Garden Journal
An open book of musings, inspiration, seasonal tasks, our recent projects and big ideas. Browse the latest articles below or search for a topic that interests you. Leave a comment and join the conversation.
Mid-Late April Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the late April garden for Middle Tennessee.
Early April Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the early April garden for Middle Tennessee.
Mid-Late March Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the late March garden for Middle Tennessee.
Why the Cool 😎 Gardeners Plant Early
“I can’t grow cilantro.” “It’s too early to plant.” We hear it every spring in Middle Tennessee. But what if the problem isn’t your skill — it’s your timing? Cool season gardening has its own rhythm, and March is prime time for peas, greens, radishes, and even flowers. Yes, there’s a little risk. But planting slightly early and covering a frosty night beats waiting too long and watching everything bolt before you can harvest. Once you understand cool season growing, everything shifts. Spring isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you strut into — confident, curious, and ahead of the curve.
March Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the March garden for Middle Tennessee.
Q&A: How do I prep my soil for spring?
After January’s ice storm and this week’s seventy-degree afternoons, Middle Tennessee gardens are officially waking up. Before spring planting begins, now’s the perfect time to refresh your raised bed soil so it’s ready for another busy growing season. In this week’s blog, we walk through simple spring soil prep steps that set your garden up for success — and bigger harvests — all season long.
February Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the February garden for Middle Tennessee.
Early November Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early November garden.
Early September Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early September garden.
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?
Beyond Tomatoes: 9 Plants Worth Trying This Summer
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.
January Planning Series Part 1: 5 Questions to Guide Your Planning
Step-by-step guide to planning your veggie garden at the beginning of the season. Ask yourself “Why? What? How Much? When? and Where?” to create a plan that works for your goals and particular growing conditions.
Journal Prompts for Reflecting on Your Garden Season
Take time to reflect on your garden season and get a jump start on planning how you’ll improve your experience and yield next year. These journaling prompts will guide you through the reflection.
The Most Essential Garden Tool
Why a journal is our favorite garden tool, and 11 prompts to get you started.
Mid-October Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your mid-October garden.