RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News / Podcast) - Lawns and gardens are the focus of today’s WGNS Action Line with host Scott Walker, who was joined by Master Gardener Carol Wood, who is certified under the Rutherford County Agriculture Extension Agency. The two kick off the show by celebrating green grass while discussing the overly hot Southern days that have brought heat indexes topping 108 degrees - and even higher in some areas locally.
On this show, Carol shares her expert advice on navigating the humid late-summer weather and preparing for the upcoming fall planting season. The conversation also dives into the growing popularity of electric, battery-powered lawn equipment, with Carol highlighting the convenience and quiet power of self-propelled electric mowers.
They spend a good deal of time discussing a common landscaping mistake - cutting the grass too short - and Carol explains why raising your mower blade to the No. 4 or No. 5 setting can help promote deeper root structures, shade out weeds and ultimately save homeowners from having to mow as frequently.
Also on the show - and a segment listeners especially enjoy - is the portion of the program where Carol answers a variety of questions texted in by WGNS listeners. One question that really stood out tackled the sudden spike in backyard mosquito populations, prompting Carol to share simple, natural remedies such as eliminating standing water and attracting native birds to help keep the pests at bay.
Listeners also texted in questions ranging from how to handle overgrown, invasive mint to settling the age-old debate over whether fresh, unwashed farm eggs belong on the counter or in the refrigerator. Carol’s advice: Keep them in the fridge, folks.
STATE FAIR: To wrap things up, Carol encourages locals to show off their green thumbs by entering the state flower show at the upcoming Tennessee State Fair. The annual State Fair is at the Wilson County Fairgrounds from August 13, Thursday, through August 22, 2026 – next Saturday (State Fair: Learn More HERE).
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET: Don't forget, the Rutherford County Farmers Market is every Tuesday and Friday at the Lane Agri Park on John R. Rice Blvd. On Friday's in August, the market will be open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On Tuesday's, during the month of August 2026, the market will be open in the evening from 2:00pm-7:00pm.
The Rutherford county Farmers’ Market is a Producer-Only Farmers Market located in the indoor/open air Community Center at the Lane Agri-Park in Murfreesboro. The market vendors hail from over a dozen Middle Tennessee counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, baked & canned goods, flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. Visit their website for more details (HERE).
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Below Photo: The beloved Ferris wheel at the fair, photo captured in slow shutter by Scott Walker.
See more of his photos at SmallTownBigWorld.com.
