Community Steward
Useful writing on growing food, preserving it, sharing it, and keeping more life local.
8/8/2026
A practical guide to saving vegetable seeds at home: dry method for beans and lettuce, wet ferment method for tomatoes, storage tips, and the mistakes that waste the most time.
8/8/2026
A practical guide to growing peppers at home: choose varieties, start seeds or buy transplants, plant and feed your peppers, troubleshoot flower drop and blossom rot, and harvest a summer of sweet and spicy fruit.
8/6/2026
A practical guide to growing both summer and winter squash in Zone 7. You will learn when to plant, how to space and water, what goes wrong most often, and how to pick and store what you grow.
8/5/2026
A practical guide to staggered plantings, follow-on crops, and intercropping so your garden produces every week from spring to frost.
8/4/2026
A practical guide to growing potatoes at home in Zone 7a. Covers variety selection, planting timing, hilling technique, common problems like scab and Colorado potato beetle, harvesting, curing, and long-term storage.
7/20/2026
Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the sweetest to eat. This guide covers variety selection, soil preparation for straight roots, direct seeding, thinning, seasonal care, common problems, and harvesting for Zone 7a gardens.
7/9/2026
Okra thrives where other vegetables give up. Learn how to grow it, harvest it, and use it in the kitchen.
7/8/2026
Every great garden starts with a simple sketch. Learn how to map your growing space, size your beds, plan your plant spacing, and lay out a garden that is easy to work and easy to harvest from.
7/7/2026
A practical guide to growing garlic in Zone 7a. Covers hardneck vs softneck varieties, fall planting timing, seasonal care, harvesting and curing, and long-term storage for a pantry-full of homegrown garlic.
7/7/2026
A practical guide to growing peas at home in Zone 7a. Covers shelling, snow, and snap pea types, planting timing, seasonal care, common problems, harvesting, and preserving.
7/7/2026
A practical guide to growing beets at home in Zone 7a. Covers variety selection, planting timing for spring and fall crops, seasonal care, harvesting both roots and greens, and preserving for the pantry.
7/6/2026
July is when the garden shifts from getting established to full production. This guide covers the key tasks, harvest timing, and fall planning steps that keep a Zone 7a garden productive through the summer and into fall.
7/4/2026
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and blackberries, a practical guide to choosing, planting, and growing your first small fruit crops in Zone 7a.
7/4/2026
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and blackberries, a practical guide to choosing, planting, and growing your first small fruit crops in Zone 7a.
7/3/2026
Most gardeners stop thinking about the garden in July. They are missing the biggest advantage of the season. A fall garden planted in late July or August gives you a longer harvest window, fewer pests, and better-tasting vegetables than spring planting ever could.
7/2/2026
Peas are one of the earliest and most reliable crops a home gardener can grow. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, seasonal care, common problems, and harvesting for a steady supply of sweet, garden-fresh peas from May through June.
7/1/2026
Peppers are the most rewarding warm-season crop you can grow at home. Bell peppers add crunch to salads. Hot peppers turn up the heat on everything from eggs to salsa. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, seasonal care, common problems, and harvesting peppers at their peak.
6/30/2026
Sweet corn is one of the most rewarding home garden crops, but it has specific requirements around pollination, spacing, and timing that many gardeners miss. This guide covers everything from choosing the right variety to knowing exactly when to pick for the sweetest ears your garden can produce.
6/30/2026
Eggplant for the Home Garden: Your First Crop From Transplant to Harvest Eggplant is one of those summer vegetables that makes a big statement with very little effort once it gets...
6/30/2026
Why Peppers Deserve a Spot in Your Garden Peppers are one of the easiest warm season crops to grow and one of the most rewarding. They do not demand as much space as tomatoes, they...
6/30/2026
Okra is one of the easiest warm-season vegetables to grow, and it thrives on the summer heat that slows down other crops. This guide covers variety selection, planting for Zone 7a, seasonal care, and the harvesting habits that keep your plants producing all season long.
6/29/2026
Green beans are the workhorse of the home garden. They grow fast, produce heavily, and are forgiving enough for a first year gardener to succeed at. You can plant them in late spri...
6/29/2026
Summer squash and zucchini are the fastest vegetables you can grow from seed to plate. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, seasonal care, pest management, and how to harvest before the squash gets past its prime.
6/29/2026
A practical guide to growing tomatoes in Zone 7a. Learn determinate vs indeterminate varieties, planting timing, summer care, common problems, and harvest tips for a garden that feeds you all season.
6/29/2026
Sweet potatoes need heat, time, and a different approach than most garden crops. This guide walks you through growing slips, planting timing for Zone 7a, care, harvest, and the curing process that turns them into all-year pantry food.
6/28/2026
A practical guide to growing eight easy culinary herbs in Zone 7a, from basil and mint to chives and rosemary, with planting tips, common mistakes, and harvest advice.
6/28/2026
A practical guide to choosing and planting cover crops for small home gardens in Zone 7a, from picking the right species to terminating them and using the green manure in your compost or garden beds.
