University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture hosts fall plant sale in Jackson

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - In Madison County, one university is holding its big bi-annual plant sale.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is hosting its fall plant sale here in the hub city. This plant sale drawing in crowds from near and far.

“The spring sale can be several thousand people. The fall sale is usually around 15 hundred. You know with the pandemic gardening has been crazy, so we are expecting a good crowd these next couple days,” said Jason Reeves, Research Horticulture at UT Gardens in Jackson.

Researchers with UT Gardens say the pandemic has increased interest in gardening.

“The pandemic know you people were at home. They were thinking about food, and they were growing lots of vegetables as well as flowers. You know if you are stuck at home, you want things to look good. So, you have time to do it. It really has helped the horticultural and the fruit and vegetable industry,” said Reeves.

One gardener says she loves to shop at the sale and grow her own fruits and vegetables.

“Everybody is so eager to help, and we are making our community grow and teaching the generation to come on how to survive,” said Susan Bailey, Crockett County resident, and shopper.

Another long-time gardener traveled from Weakley County to shop at the plant sale. She explains why gardening is so important to her.

“I have plants where my friends that have passed away and it’s a nice way to remember a lot of people. I get to give a lot of cuttings to people and just when you share things like that it’s just kind of special,” said Joy Summers, Gleason resident, and shopper.

UT’s fall plant sale is offering trees, shrubs, perennials, and much more. The sale continues Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the plant sale is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.