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by Amy Dunlap
April is a pivotal month in the vegetable garden. It’s the time to finish soil preparation, make sure nutrients are in place, and get both cool- and warm-season crops moving toward a strong harvest. Pre-plant fertilizer, applied according to soil test results, ensures that early crops have the nutrients they need for vigorous growth.
Cool-season vegetables should be nearing the end of their planting window. Finish direct seeding or transplanting now to avoid crops maturing under hot summer conditions. Early-seeded leafy greens and root crops may already be ready for harvest, giving the first taste of the season.
For warm-season vegetables, April is the month to start thinking ahead. Purchase or prepare transplants, and plan for direct-seeded crops like beans or corn. While some gardeners sow these a little before the frost-free date, soil temperatures remain a critical consideration. Cool soils can delay germination, especially for untreated seeds or supersweet corn varieties.
When transplanting warm-season crops, timing and preparation matter. While frost-free dates guide planting, the real limiting factor is often soil temperature. Harden off seedlings before placing them in the garden to reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root development.
Vegetables in containers and raised beds can give you a head start on the season. These setups warm faster in the spring, drain well, and allow for more precise fertility management. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do particularly well in containers or raised beds, especially when soil temperatures in the ground remain borderline. Containers also make succession planting easier, letting you move or replace crops as needed without disturbing established beds.
Beyond vegetables, April is also a time to monitor and manage fruit trees if you grow them alongside your garden. Spring disease sprays can protect new growth and reduce pressure on your vegetable crops later in the season.
By carefully preparing soil, timing plantings, and attending to early growth conditions, April sets the stage for a productive summer garden. Paying attention to both cool-season finishing crops and warm-season starts now ensures steady harvests and healthy, vigorous vegetables all season long.
Thank You, Amy
by Melinda Davis
On a hot summer afternoon in middle Tennessee, the difference a tree can make is something most of us have felt firsthand. A shaded yard is cooler, more inviting, and often more alive with birds and pollinators. As gardeners, we understand that what we plant today shapes the experience of a space for years to come.
Across Nashville, that idea is taking root on a larger scale. Root Nashville is a public-private campaign, led by Metro Nashville and the Cumberland River Compact, to plant 500,000 trees across Davidson County by 2050. The work is supported by a range of local partners, including Nashville Tree Foundation, Metro agencies, and neighborhood groups. While the number is ambitious, the approach is familiar: steady, thoughtful planting paired with ongoing care.
Many of the benefits are ones we already see in our own landscapes. Trees help cool surrounding areas during the heat of summer, slow down stormwater after heavy rains, and provide important habitat for wildlife. They also contribute to healthier soil over time and make our neighborhoods more pleasant places to live and garden.
Just as in our own yards, though, planting is only the beginning. Young trees need consistent watering, proper mulching, and a watchful eye during their early years. We often say “right plant, right place,” and the same holds true here — thoughtful species selection and siting can make the difference between a tree that struggles and one that thrives for decades.
This is where Master Gardeners have a natural connection to the work. Many of the skills we use every day translate directly. Whether it’s helping a neighbor choose an appropriate tree, demonstrating proper planting techniques, or simply modeling good care in our own gardens, we contribute to the long-term success of Nashville’s canopy.
There are also opportunities to get involved more directly. Community planting events, becoming a neighborhood planting captain, or sponsoring a tree are all ways to support the work beyond our own landscapes. Even small actions — checking on a newly planted tree during a dry spell or encouraging others to think about placement and care — can have a meaningful impact over time.
One of the strengths of this effort is its focus on the whole community. Some areas of Nashville have fewer trees and feel the effects of heat and runoff more acutely. Expanding the canopy in these neighborhoods helps create a more balanced and resilient city, something that benefits all of us.
As gardeners, we’re already part of this story. Each time we plant thoughtfully, care for what’s growing, and share what we know, we’re contributing to a healthier landscape — not just in our own yards, but across Davidson County. Root Nashville offers a way to extend that impact, one tree at a time.
Master Gardeners don’t forget to submit your entries for the TENNESSEE EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS.
These awards provide the opportunity to recognize excellent outreach and service across the state as well as the amazing people who power that outreach. There are six categories for local outreach as well as two individual volunteer and partner categories!
The handbook below has been updated to give you all the details you need to submit your great local efforts!
Click HERE
Gardens That Feed the City - Community, culture, and food sovereignty in bloom
by Brenda Peterson
Some of Nashville’s most meaningful gardens don’t just delight the senses—they nourish people and communities.
Across the city, community gardens serve as outdoor classrooms, urban sanctuaries, and gathering places. The Nashville Food Project’s Community Agriculture Network supports more than 80 gardeners, providing spaces to grow food, learn together, and build connections. Gardens like McGruder Community Garden in North Nashville and Donelson Community Garden are rooted in shared ownership, welcoming neighbors of all ages and backgrounds to grow food for themselves and one another.