6/28/2026
Your garden has made it through spring. Now comes the real test. Practical steps for watering, mulching, shade cloth, and heat stress management in Zone 7a.
6/27/2026
A practical guide to staggering your vegetable plantings so something is always ready. Learn the interval method, what to plant now in late June, and how to keep your garden feeding you through fall.
6/27/2026
A practical guide to growing garlic in Zone 7a. Learn hardneck vs softneck varieties, fall planting timing, seasonal care, harvest and curing, and storage that lasts until next fall.
6/27/2026
A practical guide to growing garlic in Zone 7a. Learn hardneck vs softneck varieties, fall planting timing, seasonal care, harvest and curing, and storage that lasts until next fall.
6/27/2026
A practical guide to growing lettuce in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, succession sowing to keep the harvest coming, and how to beat bolting in summer heat.
6/27/2026
A practical guide to growing lettuce in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, succession sowing to keep the harvest coming, and how to beat bolting in summer heat.
6/26/2026
A practical guide to starting vegetable seeds indoors in Zone 7a. Learn what to start, when to start it, what you actually need, and how to grow strong seedlings from sprout to garden.
6/26/2026
A practical guide to growing winter squash in Zone 7a, from choosing varieties and planting timing to dealing with squash vine borers, curing, and storing your harvest through winter.
6/26/2026
A beginner guide to growing peppers in Zone 7a, from choosing bell and hot varieties through planting, spacing, care, common problems, and harvesting through fall.
6/26/2026
A beginner guide to growing green beans in Zone 7a, from choosing bush or pole types through planting, spacing, harvesting, and common problems.
6/26/2026
Swiss Chard for the Home Garden: Your First Colorful Leafy Crop From Seed to Table Swiss chard is the leafy green that keeps giving long after every other green has given up. When...
6/25/2026
A practical guide to growing cabbage in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, seasonal care, common problems, and how to harvest and store your heads through winter.
6/25/2026
A practical guide to growing tomatoes in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, staking and pruning, seasonal care, and how to keep your plants productive through the humid Southeast summer.
6/25/2026
A practical guide to growing potatoes in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, the hilling technique that prevents greening and boosts yield, common problems, and how to store your harvest through winter.
6/25/2026
A practical guide to growing potatoes in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, the hilling technique that prevents greening and boosts yield, common problems, and how to store your harvest through winter.
6/25/2026
A beginner guide to growing carrots in Zone 7a, from choosing varieties and preparing the soil to thinning, caring, and storing your harvest for winter.
6/24/2026
A practical guide to growing broccoli in the home garden. Learn variety selection, planting timing for spring and fall crops, common beginner mistakes, and how to harvest and store your first head of broccoli.
6/24/2026
A beginner guide to growing kale in Zone 7a, from choosing the right variety through planting, seasonal care, and harvesting from fall through spring.
6/24/2026
Everything you need to grow your first cucumber plant, from choosing the right type to harvesting crisp fruit all summer long. A practical guide for Zone 7a gardeners.
6/24/2026
Everything you need to grow your first cucumber plant, from choosing the right type to harvesting crisp fruit all summer long. A practical guide for Zone 7a gardeners.
6/24/2026
Stop getting flooded by one giant harvest and starving between crops. Learn how to stagger your plantings so you have fresh vegetables every week from spring through fall.
6/23/2026
A practical guide to growing eggplant in Zone 7a. Learn variety selection, planting timing, seasonal care, flea beetle defense, and how to harvest glossy, homegrown fruit.
6/23/2026
A practical guide to growing sweet corn in Zone 7a. Learn planting timing, block spacing, variety selection, seasonal care, and how to tell when ears are ready to pick.
6/23/2026
A beginner guide to growing beets in Zone 7a, from choosing varieties and planting to thinning, caring, and storing your harvest.
6/23/2026
A practical guide to growing green beans in the home garden. Learn bush vs pole varieties, planting timing, harvesting, and five ways to store your harvest for winter.
6/22/2026
A beginner's guide to growing edible oyster mushrooms from free coffee grounds, using just a bucket, a plastic bag, and a cup of spawn.
6/21/2026
Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips: a beginner guide to planting, caring for, and storing root vegetables in Zone 7a.
6/15/2026
A practical guide to growing asparagus from crowns in a home garden. Learn where to plant, how to care for the establishment years, and how to harvest sustainably for decades of production.
6/15/2026
Cucumbers are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops a Zone 7a home gardener can grow. This guide covers variety selection, planting, care, pest basics, and harvesting for a steady supply of fresh, homegrown cukes through the summer.
6/14/2026
A practical guide to growing peppers in Zone 7a. Learn which types to choose, how to start or buy plants, spacing, care through the season, common problems, and how to harvest.
6/14/2026
Succession planting keeps your garden producing from spring to fall by staggering plantings and rotating crops. Learn three practical methods with concrete examples you can start this week.
6/14/2026
A practical guide to making compost tea at home using a simple bucket method. Learn the basic recipe, how to apply it, and what to watch out for.
