Q&A Abi Tapia Q&A Abi Tapia

Q&A: Do I need to remove summer crops in order to plant the fall garden?

Should you clear out all your summer crops to make way for the fall garden? Not necessarily. In Middle Tennessee, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants often keep producing well into September. By interplanting thoughtfully, you’ll enjoy summer harvests right alongside fall greens and root veggies — creating a smooth, abundant transition from one season to the next.

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garden chores Abi Tapia garden chores Abi Tapia

Mid-late August Garden To-Do List

Mid-August in Middle Tennessee is the perfect time to savor the summer harvest, refresh your garden, and gear up for fall planting. From picking peak-season produce to tackling pests and planning for cooler weather crops, this to-do list will keep your garden thriving through the late-summer heat.

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Q&A Abi Tapia Q&A Abi Tapia

Q&A: Can I Grow Lettuce in July?

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!

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garden chores Sarah Ruzic garden chores Sarah Ruzic

Q&A: When is it too late to plant a summer garden?

In the past few weeks, several clients have frantically asked me: “Is it too late to plant my summer garden?” And the answer is... kind of, but not really.

Here in Middle Tennessee, the gardening calendar isn’t a rigid start-stop affair. Spring blurs into summer, which blurs into fall, and even winter occasionally tosses us a 70-degree bone. So, is it too late for tomatoes? Maybe. Too late for cucumbers or a second round of beans? Definitely not.

This guide breaks it all down month-by-month—from March to November—so you know what’s realistic, what’s wishful, and what’s a lost cause. Spoiler alert: the window is wider than you think, and your garden can still thrive.

👉 If you’ve ever felt behind, this one's for you. Let’s plant something, shall we?

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