Fruits and vegetables are Georgia's number-two cash crop, but the popularity of commodities like peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, and fresh greens is not limited to commercial producers.
Interest in home gardening continues to grow as people realize the nutritional and economic benefits of home-grown produce and learn that it's relatively easy to augment your family's food selection right from your own backyard.
UGA Extension provides both home gardeners a variety of information to help have the best output with the least amount of labor possible.
For information about commercial fruit and vegetable production in Georgia, see our Fruit, Vegetable and Ornamentals section.
Our Programs and Services
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Master Composter Become a home composting expert!
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Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program Intensive horticultural training to individuals who then volunteer in their communities by giving lectures, creating gardens, conducting research, and many other projects.
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On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many situations for home owners and consumers.
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Pesticide Safety Education Program Georgia's Pesticide Safety Education Program promotes the responsible and safe use of pesticides throughout Georgia. We accomplish this by providing the educational resources, training programs, and materials needed to help both private and commercial pesticide applicators achieve certification and subsequently to maintain the knowledge to safely and effectively make use of restricted-use and all other pesticides.
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School Garden Curriculum Garden-based lessons listed by grade level on earth science, life science, and physical science topics.
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Soil and Water Testing Services Increase your yield, test your water quality, and more.
Recent Publications
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Plant Propagation for the Home Garden Series: Starting Plants From Seed for the Home Gardener (B 1432) A number of plants, particularly vegetables, annuals, and herbs, can be grown from seed. There are many advantages to propagating plants from seed. This publication provides information on seed select…
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What’s Wrong with My Pepper? Common Defects of Bell Peppers Explained (C 1306) Various physiological disorders can affect the appearance and desirability of fresh market bell peppers; these often arise from environmental stresses and nutritional imbalances. Understanding these p…
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How to Grow Greenhouse Spinach During Georgia Summers Using Hydroponics (C 1304) Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an important nutrient-dense leafy green, and its annual per capita consumption has significantly increased over the past decades. Spinach production in Georgia has exper…
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Nutritional Deficiencies in Vegetables (B 1569) This brief guide covers nutrient deficiencies and their symptoms in common vegetables. Makenzie English, Horticulture Program Assistant, is co-author on this publication.
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Citrus Fruit for Southern and Coastal Georgia (B 804) Citrus plants are very versatile around the home and may be used as individual specimens, hedges or container plants. Their natural beauty and ripe fruits make them attractive additions to the South G…
Websites
UGA-affiliated
Georgia Master Gardener Gives an overview of the program to train and certify individuals in horticulture and includes extensive links.
Sustainable Agriculture at UGA Brings together information on sustainable agriculture including organic agriculture, pollinators, and other resources.
External sites
Walter Reeves A wealth of gardening resources and tips from this well-known Extension garden specialist and host of "Your Southern Garden."
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Cyst Nematodes UGA researchers Melissa Mitchum and Xunliang Liu have uncovered how cyst nematodes co-opt a sugar beet’s vascular system for their own benefit.
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Organic Shelf Life Because organic growers and packers must adhere to higher production standards and restrictions on chemical additives, University of Georgia experts are exploring alternative methods for protecting organic products and consumers through a new $3.5 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.
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Spotted Lanternfly in Georgia Despite its striking appearance, with bold orange wings and eye-catching patterns, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is far from the welcome guest it may seem. This invasive insect has made its way to Georgia, posing a significant economic threat to agriculture and threatening residential landscapes with tree damage.