6/14/2026
A practical guide to making compost tea at home using a simple bucket method. Learn the basic recipe, how to apply it, and what to watch out for.
6/12/2026
Spinach is one of the easiest cool-season crops you can grow. Learn how to plant it twice a year, keep it from bolting, and harvest tender leaves all season long.
6/12/2026
A practical guide to growing five common root crops in your home garden — when to plant, how to prepare the soil, spacing, thinning, and harvesting for carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips.
6/11/2026
Seed saving is one of the most practical self-reliance skills you can learn. Here is which seeds to save, how to harvest them, how to store them, and which crops to avoid as a beginner.
6/9/2026
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow and the most useful in the kitchen. Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest a thriving basil patch in your home garden.
6/9/2026
Kale is one of the easiest, most reliable vegetables for a home garden. It handles cold, pests, and busy schedules alike. Here is how to grow your first crop from seed to harvest.
6/9/2026
Summer crops leave beds tired and depleted. Here is how to clear old plants, rebuild the soil, and set up your garden for a productive fall harvest.
6/8/2026
Most companion planting advice is folklore. But some strategies genuinely help your garden. Here is what science supports and what you can actually use.
6/8/2026
A practical guide to starting a herb garden from scratch. Seven easy herbs for beginners, setup tips for outdoor beds and indoor pots, seasonal care, and how to harvest and store what you grow.
6/7/2026
A practical guide to starting a small flock of laying hens. From choosing breeds and setting up a coop to daily care and the mistakes most beginners make.
6/7/2026
Chickens for the Home Homestead: Your First Flock for Eggs There are few simple pleasures in a homestead routine that compare to stepping outside in the morning and collecting fres...
6/7/2026
A practical guide to growing eggplant in Zone 7a, from choosing varieties at the nursery through the summer harvest.
6/7/2026
Most gardeners think planting season ends in June. It does not. The best vegetable garden of the year starts in July, and here is exactly what to sow and when.
6/6/2026
You do not need to buy seeds from a catalog every spring. Save seed from a few easy crops, store them through the winter, and start next year with your own plants.
6/6/2026
You don't need a big yard or years of experience to grow your own vegetables. This guide walks you through planning, site selection, soil prep, and planting for a garden that actually works.
6/6/2026
A fruit tree does not have to stand alone. Learn how to surround your tree with companion plants that feed it, protect it, and produce food of their own, all with less work.
6/6/2026
Fruit Tree Guilds for the Home Garden: Build a Self Sustaining Food System Around Your Tree Most people plant a fruit tree and leave everything around it bare. They mulch a circle,...
6/5/2026
Collards are a Southern staple that grows well in Zone 7a, tolerates cold, and produces leaves all season. This guide covers planting, care, pests, and harvesting for your first crop.
6/3/2026
Seed saving cuts your gardening costs to near zero and connects you to a tradition stretching back to the first crop planters. This guide teaches you how to save seeds from beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and more using simple methods anyone can follow.
6/3/2026
Seed saving cuts your gardening costs to near zero and connects you to a tradition stretching back to the first crop planters. This guide teaches you how to save seeds from beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and more using simple methods anyone can follow.
6/3/2026
Seed saving cuts your gardening costs to near zero and connects you to a tradition stretching back to the first crop planters. This guide teaches you how to save seeds from beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and more using simple methods anyone can follow.
6/3/2026
Cooking over an open fire is one of the most practical skills on a homestead. This guide covers how to build a safe cooking fire, choose the right cookware, manage heat from coals, and prepare simple meals that work over an open fire.
6/3/2026
Tomatoes are the most rewarding first crop you can grow at home. This guide covers how to choose varieties, plant them, keep them healthy through Zone 7a humid summers, and harvest the freshest flavor of summer.
6/2/2026
Making sauerkraut requires just cabbage, salt, and time. This guide walks a first-time fermenter through the whole process, from choosing a head of cabbage to knowing when the jar is ready to eat.
6/2/2026
Starting a garden does not require a perfect plan. Ten reliable crops will teach you how gardening actually works and keep you fed through the season.
6/1/2026
Cucumbers are one of the easiest vegetables a beginner can grow. This guide walks through choosing varieties, planting from seed, watering, common problems, and harvesting all season long.
6/1/2026
Sweet potatoes are one of the most rewarding home garden crops if you know how to start them. This guide walks through sprouting your own slips from a grocery store tuber, planting, tending, and harvesting enough to store for months.
5/31/2026
Peas are one of the easiest first crops you can grow. They thrive in cool weather, fix their own nitrogen, and reward quick harvests. Here is how to plan, plant, and grow them in Zone 7a.
5/31/2026
A cold frame gives you a few extra weeks at both ends of the season, a safe place to harden off seedlings, and a way to grow greens in winter. This guide covers how to build one from scratch, what to plant in late May, and how to manage the temperature inside without frying your plants.
5/31/2026
Everything you need to know before bringing your first laying hens home: how many to start with, what breeds to choose, coop setup, daily routines, feeding, health, and seasonal care.
