East Tennessee lean to have a short growing time of year than the rest of the state , with winds and bitter temperature coming as betimes as mid - September . With careful planning , gardener may transplant some hardy perennials , tree diagram or cool - season vegetables as late as other October .

Planting Perennials and Trees

Planting trees , bush and perennials in the fall , according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture , has many advantages over bounce planting . Cool temperatures think plants are less probable to get terms due to estrus , and plants have metre to become well - established before the oestrus of the following summer . Gardeners also have few other tasks in October , let more time to cautiously be given fresh transplant .

Considerations

East Tennessee gardener should view the average time of first frost before plant . East Tennessee typically baffle cold weather in the first place than the residual of the state – as early as September 11 for Gatlinburg or as former as October 3 for Knoxville . perennial and trees need some time to base roots while temperatures are still between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit , so early October is the latest fourth dimension to transfer . For most east Tennessee communities , late August or September planting is preferred . Amend the grime with compost or other organic material and water well until the works is established .

Planting Vegetables

Warm - season veggie , such as beans and tomato , should ripen at least two week before the first expect frost , while cool - time of year vegetables should grow two week after the last rime , according to the University of Tennessee Extension . The last fair date to plant warm - time of year vegetables is August 15 depend on how fast the crop matures , while fearless nerveless - season vegetables , such as kale and Spinacia oleracea may be planted until mid - September . vegetable planted after this metre may not reach maturity before the first frost in east Tennessee .

October and November are two of the driest months in Tennessee , fit in to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture . Moisten soil before planting , and swallow seeds 1/4 inch deeper in the soil than the software system recommend to prevent seeds from dry out before they sprout . Fertilize veg plants at the time of establish with a balanced nitrogen plant food for veg , since any fertilizer applied in the spring has lose effectiveness . Vegetables planted in the declination are more prostrate to disease , pests and weeds , and may require extra care .

Extending the Season

Cloches , row covers and polytunnels extend the growing season in east Tennessee by several weeks . These gadget keep soil temperatures lovesome and protect plants from frost . Mulches also lose weight moisture departure . If temperatures become unseasonably warm , remove protective gimmick or furnish ventilation so plants do n’t burn .

References

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