MISSISSIPPI STATE – Gardeners across the region should clear their calendars for Oct. 15-16 so they can participate in the Fall Flower and Garden Fest, the largest home gardening show in the Southeast.

Mississippi State University, through the Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, is sponsoring the annual event at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and admission and parking are free.

The theme of the 32nd annual Fall Flower and Garden Fest is “Growing for Life.” The garden, grounds, seminars and one of the tour wagons are handicapped accessible.

About 6,000 participants attend the two-day event. What draws the crowds are the three-acre vegetable, flower and herb garden; garden seminars; trial gardens for bananas, ornamental grasses, specialty crops, shade plants, climbing vegetables and flowers; All-America Selections; Mississippi Medallion winners; and more.

The fest offers a huge plant sale and wagon rides and walking tours. Information will be available on pond management, beekeeping, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and backyard habitats. Visitors can examine the composting center, learn about Master Gardener programs, view family and consumer exhibits and see the “Corn Meal Man.” A one-mile fun walk will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday around the experiment station grounds.

New this year will be a plant swap, allowing visitors to bring a few plants to exchange with others. Free soil pH testing will be offered at the fest. Those interested can bring a half-cup sample of their garden or lawn soil for testing.

The Truck Crops Experiment Station is located on Highway 51 south of Crystal Springs, 25 miles south of Jackson. Take exit 68 off Interstate 55 to get there. For more information and a complete schedule of events call (601) 892-3731 or the local county Extension office.