What to plant, harvest, and tend in your late-October garden.

If your garden feels crowded this time of year, that’s not a bad thing — it’s abundance in action! At Tennessee Kitchen Gardens, we plant intensively, knowing we’ll thin and harvest as the season unfolds. Thinning isn’t wasteful; it’s an opportunity to enjoy tender greens and herbs while giving remaining plants more space to thrive. Pull what’s struggling, snip what’s shading others, and get creative with your harvest — add radish thinnings to salads or toss extra greens into scrambled eggs. A little intentional thinning keeps your garden productive and beautiful, and your kitchen full of fresh flavor.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your Early-October garden.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your late-September garden.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your Mid-September garden.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early September garden.

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!

What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the Mid-May garden for Middle Tennessee.

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.

What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the early May garden for Middle Tennessee.

What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the late April garden for Middle Tennessee.

My journey from avoiding the winter blahs to embracing the winter wonder…

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early November garden.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your mid-October garden.