5/31/2026
Herbs are the simplest upgrade you can make in your garden and your kitchen. This guide covers the easiest herbs to grow for beginners, where to plant them, how to harvest them so they keep coming back, and common mistakes to avoid.
5/29/2026
Seed saving is one of the most practical skills a home gardener can learn. This guide covers open pollinated vs hybrid seeds, easy crops for beginners, the dry and wet methods, proper storage, and how to share seeds with your community.
5/28/2026
Tomatoes are the crop that makes a garden feel like a real garden. This guide covers variety selection, transplant timing for Zone 7a, soil care, staking, pruning, common problems, and harvest, all written for beginners in the Louisville, Tennessee area.
5/27/2026
Starting your first vegetable garden does not have to be overwhelming. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing a location and planning your layout to planting your first seeds and growing your first harvest.
5/26/2026
Backyard beekeeping is one of the most rewarding steps a gardener can take. This guide walks you through choosing equipment, setting up your first hive, buying your bees, and what to expect in your first year.
5/26/2026
Backyard chickens are one of the most practical and rewarding additions to a Zone 7a homestead. This guide covers breed selection, coop setup, daily care, winter survival, and the common beginner mistakes that cost both time and birds.
5/26/2026
A practical guide to growing carrots at home — from soil prep and variety selection to thinning, harvesting, and winter storage.
5/26/2026
A Dutch oven is the most versatile tool on a homestead. It bakes bread, roasts meat, and simmers stews over a wood fire or a gas stove. This guide covers what to buy, how to season it, and five simple recipes to start with.
5/26/2026
Potatoes are the crop that makes your garden feel self-sufficient. They need almost no fertilizer, they grow in just about any soil, and a handful of seed potatoes will feed your family for months. This guide covers seed potato selection, planting, hilling, harvesting, and storing your first potato crop in Zone 7a.
5/25/2026
Beets are one of the most honest vegetables you can grow. Plant them, water them, pull them, and eat them. This guide covers everything a Zone 7a beginner needs to know, from choosing varieties to thinning, harvesting, and cooking the greens that most people throw away.
5/25/2026
Beets are one of the most honest vegetables you can grow. Plant them, water them, pull them, and eat them. This guide covers everything a Zone 7a beginner needs to know, from choosing varieties to thinning, harvesting, and cooking the greens that most people throw away.
5/25/2026
By early June, the soil has warmed up enough for your best summer crops. This guide covers what to plant in June for a Zone 7a garden, from okra and sweet corn to beans, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes, with timing, spacing, and variety tips.
5/25/2026
Eggplant is one of the most rewarding warm-season crops for a Zone 7a garden. It needs warm soil, steady water, and almost no fertilizer, and a few well-chosen varieties will produce glossy fruit all summer. This guide covers variety selection, planting transplants, pest management, and knowing exactly when to harvest.
5/25/2026
Green beans are one of the most productive and forgiving crops a beginner can grow. They require almost no fertilizer, they grow from seed without any special equipment, and a single row can keep your family eating fresh all summer. This guide covers bush and pole beans, variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, common problems, and knowing exactly when to harvest.
5/24/2026
You have probably seen the charts online telling you which plants should live together. They are easy to find, and mostly wrong. Here is what research actually supports, and what is just folklore wrapped in pretty charts.
5/24/2026
Stop getting 20 cucumbers all at once and then nothing. Learn the simple scheduling technique that gives you a continuous harvest all season long.
5/24/2026
Early blight and late blight can wipe out a tomato crop in days. This guide covers how to tell them apart, what to do when you see the first symptoms, and which varieties to choose next year to stay ahead of the disease.
5/24/2026
Broccoli is one of the most rewarding home garden crops, and growing it in Zone 7a is easier than most people think. Learn which varieties work, when to plant, how to deal with the bugs, and how to get side shoots after the main head.
5/24/2026
Broccoli is one of the most rewarding home garden crops, and growing it in Zone 7a is easier than most people think. Learn which varieties work, when to plant, how to deal with the bugs, and how to get side shoots after the main head.
5/24/2026
Broccoli is one of the most rewarding home garden crops, and growing it in Zone 7a is easier than most people think. Learn which varieties work, when to plant, how to deal with the bugs, and how to get side shoots after the main head.
5/24/2026
Okra is one of the easiest warm-season crops to grow, but it demands hot soil and patient harvesting. This guide covers everything a Zone 7a beginner needs to know, from pre-germinating seeds to dealing with the mid-summer lull and harvest strategies that keep pods coming.
5/24/2026
Peppers for the Home Garden: Your First Warm-Season Crop From Transplant to Harvest Peppers are one of the most rewarding crops a home gardener can grow. A few plants will produce enough to eat fresh, grill, pickle, or dry. But choosing the right type and knowing how to care for them makes the difference between a handful of peppers and a garden that feeds you all summer.
