Still waiting on ripe tomatoes? You’re not alone. In this post, we explain why your plants might be slow to produce, when peak tomato season really hits in Middle Tennessee, and how factors like variety, weather, and planting dates affect your harvest. Plus, we make the case (again!) for keeping garden records — and share a few delicious ideas for using green tomatoes in the meantime.

It’s 100 degrees outside, and everyone’s asking for lettuce — but your garden has other ideas. In Tennessee, mid-summer is the time to get creative with what is growing: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tender squash, okra, beans, and more.

In this week’s blog, I’m sharing four no-lettuce salad recipes that celebrate the season and help you eat like a gardener. Plus, a little pep talk on why skipping grocery store lettuce is one of the best choices you can make for flavor, freshness, and local living.

What to plant, tend, and harvest at the end of May.

Want to try growing something new in the summer garden? Here are our recommendations for delicious, fun, and easy-to-grow summer veggies that are just a bit outside the norm. From unique peppers and varieties of basil to ginger and a sweet snack, these are our favorites for those who are up for a garden adventure this year.