by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
Growing transplanted sunflowers can work really well—but they’re a little sensitive compared to direct-seeded ones, so technique matters. Here’s a clear, practical guide (especially suited to our Nashville climate). Timing Matters Transplant after your last frost...
by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to growing sweet potatoes from slips—especially tuned for our warm-season conditions around Nashville. HOW TO GROW SWEET POTATOES FROM SLIPS Step 1: Get slips ready You can either buy slips or grow your own. To grow your own: Take a...
by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
Growing Hopi Red Dye Amaranth is especially rewarding—it’s beautiful, edible, and historically used for natural dye. In a warm climate like Nashville, it grows vigorously with very little fuss. Here’s a focused, practical guide: What Makes Hopi Red Dye Amaranth...
by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
In Nashville, lemongrass behaves like a tropical annual outdoors (dies with frost) but can be managed as a perennial if you bring it inside. The choice between containers and in-ground really comes down to how you want to handle winter and how big you want your plants...
by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
Oregano is one of the easiest, most rewarding herbs to grow—especially in a climate like Nashville (Zone 7-ish). It thrives on a bit of neglect and actually tastes better when it’s not overly pampered. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide tailored to your conditions:...
by BELL Garden | Apr 17, 2026
Thyme is one of the easiest, most forgiving herbs to grow—especially in a climate like Nashville where summers are warm and winters are usually manageable. Choosing the Right Type The most common is Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), which is great for cooking. Other...
by BELL Garden | Apr 10, 2026
Growing hybrid sweet peppers (like bell peppers and specialty sweet varieties) is very doable in Tennessee—and they’ll reward you with big, flavorful harvests if you give them heat, sun, and consistent care. What Are Hybrid Sweet Peppers? Hybrid peppers are bred for:...
by BELL Garden | Apr 10, 2026
Buena Mulata peppers are as ornamental as they are edible—pods ripen from purple → pink → orange → red, with a mild-to-medium heat. Starting Seeds When: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid–late February in Tennessee) Soil temp: 75–85°F (use a heat mat for...
by BELL Garden | Apr 8, 2026
Growing Black-eyed Susan vine is a great way to add fast-growing color to trellises, fences, or containers—especially in warm climates like Tennessee. Basic Overview Type: Tender perennial (grown as an annual in most of the U.S.) Growth habit: Climbing vine (6–8 feet...
by BELL Garden | Apr 7, 2026
Swamp sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) are one of the best native perennials for late-season color. They’re tall, bright, and pollinator magnets. Quick Overview Type: Native perennial wildflower Height: 4–8 feet (can get BIG!) Bloom time: Late summer → fall...
by BELL Garden | Apr 7, 2026
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), is a fragrant, lemon-scented herb in the mint family that’s great for teas, cooking, and pollinator gardens. Choosing the Right Location Light: Lemon balm prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps...
by BELL Garden | Apr 7, 2026
Bee balm (also called wild bergamot) is one of the easiest, most rewarding pollinator plants you can grow—especially in Tennessee. About Bee Balm Native perennial (many species) Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds Aromatic leaves (mint family) Colors: red,...