5/23/2026
Growing Onions for the Home Garden: Your First Crop From Seed to Storage Onions are one of the most practical vegetables a beginner can grow. They require almost no special equipment, they grow in containers and raised beds as well as in-ground plots, and once harvested they will store for months in a pantry without electricity or refrigeration.
5/23/2026
Carrots are one of the most rewarding home garden crops, but they have a reputation for being finicky. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, soil preparation, thinning, watering, common problems, and knowing when they are ready to pick.
5/23/2026
Carrots are one of the most rewarding root crops for a beginner to grow, and the secret to success comes down to three things: loose soil, shallow planting, and honest thinning. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, the patience required for germination, and knowing exactly when to harvest.
5/23/2026
Lettuce is the fastest, most forgiving crop you can grow at home. Learn which varieties work best in Zone 7a, when to plant for spring and fall crops, and the cut-and-come-again method that keeps greens coming all season.
5/22/2026
Compost is the cheapest, most useful thing you can make for your garden. Learn how to start a pile with kitchen scraps, yard waste, and dry leaves, and turn it into rich soil by spring.
5/22/2026
Fall Gardening for Zone 7a: Your Second Growing Season Starts Now Most gardeners think of fall as the end of the season. In Zone 7a, that is not true. The cool season vegetables th...
5/22/2026
Fall isn't the end of the season in Zone 7a. It's the start of a second growing season. Here is what to plant, when to plant it, and how to keep your garden productive through winter.
5/22/2026
Most vegetable gardeners know bees help with pollination, but very few plan around it. A small patch of the right flowers can boost your fruit set, cut pest damage, and cost almost nothing to start.
5/22/2026
You don't need a fancy app or expensive planner to grow a better garden each year. A simple notebook and a few minutes each week can make the difference between guessing and knowing what works.
5/22/2026
Summer Squash for the Home Garden: Your First Crop From Seed to Harvest Summer squash is the vegetable that convinces beginners they can garden. You plant a seed in late spring. Th...
5/22/2026
Green beans are the most forgiving warm-season crop you can grow, and they produce more food per square foot than almost anything else. This guide covers bush vs pole varieties, planting timing for Zone 7a, trellising, common problems, and knowing exactly when to harvest.
5/21/2026
Tomatoes are the most rewarding home garden crop, and growing them in Zone 7a heat and humidity is easier than most people think. Learn which varieties work, when to plant, how to manage disease, and the simple signs of when a tomato is ready to pick.
5/21/2026
Cucumbers are one of the easiest warm-season crops for a beginner to grow. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, vine care, pollination basics, and knowing exactly when to harvest — everything you need for your first successful cucumber crop.
5/21/2026
Cucumbers are one of the easiest warm-season crops for a beginner to grow. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, vine care, pollination basics, and knowing exactly when to harvest — everything you need for your first successful cucumber crop.
5/21/2026
Growing cucumbers is one of the easiest ways to get a high yield from a small space. This guide covers choosing varieties, planting from seed, trellising, common problems, and harvesting steadily through summer.
5/21/2026
A practical guide to keeping your garden productive from spring through frost. Learn which crops work, how to plan a season-long schedule, and the common mistakes that trip up beginners.
5/21/2026
Cauliflower has a reputation for being finicky, but the right variety and timing make it straightforward. Learn which varieties to plant in Zone 7a, when to sow, how to care for them through the season, and how to blanch white heads for a clean harvest.
5/20/2026
Watermelons are one of the most satisfying homegrown crops. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing for Zone 7a, vine management, and the practical signs of ripeness — everything a beginner needs to grow their first successful watermelon crop.
5/19/2026
Sweet corn is one of the most rewarding home garden crops. This guide covers variety selection, block planting for pollination, watering and feeding through the season, and knowing exactly when to harvest — everything a Zone 7a beginner needs to grow their first successful corn crop.
5/19/2026
Radishes are the quickest vegetable you can grow, ready in as little as three weeks. This guide covers which varieties to plant in Zone 7a, when to sow for the best harvest, and how to use them as a companion crop for the rest of your garden.
5/19/2026
Radishes are the quickest vegetable you can grow, ready in as little as three weeks. This guide covers which varieties to plant in Zone 7a, when to sow for the best harvest, and how to use them as a companion crop for the rest of your garden.
5/19/2026
Radishes are the quickest vegetable you can grow, ready in as little as three weeks. This guide covers which varieties to plant in Zone 7a, when to sow for the best harvest, and how to use them as a companion crop for the rest of your garden.
5/19/2026
Growing tomatoes is the most rewarding home garden project you can tackle. This guide covers choosing varieties, planting, caring for, and harvesting your first tomato crop in Zone 7a.
5/19/2026
Your bees have built comb and filled supers. Now it is time to learn how to harvest honey from your first hive: knowing when the honey is ready, choosing an extraction method, and the step-by-step process from uncapping to jar.
5/18/2026
Growing shiitake mushrooms on logs is one of the most practical food-producing skills for a homestead. This guide covers which hardwoods work, how to inoculate them, how to care for them, and how to harvest for three to five years.
