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.
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.
Go for the Green (or: How to Become a Salad Eater)
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.
Garden Tour: Reducing the Overwhelm on a New Family Homestead
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.
Q&A: Do my sugar snap peas need to be tied to the trellis?
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.
Replacing the Grocery Store with the Garden: Eating for the Season
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.
What is a garden consultation, and how can it help me?
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.
Q&A: I have kale in my garden, but it’s tiny. Can I harvest it now?
Should you harvest small plants in February? Learn about why day length matters for plant size.
Veggies Love Flowers, and We Do Too
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.
Q&A: What equipment do I need to start seeds indoors?
Your shopping list for indoor seeding starting. What you really need and why.
January Planning Series Part 2: Your Garden Design
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.
Garden to Table: January Edition
Winter hardy greens are nutritious and even more delicious when it’s cold out. Here’s how to cook them up this season.
Q&A: Is there a way I can start seeds without any special equipment?
The how and why of “winter sowing” — a cheap and easy way to get a head start on your spring garden.
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.
Q&A: Do I need to water my garden in the winter?
The irrigation system is turned off… so does that mean I’m exempt from this garden task?
Reflecting on 2024
What a year! Reflections of growing business, building gardens, and connecting with our plant community in 2024.
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.
Garden Tour: Dreaming of Green in the Blueprint Stage
Clients often call us to plan a garden while the house is only in blue-print stage. In this design, we took advantage of the long runway to create something spectacular.
Q&A: Can I Grow Lettuce in Winter? Maybe in a Pot Indoors?
Some easy indoor gardening project to keep you growing through winter.