News Release
For Immediate Release — April 28, 2010
Make Plans to Attend Fruits of the Backyard Field Day
SPRING HILL, Tenn. – Whether you want to start a new business venture or simply improve the looks of your lawn, Fruits of the Backyard Field Day will be the place to be on June 15. Held at the University of Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, this free event will offer visitors a chance to learn more about gardening with a special focus on the production of small fruits like blueberries and grapes.
Fruits of the Backyard kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and will feature several informative sessions. UT Extension Fruit Specialist Dr. David Lockwood will lead a presentation titled “Grapes, Blueberries and Other Fruit Crops – Edible Landscaping at Its Best!” Lawrence County Extension Agent Wendell Smith will have tips on gardening in small spaces, and UT Entomology Professor Dr. Karen Vail will discuss a growing problem for many local gardeners – fire ants. Learn how to control these pests in your backyard.
Between sessions visitors may tour the trade show, which features a variety of exhibits and educational displays. Visitors can also speak with local farmers who manage fruit and soil businesses. These producers will be on hand to share their experiences with production and marketing issues and answer questions from those thinking of starting their own agricultural enterprise.
For commercial producers, those who are looking to start their own fruit business, or those who are simply looking to get the most out of their yards, this will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions, discuss new ideas, and hear presentations from some of the region’s leading experts in fruit and lawn management.
Fruits of the Backyard begins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the website, http://middletennessee.tennessee.edu or call 931-486-2129.
The Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is located on Highway 31, just minutes south of Nashville. Take exit 53 from I-65 and follow the signs to Columbia. The center is on the east side of Hwy. 31, across from the former GM Plant at Spring Hill.
The Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is one of 10 research facilities operated by the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, UTIA also provides instruction research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contacts:
Kevin Thompson, Director, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center,
931-486-2129
Ginger Trice Rowsey, UTIA Marketing & Communications Services, 731-425-4768
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