News Release
For Immediate Release — August 12, 2011
UT Hosts Pumpkin Field Day on September 29
The annual UT Pumpkin Field Day returns to the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson on Thursday, September 29, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The event will feature sessions tailored to commercial-scale growers as well as hobby gardners.
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The annual UT Pumpkin Field Day returns to the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on Thursday, September 29, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The field day will feature four informative sessions on pumpkin production tailored to commercial-scale growers. These sessions will provide producers with the latest information on varieties, pest control, marketing tips and alternative production methods.
There will also be a less rigorous pumpkin production workshop offered to homeowners who simply want to grow a few pumpkins to stock the pantry or provide décor around the home. In this general overview class, first-time growers can learn the essential steps to harvesting a good pumpkin crop.
In addition to the pumpkin production classes, visitors can also attend a UT Kitchen Divas cooking class, featuring fall-themed pumpkin and squash recipes delivered with the Divas trademark charm. These classes will be offered hourly, as will a relaxing wagon tour of the Research Center grounds.
Of course, one of the highlights of Pumpkin Field Day is getting to tour the newest Pumpkin Display. Comprised of more than 5,000 pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, the 2011 display features more than 70 cucurbit varieties. UT AgResearch horticulturist and display designer Jason Reeves will be on hand to introduce you to the more interesting varieties and give a guided tour of the display.
There is no cost to attend Pumpkin Field Day, but if you want to attend the Kitchen Divas cooking class you should pick up a reservation ticket when you arrive since there is limited seating in these sessions.
A complete schedule of classes will be available soon online at http://west.tennessee.edu, and also on the Facebook page “UT Gardens Jackson.” You can also call 731-424-1643 for more information.
The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is located at 605 Airways Boulevard in Jackson and is one of 10 outdoor laboratories operated by UT AgResearch, a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contacts:
Dr. Annette Wszelaki, UT Plant Sciences Department, 865-974-8332, annettew@utk.edu
Ginger Trice, UTIA Marketing and Communications Services, 731-425-4768, gtrice@tennessee.edu