volunteers aid the UT Extension Office by managing the Master Gardener lab located at the UT Extension Office; providing requests for UT Horticultural information; establishing and maintaining demonstration gardens throughout the county; working with the handicapped, youth, the elderly, as well as aiding other special groups in the community; designing and implementing community involvement projects; along with coordinating Master Gardener programs.  
 
Some programs the Big Spring Master Gardeners are currently involved with include: Boys and Girls Club Demonstration Garden (GROW Project), New Hope Cemetery Restoration and Landscape Project, Dickson-Williams Mansion historical landscape, and the Tabernacle Mission Soup Kitchen Demonstration Garden located at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church.  They also participate in the county fair and various venues throughout the county promoting horticulture projects.  They host a plant sale consisting primarily of heirloom tomatoes and herbs each spring, and a “Farm 2 Fork” in the summer promoting locally grown food products.   They also attend various educational demonstrations and conferences throughout the year to facilitate individual leadership growth and enhance the educational experience for the overall organization. 

This program is open to anyone wishing to attend regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications, as well as a class schedule can be picked up at the UT Extension Office or printed from the website below. Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2016.  Full payment will be expected by January 22, 2016.  Contact Melody Rose, Master Gardener Coordinator/UT Extension Agent, at (423) 798-1710 for additional information or visit the Big Spring Master Gardener website at www.bsmga.com.