by BELL Garden | Sep 10, 2026
If you’ve ever picked up a stalk of lemongrass and wondered, “What exactly am I supposed to do with this?”, you’re not alone! Lemongrass may look a little unusual, but it is surprisingly easy to use. This wonderfully fragrant plant has a bright, fresh flavor that is...
by BELL Garden | May 22, 2026
Dill is an easy, fast-growing annual herb that does especially well in Tennessee gardens during spring and fall. Dill is an easy, fast-growing annual herb that does especially well in Tennessee gardens during spring and fall. Best Conditions Sun: Full sun (6–8+...
by BELL Garden | May 22, 2026
Chives are one of the easiest perennial herbs to grow and do very well in the Nashville area. Best Conditions Sun: Full sun is best (6+ hours), but they tolerate part sun. Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Water: Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Temperature:...
by BELL Garden | May 19, 2026
Spearmint sugar is a flavored sugar made by blending fresh or dried spearmint with sugar. It adds a cool, sweet mint flavor without the stronger bite of peppermint. Here are some of the best ways to use it: Drinks Stir into hot tea Sweeten iced tea or lemonade Rim...
by BELL Garden | May 15, 2026
Huckleberry Shrubs Have Tart Berries You Can Eat in Late Summer. Here is how to grow them successfully in Nashville. Start with acidic soil This is the most important step. Huckleberries need soil with a pH around 4.5–5.5. Tennessee clay is usually too alkaline. To...
by BELL Garden | May 14, 2026
Catnip grows very well in Nashville because Nashville is mostly USDA Zone 7b, and catnip is hardy in Zones 3–7 (sometimes even 9 with care). It’s a perennial here, so it usually comes back every year. Best Conditions for Catnip in Nashville Sun Full sun is best (6+...
by BELL Garden | Apr 28, 2026
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a fantastic choice for your Tennessee garden—especially in the heat where regular spinach struggles. It’s actually a tropical vine, not a true spinach, but it fills the same role in the kitchen. How to Grow Malabar Spinach...
by BELL Garden | Apr 27, 2026
Balsam flower (often called garden balsam or touch-me-not, scientifically Impatiens balsamina) is an easy, old-fashioned annual that does very well in Tennessee’s warm climate. It’s great if you want something low-maintenance that reseeds itself. When to Plant...
by BELL Garden | Apr 27, 2026
Growing Tennessee native flowers isn’t just a “nice idea”—it’s one of the smartest, lowest-effort ways to build a thriving, resilient garden. Here’s why they’re worth prioritizing: They’re built for your climate Plants native to Tennessee evolved in your exact...
by BELL Garden | Apr 24, 2026
Blue mistflower (Blue Mistflower) is a fantastic native perennial for Tennessee—pollinators love it, and it’s pretty forgiving once established. Where to Plant Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering = more sun) Soil: Moist, average soil; tolerates clay better...
by BELL Garden | Apr 22, 2026
Anise Hyssop is a fragrant, flowering herb in the mint family that’s grown for its licorice-like flavor, medicinal uses, and ability to attract pollinators. What it is A perennial herb (comes back every year in most climates like Tennessee) Native to North America...
by BELL Garden | Apr 19, 2026
Perilla (often called shiso) is a fragrant leafy herb in the mint family. It’s widely used in Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cooking. What perilla is like Flavor: somewhere between basil, mint, and a hint of anise/cinnamon Leaves: soft, slightly serrated, and...
