Person

Natalie Ruth Bumgarner

Associate Professor | Plant Sciences

Specialization: Consumer Horticulture- Field and Greenhouse Vegetable Production

Overview

As an assistant professor and Extension specialist, I lead planning, execution, and evaluation of a statewide residential and consumer horticulture program. Demand for research-based and accessible information in non-commercial fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops based on enhancing quality of life and resource stewardship in Tennessee. These efforts are linked because proper selection, installation, and plant management in conjunction with sustainable soil and water management support enhanced human health and well-being as well as providing aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits. To meet the diverse educational needs of consumer horticulture stakeholders, my program focuses on developing outreach tools and materials that support Extension efforts and personnel in these areas across the state. Tools include print and digital factsheets, presentations, workshops, videos and other digital resources. These educational tools are grounded in an applied research and demonstration program focused on delivering cultivar recommendations, demonstrating sustainable production practices for food and ornamental crops in Tennessee, as well as research on the educational needs, delivery methods, and effectiveness of efforts in residential and consumer horticulture. I also serve as the statewide coordinator for the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) program. This volunteer service certification program equips engaged residents to support the Extension mission and extend education efforts in non-commercial horticulture throughout the state. I oversee program administration and planning as well as training curriculum development and conference and meeting planning while supporting local agents who coordinate TEMG programs across Tennessee.

Outreach Focus

Extension teaching, resource development and applied research to support both county and state educational efforts in consumer horticulture outreach and the Extension Master Gardener program in Tennessee.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 434 - Fruit and Vegetable Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Botanical description, geographical distribution, general cultural practices of warm and cool season vegetables, small fruits, and deciduous tree fruits.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: 210 or working familiarity with general principles and practices of horticulture.

Other Instructors: Spangler, Amanda Diane

Picture of Natalie Ruth Bumgarner
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Ohio State Univ Columbus, 2012
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

Natalie Ruth Bumgarner

Associate Professor | Plant Sciences
Picture of Natalie Ruth Bumgarner image
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Ohio State Univ Columbus, 2012
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Overview

As an assistant professor and Extension specialist, I lead planning, execution, and evaluation of a statewide residential and consumer horticulture program. Demand for research-based and accessible information in non-commercial fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops based on enhancing quality of life and resource stewardship in Tennessee. These efforts are linked because proper selection, installation, and plant management in conjunction with sustainable soil and water management support enhanced human health and well-being as well as providing aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits. To meet the diverse educational needs of consumer horticulture stakeholders, my program focuses on developing outreach tools and materials that support Extension efforts and personnel in these areas across the state. Tools include print and digital factsheets, presentations, workshops, videos and other digital resources. These educational tools are grounded in an applied research and demonstration program focused on delivering cultivar recommendations, demonstrating sustainable production practices for food and ornamental crops in Tennessee, as well as research on the educational needs, delivery methods, and effectiveness of efforts in residential and consumer horticulture. I also serve as the statewide coordinator for the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) program. This volunteer service certification program equips engaged residents to support the Extension mission and extend education efforts in non-commercial horticulture throughout the state. I oversee program administration and planning as well as training curriculum development and conference and meeting planning while supporting local agents who coordinate TEMG programs across Tennessee.

Outreach Focus

Extension teaching, resource development and applied research to support both county and state educational efforts in consumer horticulture outreach and the Extension Master Gardener program in Tennessee.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 434 - Fruit and Vegetable Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Botanical description, geographical distribution, general cultural practices of warm and cool season vegetables, small fruits, and deciduous tree fruits.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: 210 or working familiarity with general principles and practices of horticulture.

Other Instructors: Spangler, Amanda Diane