On September 18, 2025, staff from the Knox County Community Gardens & Growers’ Alliance joined the inaugural Hort, Hops & Crops Field Day at the UT Institute of Agriculture’s East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. knoxgardenalliance.org+3UTIA News+3easttn.tennessee.edu+3 This event brought together growers, researchers, extension agents, community gardeners, and curious members of the public to explore innovations in horticulture, hops, turf, specialty crops, and sustainable agriculture practices. UTIA News+2Calendar+2 Attendees enjoyed a full day of educational presentations, exhibitor booths, equipment displays, and guided tours across the Plant Sciences Unit and Organic Crops Unit. easttn.tennessee.edu+3UTIA News+3Calendar+3 A complimentary lunch of UT beef burgers, chips, and drinks was offered to participants—part of the event’s welcoming atmosphere. UTIA News+2knoxgardenalliance.org+2
The significance of this Field Day for our community garden network cannot be overstated. For growers and garden coordinators, the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and see experimental plots in action helps bridge the gap between science and practice. Understanding advances in crop systems, pest management, efficient irrigation, and specialty crop viability (such as hops) empowers gardeners to adapt and improve their own sites. Meanwhile, for community organizations and food access groups, events like this deepen connections between research institutions and on-the-ground growers, creating channels for knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and coordinated efforts toward regional food security.
We are thankful for UTIA’s effort in launching this event and for the chance to be part of it. As we reflect on what we saw and learned, we’ll be bringing those lessons forward into our work with member gardens, volunteer projects, and collaborations across Knoxville.