Horticulture Programs

UT Extension offers a variety of horticulture programs throughout the year! Horticulture refers to the science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants. Please see the following tabs below to learn more. Check out UTHort.com for more educational resources!

Tennessee Smart Yards Program

This is a free, Extension-led program that guides Tennesseans on practices they can apply in their outdoor spaces to create healthier, more ecologically-sound landscapes and communities. It is a self-paced online program. Nine principles of stewardship serve as the foundation for the program and are explored in online modules and practical workshops taught by UT-TSU Extension and water resource professionals. 

You don’t have to be an expert gardener or landscaper to create a Tennessee Smart Yard. All it takes is a willingness to learn and a desire to take actions described in our TNSY Workbook. Maintaining a Tennessee Smart Yard provides natural functionality for homeowners through working with nature for the benefit of both.  Learn why a “Smart Yard” is right for you and our environment.​

Check out this introduction message from UT Specialist, Dr. Andrea Ludwig!

Find out more resources related to this program at tnyards.utk.edu!

Green Express Short Course

Our green industry short course provides value to local professionals seeking research-based information to continue to integrate best management practices in their businesses. The 2023 program will take place March 9th and 10th at Chattanooga State Community College. Please see our webpage here for the necessary details.

Certified Lawn Care Professional

This online course provides a strong foundation of turfgrass knowledge for novice turfgrass professionals or those who want to start a career in the field. Skilled labor is in high demand in this industry, and the course aims to fill that need and reduce employee turnover. Participants may enroll in this program anytime throughout the year. This course will also be fully available in Spanish soon! The course fee is $250.

Participants will complete each unit at their own pace. Upon completing the course, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion from the University of Tennessee Extension Certified Lawn Care Professional Program. They will print this certificate themselves from the course site. This certificate is valid for 2 years and can be renewed thereafter. Additional education will be provided for certification renewal. This additional education will build upon the topics covered in the initial course and provide further accreditation for participants.


Course topics include:

  • Introduction to UT Extension
  • Turfgrass Identification
  • Turfgrass Selection
  • Soil Fertility
  • Water Management
  • Planting and Establishment of Turfgrass
  • Weeds of Turfgrass
  • Diseases of Turfgrass
  • Insect Pests of Turfgrass
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Maintenance and Operation of Turfgrass Equipment

Beginner & Newcomer Class

Hosted by the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, the 2023 Beginner & Newcomer Class will take place in-person each Tuesday evening of March. For more information, use the following link to our mghc.org webpage.

3rd Saturday Class

Hosted by the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, the 2023 3rd Saturday Classes will continue through the year. This program is delivered online or in-person and is free of charge. For more information, use the following link to our mghc.org webpage.

Haley Treadway Profile Page
Haley Treadway
Extension Agent I, Hamilton County


To get added to the interest list for any of our Horticulture Programs, please call the Extension Office at (423) 209-8560.


For additional gardening resources, information about upcoming events and classes, and helpful gardening tips, please visit:

Master Gardeners of Hamilton County