If you've been in the gardening community for a while, you've probably heard of the Hardiness Zones here and there. Well, we've created this blog post to give you a full explanation of what the hardiness zones are so you can add it to your gardening knowledge compartment and use it as needed! The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a valuable resource that provides insight into the specific conditions of your region, allowing you to choose the right plants for your garden.  In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of USDA hardi ..read more

Welcome to part 3 of our climbing vines on trellises! If you haven't seen it, we wrote part 1 about vegetables and part 2 about fruits that like to climb trellises. Part 3 will conclude the series. Climbing flowers add a touch of elegance and romance to any garden by transforming simple trellises into statement pieces! Whether you want to create a beautiful focal point, add privacy, or enhance the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space, choosing the right climbing flowers for your trellis is crucial. 1. Types Of Trellises Before we delve into our list of recommended climbing flowers, it's es ..read more

Welp, it's that time of year again.  It’s time to start thinking about your fall garden.  Right now you are probably thinking, this girl, she’s crazy!  I promise I’m not crazy.  You need to start planning for your fall garden earlier than you would think.  So let me give you a quick guide on when to start planting for your fall garden and what you can plant in it.   Let’s start with the “when” of starting your fall garden.  You want to start planting for your fall garden about 75 days before the estimated first frost of your hardiness zone.  A hardi ..read more

Gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby but has its fair share of challenges.  One of the most crucial challenges every gardener faces is ensuring their plants receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive.  Fertilizer acts as a nutritional supplement for your garden, guaranteeing that your plants get the right balance of nutrients and elements they need. Think of it as your plant's dose of gummy bear vitamins! This guide highlights all things fertilizers—what they are, why they're indispensable, and how to use them effectively to keep your plants strong and healthy. 1. U ..read more

Maintaining a beautiful garden can be a labor of love that requires hours of hard work and dedication. However, all your efforts can be in vain if your garden becomes a buffet for wild animals and critters. We like to call them our garden arch-nemesis.  Garden arch-enemies are relentless in their quest to drive us up the wall with their shenanigans. They are unwanted wildlife, and garden pests can wreak havoc on carefully cultivated plants, flower beds, and vegetable gardens, causing frustration and property damage. Fortunately, there are humane ways to protect your garden and coexist har ..read more

Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! Weeds, Mulch and Groundcover!  I still remember my high school horticulture teacher, Carolyn Rost, saying a weed is just a flower nobody wants. So true! As gardeners, we are often at war with weeds. A neighbor recently gave me a tour of her garden and I spotted a weed that I now know is a Dayflower. My neighbor told me she stopped pulling the weed when she noticed the bugs preferred the Dayflower over her desired plants. I looked closely, and sure enough, the leaves of the Dayflower were badly chewed and almost translucent while her surrounding plants look ..read more

Introduction: Gardening is Beneficial for Your Mind and Body Gardening is not only a popular hobby but also a therapeutic activity that offers numerous benefits for both the mind and body. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, engaging in this outdoor activity can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. One of the key benefits of gardening is its ability to reduce stress and improve mental health (1st citation). Spending time in nature, tending to plants, and being surrounded by greenery has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation. Gardening also ..read more

Climbing vegetables are perfect for vertical gardens, especially in areas with limited space! For a vertical garden to work, you need a sturdy trellis designed to support and guide the growth of your climbing plants. In this blog, we will talk about 11 of the most popular climbing vegetables, from vining varieties like pole beans and snow peas to vigorous climbers such as Malabar spinach and bitter melons. Keep in mind we will only cover vegetables; there will be another blog post for climbing fruits! Types of Trellises There are several types of trellises. For example, obelisk trellises resem ..read more

There is no doubt that Luffas are underrated, and we are determined to make sure they get the recognition they deserve! Luffas are a tricky crop to grow, but the effort is compensated when you see them climbing and when you harvest them. They require minimal care and can become highly prolific if left alone in the right conditions. Plus, they make a great addition to salads, cooked dishes, or as exfoliating sponges! In this blog, we will explore why raised garden beds and arch trellis are a perfect match for growing luffa plants. Also, we will talk about their growth and cultivation needs, how ..read more

While I love summer blooms, sometimes the heat and humidity give me a reason to enjoy these flowers through my living room and kitchen windows.  No one wants to have heat stroke while trying to water their plants back to life.  The trees around our home are not yet mature, so our landscape plants must endure the blistering sun without the reprieve of shade, save for a sliver of jealously-guarded coolness on the north side of our house.  I have assigned this area to the hydrangeas and hostas, and all other plants must be fighters in this middle Tennessee zone 7 that can sometimes ..read more