Q&A: When is it too late to plant a summer 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?
Mid May Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the Mid-May garden for Middle Tennessee.
Early May Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the early May garden for Middle Tennessee.
Mid-Late April Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the late April garden for Middle Tennessee.
Early April Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the early April garden for Middle Tennessee.
Late March Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the late March garden for Middle Tennessee.
March Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the March garden for Middle Tennessee.
February Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, tend, and plan in the February garden for Middle Tennessee.
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.
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.
Early November Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your early November garden.
Late-October Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your late-October garden.
The Most Essential Garden Tool
Why a journal is our favorite garden tool, and 11 prompts to get you started.
Mid-October Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your mid-October garden.
Early October Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your Early-October garden.
Mid-September Garden To-Do List
What to plant, harvest, and tend in your Mid-September garden.