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

Tomato Time in Tennessee!
April has officially ushered in frost-free gardening, and you know what that means—tomato season is here! While kale and broccoli have been holding down the fort, it’s finally time to plant the summer stars. But with dozens of varieties available at local nurseries, how do you choose the right one? In this blog, I’ll help you narrow it down based on your garden space and how you want to use your tomatoes—whether you're craving a BLT, stirring sauce from scratch, or just trying to get your kids to eat something red that isn’t candy. Let’s geek out on tomatoes together.

I never thought I’d be a salad lover—but spring greens have a way of changing you. In this post, I share my honest journey from salad skeptic to daily salad maker, plus practical tips for harvesting, prepping, and enjoying your greens while they’re at their best. If you’re ready to make the most of your spring garden, start here.

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

It’s easy to feel decision fatigue when getting started on a family homestead. There are so many new things to learn— the garden? chickens? how to compost? But in this new garden tour, Lauren and Jerod took the plunge, purchasing a greenhouse, coop, and shed before they had a fully fleshed out plan. With a little help from TKG, the end result was a beautifully integrated garden.

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.

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

Replacing the grocery store with the garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s about learning to eat differently. By embracing the rhythm of the seasons, Tennessee gardeners can enjoy fresher, more flavorful meals while becoming less reliant on grocery stores. This means growing what you actually eat, planning beyond summer, and prioritizing calorie-dense crops like potatoes and beans alongside fresh greens and herbs.

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

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

The idea of “garden consultations” took root in 2020, when many people turned to gardening to escape some of the crazy, and my phone blew up with questions about how to do this stuff. Read on to learn how garden consultations help gardeners with existing plots, or soon-to-be gardeners with a big blank backyard.

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

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

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

Flowers and vegetables are the ultimate garden power couple! In this blog, we explore why adding blooms to your veggie garden isn’t just about beauty—it’s about attracting pollinators, repelling pests, improving soil health, and creating a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Learn the best flowers to plant and how to seamlessly weave them into your kitchen garden.

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

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

Part 2 of the January Planning Series: A well-designed garden isn’t just about growing vegetables; it’s about creating a space that works for you, season after season. Start with the basics: raised beds to improve soil quality, well-placed pathways for easy access, sturdy edging for structure, vertical elements to maximize space, and a reliable water source.

But don’t stop there. The best gardens are designed with the gardener in mind. Where will you sit to enjoy the view? How will you move through the space? Thoughtful design ensures your garden isn’t just productive but also a joy to use and admire.

Winter hardy greens are nutritious and even more delicious when it’s cold out. Here’s how to cook them up this season.