Murfreesboro, TN - As the summer garden fades, Rutherford County residents are turning their attention to fall planting and next year’s harvest. The local UT-TSU Agricultural Extension Agents are hosting educational sessions at the Lane Agri-Park Farmers Market, located at 315 John R. Rice Blvd., every Tuesday and Friday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October 31. This year is the market’s 50th anniversary, and the Rutherford County Master Gardeners are leading hands-on classes where visitors can explore demonstration gardens and get expert advice.

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for fruit trees that could yield delicious harvests in future summers. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has released several UT Extension publications to guide home gardeners in selecting and growing both familiar and novel fruit trees. Popular choices like apple and pear trees thrive in Middle Tennessee when planted in deep, well-drained soil with full sun. Disease-resistant cultivars are key, and UT Extension publication W 895-D offers recommendations tailored to Tennessee’s climate.

For those willing to take on a challenge, stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and tart cherries require careful attention to chill hours, pruning, and pest management. These trees need at least 850 chilling hours to produce fruit reliably, and UT Extension publication W 895-F provides cultivar suggestions for success.

Gardeners looking to diversify might consider elderberries, figs, pawpaws, or persimmons. Elderberries are easy to propagate and can be planted in early spring or fall, depending on the region. Figs, often grown as shrubs or small trees, can be container-grown and overwintered indoors. Pawpaws, native to Tennessee, are increasingly popular and require two genetically distinct trees for pollination. They’re also a host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, making them a beautiful and beneficial addition to the garden.

Persimmons, both native and Asian varieties, are gaining renewed interest. While native trees are common in wild areas, they can be grown from seed with proper stratification. Asian persimmons offer larger fruit and are suitable for warmer parts of the state. These trees also support local moth species, adding ecological value to their appeal.

With nurseries now accepting orders for bare-root trees, fall is the ideal time to research and reserve your selections. As Natalie Bumgarner of UT’s Department of Plant Sciences notes, early planning helps avoid the spring rush and ensures gardeners get the best cultivars for their needs.

Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, Rutherford County’s fall gardening season offers plenty of opportunities to dig in and grow. Plus, Murfreesboro's Lane Agri-Park is the place to begin.

Also, Anthony Tuggle reminds you that now is a great time to do a lawn sample. He encourages you to tak soil samples from places throughout your yard, but all of it together in a bucket and mix the soil. The put the mixed soil in a pint container and that gives you a reliable soil sample for most regular size lawns.