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

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.

In this blog post, we reflect on a recent photo shoot that reminded us of a simple truth: the best gardens aren’t built from templates—they’re shaped by lifestyle. From a charming farm plot to a refined estate to a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard, each space told the story of the gardener behind it. This post is a celebration of gardens as living expressions of home, rhythm, and personality—not just layout.

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your Late-July 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!

Mid-summer marks the start of peak pest season in Middle Tennessee gardens—and it's time to fight back.

This week, we're launching Bug Week, a six-day crash course on the most destructive garden pests in our region. Each day, we’ll teach you how to identify them (from egg to adult), recognize the damage, and take action—organically and effectively.

🔍 Know your enemy. Defend your garden. Join us starting Sunday, July 6 on Instagram.

Letting your herbs bloom isn’t a clear-cut yes or no—it depends on your goals. While flowering can reduce the flavor or vigor of leafy herbs like basil, it also attracts pollinators, supports beneficial insects, and gives you seeds to cook with or plant for next season. Some flowers, like chamomile and calendula, are grown specifically for their blooms, while others—like cilantro and fennel—produce delicious seeds. If you’ve had your fill of basil or chives, go ahead and let them flower. Just be mindful of timing; woody herbs like thyme and sage may not recover if pruned too late.

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

The easiest, fastest way to turn an over abundance of cucumbers into a tasty snack that will last months in the refrigerator. It’s Quick Pickle Time!

What to plant, harvest, and tend in your late June 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?

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

Scrolling through stunning gardens online can sometimes leave us feeling like we’re doing it all wrong. Why aren’t my tomatoes thriving like hers? But comparison doesn’t have to steal our joy—it can spark curiosity, creativity, and growth. In this blog, we unpack how to shift your mindset from self-doubt to learning, helping you figure out what’s actually within your control and how to ask the right questions. Plus, we encourage celebrating your own progress and finding real-life garden friends who share both their blooms and their bloopers.

Ready to grow with confidence? Let’s dig in. 🌱

A midcentury modern gem in Nashville gets a garden to match. With bold black cedar beds, curved native plantings, and stone pathways softened by thyme, this garden balances structure and whimsy—becoming a true extension of the home it surrounds.

How does pest management fit into organic gardening?

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

We all love the look of the sturdy steel trellises we use to create height in the garden, but what’s the best kind of vertical structure for your crops this summer? Read about which kind of trellis best fits your garden needs.

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

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.