5/18/2026
Beekeeping is one of the most practical skills on a small homestead. This guide walks through everything a beginner needs to know: legal requirements in Tennessee, equipment and costs, sourcing your bees, setting up the hive, and what to expect month by month.
5/17/2026
Chickens are the most practical livestock a small homestead can keep. They need less space than goats or rabbits, produce fresh eggs daily, and help with garden chores. This guide covers breeds, coop setup, feeding, health, and the daily routine for a first flock in the Southeast.
5/17/2026
Sweet potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops a home gardener can grow. This guide covers variety selection, growing from slips, planting in warm soil, and storing your harvest through winter.
5/17/2026
You do not need to own land or grow a garden to add wild food to your table. Six common plants in eastern Tennessee are safe, easy to identify, and ready to harvest this spring.
5/17/2026
Rabbits are the most space-efficient meat animal you can keep on a homestead. They require little room, produce lean protein, and multiply quickly. This guide covers breeds, housing, feeding, breeding, health, and harvesting for your first rabbitry.
5/17/2026
Rabbits are the most space-efficient meat animal you can keep on a homestead. They require little room, produce lean protein, and multiply quickly. This guide covers breeds, housing, feeding, breeding, health, and harvesting for your first rabbitry.
5/16/2026
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest high-reward crops for beginner gardeners. This guide covers the ten most useful culinary herbs, where to plant them, how to grow them, and what to watch out for.
5/16/2026
You don't need a yard to grow food. A practical guide to choosing containers, mixing the right soil, and selecting vegetables that thrive in pots, with a Zone 7a planting schedule.
5/16/2026
Fruit trees are the long game of home food production. A single healthy apple or peach tree will feed your family for decades. This guide covers choosing varieties for Zone 7a, planting correctly, and caring for your trees until they bear fruit.
5/16/2026
Summer squash and zucchini are among the easiest vegetables you can grow. They germinate quickly, grow fast, and keep producing for months. This guide covers variety selection, planting, care, harvesting, and pest management for Zone 7a home gardens.
5/15/2026
A practical, no-fluff guide to starting beekeeping with a single hive. What you need to buy, what you can skip, and what to expect in your first year.
5/15/2026
Planting the right native flowers along your garden edges attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that make your tomatoes, squash, and berries actually produce fruit.
5/15/2026
Onions are just the beginning. Learn how to grow scallions, leeks, and garlic scapes for fresh flavor, continuous harvest, and a second crop you probably never knew existed.
5/15/2026
Composting is the simplest way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, dark soil amendment. This guide covers what goes in, what stays out, three ways to build a pile, and how to tell when your compost is ready.
5/14/2026
A complete guide to growing tomatoes in Zone 7a — variety selection, starting transplants, planting timing, seasonal care, and handling the most common problems.
5/14/2026
Drying is the oldest food preservation method for a reason. It requires almost no equipment, no electricity for long-term storage, and can turn a summer glut of tomatoes, apples, or beans into pantry staples that last all winter. This guide covers how to dry fruits and vegetables safely, whether you have a dehydrator, an oven, or just a sunny windowsill.
5/14/2026
Sprouting is the simplest food-growing skill anyone can learn. All you need is a jar, some seeds, and water. In just a few days you have fresh, nutrient-dense food on your kitchen counter. This guide covers the basics, five beginner varieties, and the safety rules that matter.
5/14/2026
Raised beds are the easiest way to start a productive vegetable garden when your native soil is clay, rocky, or just plain tired. This guide covers the right dimensions, how to pick materials, what soil to use, and where to put your beds for the best results.
5/13/2026
Leafy greens are the fastest way to get confident as a home gardener. They germinate quickly, tolerate cool weather, and give you harvestable crops in weeks rather than months. This guide covers four reliable greens for Zone 7a: lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and kale, including timing, planting methods, common pitfalls, and harvest techniques.
5/13/2026
Onions are one of the most rewarding and practical vegetables you can grow at home. They store for months, anchor almost every savory dish, and are simpler to grow than most people expect. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing, sets versus transplants versus seeds, common problems, harvesting, curing, and the storage process that turns summer bulbs into pantry staples.
5/13/2026
Your herb patch will produce a flush of fresh growth in late summer that you cannot possibly use all at once. This guide covers three practical methods for preserving herbs from your garden: drying for sturdy herbs, freezing for tender ones, and safe infusing into oils and vinegars.
5/13/2026
Lacto-fermentation is the simplest food preservation method that requires no heat, no special equipment, and no canning jars. Just vegetables, salt, and a jar. This guide covers the basics, two starter recipes, and how to troubleshoot the most common problems.
5/13/2026
A practical guide to growing peas in spring and beans in summer. Both legumes, both easy for beginners, both extend your harvest season from frost to frost.
5/12/2026
Garlic is one of the easiest, most rewarding crops a home gardener can grow. This guide covers variety selection, fall planting timing, seasonal care, harvest timing, and curing and storage — everything you need to grow and store your first crop.