Education and cultural preservation also flourish here. The Latin American Ethnobotanical Garden, curated by CLACX, features more than 50 culturally significant plant species from Mexico, Central America, Brazil, and the Black Atlantic. With agaves, sages, cassava, epazote, and traditional food crops like corn and beans, the garden honors ancestral knowledge while teaching new generations. Tours offered from May through October highlight the intersection of ecology, history, and cultural knowledge.
School-based and hybrid gardens like BELL Garden at Bellevue Middle School and Vanderbilt’s Community Garden further expand the impact, blending sustainability research, food distribution, and hands-on learning. These spaces act as testing grounds for better growing practices—and better ways of living together.
As the USDA defines it, a community garden is any shared space where people grow plants together. In Nashville, those spaces grow far more than vegetables. They cultivate food security, creativity, intergenerational learning, and a shared sense of belonging
Companion planting is one of the simplest ways to grow a healthier, more productive garden—without relying heavily on chemicals or constant intervention. By intentionally placing certain plants near one another, you can improve growth, deter pests, enrich the soil, and even enhance flavor.
At its core, companion planting is about relationships. Just like people, some plants thrive together, while others prefer a little distance.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants close together so they benefit one another.
These benefits can include:
This method has been used for centuries in traditional agriculture, most famously in the Native American “Three Sisters” planting system.
The Three Sisters: A Time-Tested Example
The “Three Sisters” method pairs:
Together, these three crops support one another in a balanced, productive system. It’s a beautiful reminder that diversity strengthens a garden.
MGOFDC members at the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, Tennessee Agricultural Museum, Ellington Agricultural Center, provide a yearly hands-on workshop regarding the Native American companion planting method “Three Sisters” for Master Gardener members and interns to learn about sustainable gardening practices and experience a piece of agricultural history.
Popular Companion Plant Pairings
Here are some tried-and-true combinations:
Basil may help repel insects like hornworms and whiteflies while potentially improving tomato flavor. Plus, they pair perfectly in the kitchen.
Onions help deter carrot flies, while carrots don’t compete heavily with onions underground.
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and beetles, drawing pests away from cucumbers.
Radishes mature quickly and help break up the soil for shallow-rooted lettuce.
Marigolds are famous for deterring nematodes and certain pests. They also attract beneficial insects.
Plants That Don’t Get Along
Just as some plants thrive together, others compete or inhibit growth. A few combinations to avoid:
How Companion Planting Helps Your Garden
Legumes like beans and peas add nitrogen back into the soil, benefiting neighboring plants.
Tall plants can provide shade for sun-sensitive crops, while ground covers reduce weeds and retain moisture.
Diverse plantings create a more resilient garden ecosystem.
Getting Started
You don’t need to redesign your entire garden overnight. Start small:
Observe what works in your space. Gardening is as much about learning as it is about growing.
A Gentle Reminder
And, last but not least, companion planting isn’t magic—it’s strategy. Results can vary based on climate, soil conditions, and local pest populations. But even small changes can create noticeable improvements.
By working with nature instead of against it, you create a garden that feels balanced, abundant, and alive.
Join us for live distant teaching on Tuesdays in May for our May food production series. This fun series will provide all you need to know about sustainable practices for selecting and managing fruit and vegetable crops in your home food production spaces.
Topics include:
Selecting cultivars of fruits and veggies for disease resistance and quality
Composting and soil amending
Using cover crops for soil building
Supporting beneficial insects
And more!
Three live webinars on May 5th, May 12th, and May 19th
Register Here: tiny.utk.edu/maywebinarseries
Earth Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22. A day to demonstrate support for environmental protection, organizations across the country observe the day in many different ways.
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
The original Earth Day, conceived by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, was meant to raise awareness about pollution and environmental degradation. Over time, it led to significant policies like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This history reminds us that celebrating Earth Day should go beyond just awareness; it should foster action and inclusion.
Things you can do for Earth Day:
Actionable Earth Day Activities
At-Home & Virtual Activities
Earth Day Celebrations in Nashville:
Centennial Park Conservancy Presents NASHVILLE EARTH DAY, Wednesday, April 18, 2026, Centennial Park
Earth Day in the Hood, Wednesday, April 18, 2026, Nashville Public Library Pruitt Branch.
by Margaret Littman
MGOFDC members and interns, many of us lost indoor plants in freezing temps during power outages in Winter Storm Fern here in Nashville. To help replace and replenish, we are planning a Plant Swap at the MGOFDC May member meeting. Please plan to bring labeled cuttings of indoor house plants to swap this Spring. Bring plants in a container that the lucky recipient can take with them. If you would like to help with the Swap, please let us know.
If you lost plants, let us know what cuttings you would like so we can be specific in a call for donations. If you would like to help with the planning and logistics of the Swap, we would like to hear from you, too. Email newsletter@mgofdc.org or littmanwrites@gmail.com.
By Paula Joyner
“You ARE the garden” rings in my ears these days as we rebound from the Ice Storm. The Dick Hillenius poem I recently read bears sharing:
A garden is more than meets the eye
growth from the past
growth still to come
strolling through a garden
is like wandering through a vast memory
everything has an origin
faraway places always remembered
bonds with friends
some dead but immortal here
growth rings
you are the garden.
