Commodity Teams

Whether nestled between bacon and lettuce, perched atop a smear of cottage cheese, or simply sprinkled with salt and fresh-cracked pepper, there’s nothing quite like a homegrown sandwich tomato. Long before the first sandwich can be assembled, and even before gardeners begin planting, setting up trellises and fighting pests, home gardeners must select which tomato types to add to their planting list. To make the choice easier, we asked experts to rank their top sandwich tomato cultivars based on what they’d most likely recommend to home gardeners across the state. 

Georgia, traditionally known as the Peach State, is famous for its peaches, pecans and peanuts. But thanks to its mild climate, the state also supports a variety of uncommon and exotic fruits. In a new series inspired by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension publication, “Minor Fruits and Nuts in Georgia,” we’ll highlight lesser-known fruits that thrive in Georgia and can be grown in home gardens. This month, we’re kicking things off with a tree that produces a fruit many may not know — the mayhaw.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and beautiful garden, providing essential nutrients, proper drainage and the right balance of air and moisture for plant roots to flourish. Whether you're preparing a brand-new garden bed or revitalizing existing soil, understanding its composition and how to improve it will set your plants up for success. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist Bob Westerfield provides guidance on ensuring your garden soil is ready to provide fruitful vegetables this summer.