5/12/2026
Saving seeds from your garden is one of the simplest ways to become more self-reliant as a gardener. This guide covers which vegetables are easiest to save from, how to dry and store seeds properly, and the one rule you need to remember: only save from heirloom varieties.
5/12/2026
Compost tea is one of the simplest ways to move the benefits of your finished compost directly into your garden soil. This guide covers steeping and brewing methods, what to expect, and the limits you should keep in mind.
5/12/2026
Edible flowers are not just pretty additions to the garden. They pull double duty as pollinator magnets, pest deterrents, and free garnishes. This guide covers five reliable varieties and how to grow, harvest, and use them safely.
5/12/2026
Cucumbers are one of the fastest rewards in the garden. This guide covers choosing the right type, planting from seed, trellising, watering, common pests and diseases, and harvesting your continuous summer crop.
5/12/2026
Cucumbers are one of the fastest rewards in the garden. This guide covers choosing the right type, planting from seed, trellising, watering, common pests and diseases, and harvesting your continuous summer crop.
5/12/2026
Cucumbers are one of the fastest rewards in the garden. This guide covers choosing the right type, planting from seed, trellising, watering, common pests and diseases, and harvesting your continuous summer crop.
5/11/2026
Tomatoes are the most rewarding vegetable you can grow at home. This guide covers variety selection, staking, watering, pruning, common problems, and everything you need to know for a productive first tomato crop.
5/11/2026
Tomatoes are the most rewarding vegetable you can grow at home. This guide covers variety selection, staking, watering, pruning, common problems, and everything you need to know for a productive first tomato crop.
5/11/2026
Companion planting is one of the oldest gardening practices, and modern research confirms that some plant pairings really do work. This guide covers the most reliable combinations, the science behind them, and how to arrange your garden for the best results.
5/11/2026
Potatoes are the most efficient way to get food from a small space. This guide covers choosing seed potatoes, planting, hilling, pest management, harvesting, and storing your crop through winter.
5/11/2026
Why Peppers Belong in Every Garden Peppers are one of the highest impact vegetables you can grow in a small space. Three or four plants can feed a family all summer. They keep prod...
5/10/2026
Herbs are the easiest plants you can grow at home. They take up little space, forgive mistakes, and give you fresh flavor all season long. This guide covers the best herbs for beginners, how to plant them, and how to keep them producing through the summer.
5/10/2026
Lettuce is the most forgiving vegetable you can grow at home. This guide covers variety selection, succession planting, bolting prevention, and everything you need to know for a continuous harvest of fresh salad greens.
5/9/2026
Why Carrots Are Worth the Effort Carrots are one of the most rewarding vegetables you can grow at home. They are easy to eat, they grow well in small spaces, and pulling a freshly...
5/9/2026
Beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most rewarding. This guide covers bush and pole varieties, planting timing, care through the season, and the simple tricks that keep beans productive all summer long.
5/9/2026
Planting a garden is the easy part. Carrying it through July and August with consistent watering, feeding, pruning, and monitoring is what separates a successful harvest from a struggling one. This guide gives you the rhythm and the tasks to keep your garden productive all summer long.
5/8/2026
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop for a reason. This guide covers variety selection, starting from seed, transplanting, support, care through summer, and the common mistakes that trip up first-time growers.
5/8/2026
Okra is one of the most rewarding warm-season vegetables you can grow at home. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing, care through summer, and the simple tricks that keep pods tender all season long.
5/8/2026
Cucumbers are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most rewarding. This guide covers variety selection, planting timing, trellising, watering, and the common mistakes that trip up first-time growers.
5/8/2026
Broccoli is one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. This guide covers variety selection, planting schedule, care through the season, and what most beginners get wrong with their first broccoli crop.
5/7/2026
A practical guide to growing your first sweet corn at home. Learn when to plant, how to space it for proper pollination, what varieties to choose, and how to harvest ears at peak sweetness.
5/7/2026
A practical guide to growing your first peppers at home. Choose varieties, start seeds, set out plants, care for them through the season, and harvest sweet and hot peppers all summer long.
5/5/2026
Starting seeds indoors is one of the best ways to save money and grow more of what you eat. A practical, step-by-step guide for complete beginners.
5/5/2026
Grow sweet potatoes from a grocery store root. This beginner guide covers growing slips, planting, season care, harvesting, and curing for winter storage.
5/4/2026
Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most rewarding. Learn which varieties to choose, how to prepare soil for straight roots, the thinning rule most beginners miss, and how to keep carrot rust fly out of your garden.
5/4/2026
Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops for a home garden. They take few tools, tolerate less-than-perfect soil, and store through the winter. This guide covers planting, hilling, and harvesting for your first potato crop.
5/2/2026
Green beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most rewarding. Learn how to choose bush or pole varieties, plant them at the right time, and harvest a steady supply through summer.
5/2/2026
Onions are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most rewarding. Learn how to pick the right type for your climate, plant them in early spring, care for them through the season, and store a harvest that lasts all winter.
