Blackberries, blueberries and elderberries are in focus at the 18th annual Fruits of the Backyard Field Day. Scheduled for June 10, this free event is hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. UT researchers and Extension specialists will share valuable tips on choosing varieties to grow as well as how to set yourself up for success for small-scale production.
“We invite both backyard growers and larger scale producers,” says Kevin Thompson, center director. “The presentations and educational displays will provide useful information about products and techniques to improve your production and provide insight for landscaping solutions, raised bed.
irrigation, and planting options.” Thompson adds that tours will be provided of the center’s blackberry and blueberry research trial plots.
Raised bed irrigation is also among the topics to be presented.
“The field day program has been developed to help you make your backyard a more productive and enjoyable place to spend time with family and friends,” says Thompson. “We look forward to hosting neighbors and friends alike.”
Fruits of the Backyard is June 10, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Anyone, from home growers to commercial producers, is welcome to attend the free event, which will take place at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center located at 1000 Main Entrance Drive in Spring Hill.
For more information on the field day, including directions, visit middletn.tennessee.edu or call 931-486-2129. For a full calendar of the 2025 Field Days, visit agresearch.tennessee.edu.
