KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Researchers with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture worked with gardeners across the state to help determine which vegetable, herb or flower will grow the best in your garden.
UT said the question was a tough one to answer because of all the different regions and climates throughout Tennessee.
To find the answer, the researchers and gardeners representing 43 counties across the state tested cultivars and varieties in their home gardens. Overall, 177 participants planted 747 trials of bush beans, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, lettuce, melons, herbs and flowers.
Two varieties of each vegetable, herb and flower were compared based on their performance of germination, plant health, first fruit, yield, appearance and flavor. They were then asked to select whether they would recommend either variety to other home gardeners.
“Our UT Extension vegetable garden publications can help you identify crops and cultivars that fit your site and needs, so you will be prepared to make great selections for your 2026 garden when those seed catalogs arrive,” said Natalie Bumgarner, professor and residential and consumer horticulture extension specialist. “Once the seeds arrive, our garden calendar can support you in proper timing for starting transplants or seeding into the garden.”
You can find the full results of the 2025 study here.
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