We know it’s hot, but we also know you’re craving more lettuce and arugula. Unfortunately, these cool-season crops just aren’t at their best in a Tennessee July. Instead of fighting nature, this is your moment to embrace seasonal favorites like cucumbers, okra, and peppers. That said, if you’re feeling bold, there are ways to push the limits: plant in shade, water often, and choose bolt-resistant varieties. We’ve got some ideas for keeping cool-season greens going—even in the heat. But don’t forget to enjoy the bounty that summer is offering right now!

Letting your herbs bloom isn’t a clear-cut yes or no—it depends on your goals. While flowering can reduce the flavor or vigor of leafy herbs like basil, it also attracts pollinators, supports beneficial insects, and gives you seeds to cook with or plant for next season. Some flowers, like chamomile and calendula, are grown specifically for their blooms, while others—like cilantro and fennel—produce delicious seeds. If you’ve had your fill of basil or chives, go ahead and let them flower. Just be mindful of timing; woody herbs like thyme and sage may not recover if pruned too late.

How does pest management fit into organic gardening?

We all love the look of the sturdy steel trellises we use to create height in the garden, but what’s the best kind of vertical structure for your crops this summer? Read about which kind of trellis best fits your garden needs.

When densely planted veggies like carrots, lettuce, and turnips start to grow quickly, it’s time to thin them. Here’s the why and how, plus encouragement to see the process as part of your harvesting habit.

Do sugar snap peas climb a trellis on their own, or do they need to be tied up? And why shouldn’t you just let them flop on the ground? Read on for answers.

Some clues to help you determine if there is hope for your brown dead-looking plants.

A step-by-step guide to starting seeds indoors.

Should you harvest small plants in February? Learn about why day length matters for plant size.

Your shopping list for indoor seeding starting. What you really need and why.

The how and why of “winter sowing” — a cheap and easy way to get a head start on your spring garden.

The irrigation system is turned off… so does that mean I’m exempt from this garden task?

Some easy indoor gardening project to keep you growing through winter.

The why and when on removing fall leaves from your veggie beds.

Some reasons your fall garden may be slow to grow, and solutions to keep it thriving.

The basics on saving seeds from garden plants and a few projects to get you started.

Breaking down the definition of frost tolerance and discussing which plants will and won't survive when temps go below freezing.

A quick guide to harvesting peppers. Learn ripeness signs and timing tips for bell peppers, jalapeños, or specialty varieties.

The basics of soil composition and how to keep it healthy through the growing season.

The tomato plants were doing great and now they are just sticks! What happened?