The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The Program trains and engages with volunteers to provide the public with research-based information on lawn and garden topics. TEMGs are volunteers who have a love of plants and horticulture coupled with Extension training to equip them to teach and assist Tennessee residents. These volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach. Each volunteer has been trained with 40 hours of horticultural education, and keeps updated with continuing education events.

The Northeast Master Gardener Association (NETMGA) membership includes volunteers from Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties. Their many activities include information booths at various home and farm shows, answering Ask-a-Master Gardener questions, teaching classes in the community, and organizing new Master Gardener classes. Their presence can be seen in many local historic site gardens, demonstration gardens and community vegetable gardens.

December Membership Meeting

Monday, December 7

Christmas Dinner

Ron Ramsey Ag Center

Details to be announced

FUTURE MASTER GARDENERS

Upcoming Master Gardener Training Class 

Tuesday evenings February 2, 2027 - April 27, 2027. 

6:00p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Ron Ramsey Ag Extension Center 

140 Spurgeon Ln, Blountville, TN 37617

Cost $200.00

The training will involve a series of online lectures as well as required in person class sessions.  Take a peek at what is involved in getting you certified as a Master Gardener volunteer in the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association (NETMGA), representing Sullivan, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, Johnson, and/or Hawkins County: 2027 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program/Training | Sullivan County

Applications are due by January 5, 2027

Application - Master Gardener Intern Training

TIMELY REMINDERS

Report your hours

NETMGA members need to report their hours by December 15. Anyone who anticipates working between December 15 and December 31 may estimate those hours and report them by December 15. 

http://temg.tennessee.edu

Pay your 2027 Dues

Dues for 2027 are due by December 15. Any payments after that date will be charged a late fee. A Membership and Dues Form will be mailed the week of October 5 (or picked up at the October Meeting.)  Do not include payment for the December dinner with your dues. 

CEU OPPORTUNITIES

SULLIVAN COUNTY EXTENSION 

2026 NETMGA INTERN PRESENTATIONS

Monthly on selected Mondays

6:00 p.m.

Ron Ramsey Ag Extension Office

Each 2026 Master Gardener intern will be developing and presenting a program on a relevant topic.  NETMGA members are encouraged to attend these programs to support our interns and to learn more about their specialized topics.

Monday, October 19th

Worm Composting by Stephanie Foster

The Wonders of Sunflowers by Esther Petrousek-Beck

Monday, November 16th

Blueberry Bushes by Shelly Baggett

Native Plant Species for Culinary Purposes by Devyn Schneck

Trees by Marissa Kirchenbauer

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

NETMGA has many ongoing projects.  Review the list in the Projects and Photo Gallery tab. For specific work days and times, contact the project leaders.  Contact info for all project leaders can be found in the THYMES newsletter. 

October NETMGA Meeting Review

Members enjoyed a potluck meal.  Karen Rowel opened the meeting with NETMGA business, including reminders to submit hours and dues payments before December 15. Gus Vizgirda presented a program on growing blueberries.  His book Blueberries A Guide for Northeast Tennessee Gardeners is available here in PDF form.   

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