Tennessee Native Gardening Bolsters Pollinator Populations
Local residents have a chance to play their own part in the pollination process this week during National Pollinator Week. Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said pollinators serve as the foundation for seed and fruit production. Key said creating habitats for native bees and butterflies in home landscapes directly impacts the food […]
Spotted Lanternflies Cause Problems, Not A Local Threat
Specially trained dogs are now sniffing out the invasive spotted lanternfly, but the bugs have not made their way into the Upper Cumberland. Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the lanternflies cause problems because of their potential impact on fruit plants. Key said lanternflies were first spotted in the state near Nashville a […]
Tick Related ER Visits Up Nationwide, More People Bitten
Tick bites have been a bigger problem than usual this year for emergency rooms nationwide and a Putnam County Ag Extension Agent said the weather may be a factor locally. Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the wet spring allowed ticks to populate, and they have acclimated well to the heat this summer. Key said […]
Mosquitoes Coming Out, Spray Repellents Good Defense
Increased humidity and heat along with all this rain has brought mosquitoes out for the summer. Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said mosquito larvae start to develop when the temperatures increase, and adults are looking for food sources. Key said male mosquitoes feed on plant juices, but females often feed on humans. “The […]
Snow And Ice Melt Helping Soil Recover From 2023 Drought
Putnam County UT Agriculture Extension Agent Wayne Key said the melting snow and ice will help the soil recover from last year’s drought. As 2023 came to a close the Upper Cumberland and over half the state stood in a severe drought. Key said with the snow and ice melting, the soil can get back […]
UT Ag Vice President Said We Need To Renew Focus On Farming
The Senior Vice President for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture told local residents Tuesday agriculture is more than a rural thing. Keith Carver spoke as part of Farm City Week, hosted by the Cookeville Rotary Club and Putnam County UT Extension Service. Carver said there is an important relationship between agriculture, the suburbs […]
Plant Hardiness Map Shifts UC, Putnam Specifically Into Warmer Zone
For the first time in a decade the USDA updated its Plant Hardiness Map and it shows most of the Upper Cumberland has warmed up. Putnam County in particular went from a 7a zone to a 7b zone. This means the county’s average lowest temperatures over the last 30 years has raised from a 0-5 […]
Not Too Late To Protect Gardens From Frost Damage
The first freeze of the season set for Monday night. But the freeze warning for Middle Tennessee through Tuesday morning does not mean the fall season is over. Putnam County Agriculture Agent Wayne Key said there are steps gardeners can take to protect plants for the rest of the growing season. “Plant response to cold […]
Spring Weather Can Begin Insect Pressure In Homes
The return of spring can also bring the return of insect infestations, also known as insect pressure, in your home. Putnam County Extension Agent Wayne Key said that insect pressure is whenever an influx of insects enter a space we don’t want them and they become a nuisance. He said that the most common in […]
Warm Winter Days Can Pose Pre-Spring Issues For Crops
The first few days of warm weather have the potential to start some pre-spring blooming. Putnam County UT Extension Agent Wayne Key said that buds will start to swell as the weather begins to warm, typically around the first week of March. However, the warm days but frosty nights can pose a problem to crops […]