4/30/2026
You don't need grow lights or fancy equipment to start a garden from seed. A simple step-by-step guide to planting, germinating, and growing your first seedlings on a windowsill.
4/30/2026
The First Thing Nobody Tells You You do not need forty acres. You do not need to quit your job. You do not need to move to the mountains to start building a more self reliant life....
4/30/2026
See what's available on the [community table board](/board) — someone nearby might have extra seeds, garden space, or succession planting advice to share....
4/30/2026
See what's available on the [community table board](/board) — someone nearby might have extra strawberry plants, growing tips, or seeds to share....
4/29/2026
Root vegetables are among the easiest garden crops to grow. This guide covers five reliable varieties, their shared growing rules, planting dates for Zone 7a, and how to store your harvest through winter.
4/28/2026
Eggplant is a heat-loving crop that rewards patience with a basket full of glossy, homegrown fruit. This guide covers variety selection, timing, flea beetle management, and everything you need to grow your first eggplant in Zone 7a.
4/28/2026
Eggplant is a heat-loving crop that rewards patience with a basket full of glossy, homegrown fruit. This guide covers variety selection, timing, flea beetle management, and everything you need to grow your first eggplant in Zone 7a.
4/28/2026
Eggplant is a heat-loving crop that rewards patience with a basket full of glossy, homegrown fruit. This guide covers variety selection, timing, flea beetle management, and everything you need to grow your first eggplant in Zone 7a.
4/28/2026
See what's available on the [community table board](/board) — someone nearby might have extra bean seeds, trellis materials, or canning supplies to help you grow your first crop....
4/27/2026
See what's available on the [community table board](/board) — someone nearby might have extra seedlings, harvest, or garden supplies you need this season....
4/27/2026
See what's available on the [community table board](/board) — maybe your neighbor has extra seedlings you need or fresh spring harvest you can use....
4/26/2026
Most gardeners think of vegetables as annual crops -- planted one year, harvested, then replaced the next. But perennial vegetables offer something more valuable: you plant them once and they keep producing for years. This guide covers the best perennial vegetables for a Zone 7a garden, how to plant them, what to expect, and how to build a productive perennial patch.
4/23/2026
Pole Beans for Beginners: Grow a Summer That Keeps Giving If you want the most food from the least space, start with pole beans. They grow up instead of out, which means you can ge...
4/23/2026
A practical beginner's guide to choosing, housing, feeding, and milking your first dairy goat — including breed selection, fencing, the daily milking routine, health basics, and what to expect in your first year.
4/21/2026
Raising meat chickens at home is straightforward if you plan ahead. Learn breed selection, feeding, the 6-8 week timeline, and when to process for your first batch of broilers.
4/20/2026
Fresh bread from your own kitchen is a quiet kind of victory. Learn how to start a sourdough starter, maintain it, and bake your first loaf without perfection or fancy equipment.
4/20/2026
Grow fresh, delicious mushrooms at home with just straw or coffee grounds. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through pasteurization, inoculation, and harvesting in 3-4 weeks.
4/17/2026
Learn how to grow fresh mushrooms in your home with minimal equipment. This beginner-friendly guide covers oyster and shiitake mushrooms, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips for your first successful harvest.
4/17/2026
Cultured butter has deeper, tangier flavor than sweet cream butter. Learn how to make cultured butter at home with just cream, a buttermilk culture, and a few hours of time. A simple starter project for anyone interested in dairy skills.
4/15/2026
Learning to identify edible wild plants is a valuable self-reliance skill. This guide covers essential safety rules, three easy-to-identify beginner plants to start with, foraging ethics, and how to get started responsibly.
4/15/2026
Learning to identify edible wild plants is a valuable self-reliance skill. This guide covers essential safety rules, three easy-to-identify beginner plants to start with, foraging ethics, and how to get started responsibly.
4/15/2026
A practical guide to growing oyster mushrooms at home using simple methods and common materials like straw and coffee grounds. Learn equipment, timing, and troubleshooting for your first home mushroom crop.
4/15/2026
A practical guide to home flour milling: understanding mill types, time and cost tradeoffs, grain storage, and whether making your own flour is worth it for your cooking goals.
4/15/2026
A practical guide to home flour milling: understanding mill types, time and cost tradeoffs, grain storage, and whether making your own flour is worth it for your cooking goals.
4/15/2026
A practical guide to home flour milling: understanding mill types, time and cost tradeoffs, grain storage, and whether making your own flour is worth it for your cooking goals.
4/11/2026
A beginner's guide to making sourdough bread with no-knead methods, a basic starter, and a Dutch oven. Includes timing, hydration, and troubleshooting tips.
4/11/2026
A simple guide to making yogurt at home with just milk, a starter, and a warm spot. Includes temperature and timing guidance.
4/11/2026
A practical guide to creating, feeding, and maintaining a sourdough starter, plus a simple schedule for baking your first loaf at home.
4/11/2026
A practical guide to starting with laying hens, including what to feed them, how to set up a basic coop, and realistic expectations for egg production.