Master Gardener Applications Available Now.

Applications for the 2020 Extension Master Gardener Class are now available! Applications and information about the program can be found at tiny.utk.edu/ccmga. Classes will begin in August and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. at the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma. Topics will include soil health, vegetable gardening, landscaping, lawn care, and various other horticulture and stewardship topics all taught by University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension Agents and Specialists and other industry experts.

This class is offered as an introduction into the local Extension Master Gardener Program and the Crimson Clover Master Gardener Association. This program is co-facilitated by Coffee County Extension Agent, Anna Duncan, and Franklin County Extension Agent, Morgan Franklin, and the Association’s name, Crimson Clover, reflects that partnership. Keep reading to learn more about the history, purpose, and mission of this program and its name. 

In the early 1900s, Franklin County, Tennessee was the greatest Crimson Clover Seed Producing County in the United States. It was first sown here in 1892 by John Ruch of Belvidere. At the time, Crimson Clover was known for its ability to improve soil health, but its full benefits had not yet been realized. Nevertheless, farmers in the area began to share their passion for stewardship and their clover seed until Franklin County and its neighbors were carpeted with Crimson Clover. As its cultivation grew in popularity in the region, and later throughout the southeast during the Civil War, Crimson Clover’s strengths as a land builder, erosion prevention tool, winter pasture crop, and soil revitalizer came to light.  By the early 1900s, the agricultural enterprises of the region were enjoying the fertile soils and fellowship cultivated by the Crimson Clover.  

While the crop is less abundant than it was at that time, the values it symbolizes still remain. The communities of Franklin County and their neighbors carry on the spirit of fellowship and stewardship that popularized the Crimson Clover and has marked the agricultural success of the area.  

We are proud to have this lovey legume as our namesake as we carry out the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener mission. Through our work as Master Gardeners, we spread our passion for horticulture, stewardship, and service like seeds throughout our communities for the betterment of our soils and our society.

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. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. 

Anna Duncan, UT-TSU Extension Agent