Our gardens are reflections of our lives – the plants we have because dear friends and cherished Grandmothers and Aunts “shared”, the plants we nurtured from seed into their steady place in the garden, the flamboyant plant or statement tree that everything else revolves around, and the places and plants of healing planted to help us restore after upheavals in our life cycles. A palette of Growth Circles.
In this 40th year of celebration of Master Gardeners, we are looking for five volunteers to “talk story” as they say in Hawaii, with some of our long-term Master Gardeners and let them share the stories of their garden life. Collect their thoughts on certain plants and the meaning within their Gardens, their Growth Circles – with maybe a few photos. Would you be willing to spend an afternoon on a shaded porch listening?… and then writing that story, then sharing the story with the Master Gardeners at our 40th anniversary celebration and in the 40th Anniversary Cookbook “Seasons in Our Gardens: 40 Years of MGofDC Recipes, Education, & Stories”? If you are interested in assisting with this fun project, please email Susanna Hadley at susanna.hutton1@gmail.com or, Education Chair, Paula Joyner, at education@mgofdc.org.
Then there is one other level of Growth Circles that we are living through / with – our city of Nashville has grown over 81% since FY1990. The MG Member Education workgroup is trying to find a couple of local leaders to speak to our membership sometime this year about the effect of growth on our waterways, our tree canopy and even landscape designers in public spaces or …. developers successfully accentuating sustainable, residential site development. If any of you have relationships we can build from to secure a speaker for our membership, we would appreciate the help!?! Our circle is widening and growing, so we want to offer fresh content. We all care deeply. We ARE the Garden and we are growing together. Thank you for sharing the wandering.
By Mindy Davis
For nearly four decades, the Nashville Tree Foundation (NTF) has worked to plant, protect, and promote trees across Davidson County. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit recognizes that trees are more than landscape features—they are essential infrastructure. A healthy urban canopy improves air and water quality, reduces urban heat, supports wildlife, and strengthens neighborhood resilience. In 2026, the organization proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking decades of community partnership in growing Nashville’s urban forest.
The NTF advances its mission through hands-on volunteer work and community engagement. Throughout the year, NTF hosts community tree plantings and stewardship events that bring residents together to care for parks, neighborhoods, and other shared spaces. Seasonal tree distribution events in the fall and spring help residents plant trees on their own properties, expanding the city’s canopy one yard at a time.
Education is also a key part of the foundation’s work. The Tree Stewards program, launched last year, provides residents with practical knowledge about tree care, urban forestry, and canopy stewardship. Participants learn how to identify, plant, and maintain trees so they can serve as informed advocates for Nashville’s urban forest. NTF also hosts Canopy Connections, a networking series organized with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council that brings together local tree professionals, volunteers, and tree enthusiasts.
One of the organization’s most beloved initiatives is the Big Old Tree Contest, an annual celebration of Davidson County’s most impressive and meaningful trees. The contest highlights both the physical grandeur of large trees and the stories that connect them to the community.
Winners are recognized in several categories. The Overall Biggest Tree and species-specific winners are determined through measurements of circumference, height, and canopy spread. Additional categories—such as Story Tree, Unique Tree, and Biggest Tree Nominated by a Junior Tree Hugger—celebrate the cultural and personal connections people have with their trees.
Among the standout winners in the 2025 Big Old Tree Contest was a magnificent Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) located on Hillwood Boulevard. With a circumference of 185 inches, a height of 136 feet, and a canopy spread of nearly 123 feet, it was named the contest’s Overall Winner.
Other memorable honorees include the “Kissing Trees” in Fannie Mae Dees “Dragon” Park—a hackberry and black walnut growing side by side and leaning toward one another, earning the Unique Tree award. The Story Tree category recognized a towering Red Oak on South Douglas Avenue, nominated by a young “Junior Tree Hugger,” whose family has watched the tree grow and serve as a landmark in their neighborhood for years.
Residents who care about Nashville’s urban forest can get involved in many ways. Community members can volunteer at tree plantings and stewardship events, participate in educational programs, or support canopy recovery efforts through donations. Following NTF on social media @nashvilletree is another way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
To learn more about volunteering, educational programs, or other ways to participate, visit:
https://nashvilletreefoundation.org/get-involved/
Those interested in supporting Nashville’s urban canopy through donations can contribute at: https://nashvilletreefoundation.org/donate/give/
Through community engagement and a shared love of trees, the Nashville Tree Foundation continues its work to ensure that Nashville’s urban forest thrives for generations to come.
The Master Gardeners of Davidson County
P. O. Box 41055 Nashville, TN 37204-1055
info@mgofdc.org
UT/TSU Extension, Davidson County
Amy Dunlap, ANR Extension Agent
1281 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37217
615.862.5133
adunla12@utk.edu
©2026 Master Gardeners of Davidson County All Rights Reserved. NOTICE: Trade and brand names are used only for information. Tennessee Extension does not guarantee nor warrant the standard of any product mentioned; neither does it imply approval of any product to the exclusion of others which also may be suitable. 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. Tennessee Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
