Spring Prep Tips for Your Summer Garden
Spring in Tennessee is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, shake off winter, and start getting your garden ready for summer. With warmer days ahead and the last frost behind us in most areas, now’s the time to prep your soil, choose your plants, and lay the groundwork for a beautiful and productive summer garden.
Whether you're a seasoned grower or trying your hand at gardening for the first time, here are some springtime tips to get your Tennessee garden summer-ready:
1. Know Your Planting Zone
Before you dig in, check your USDA Hardiness Zone. Most of Tennessee falls into Zones 6 and 7, which means your last frost date typically lands in mid-to-late April. This info helps you decide when to start planting warm-season crops like tomatoes, squash, and peppers.
Tip: Use a planting calendar to time your starts and transplants just right.
2. Prep Your Garden Beds
Spring is soil prep season. Clear out any weeds, old mulch, or leftover debris from winter. Then, loosen the soil and mix in plenty of compost or organic matter. Tennessee soil can lean clay-heavy, so amendments help with drainage and boost nutrients.
Try This: Mix in aged manure, leaf mold, or peat moss to improve texture and fertility.
3. Start Seeds Indoors or Direct Sow
If you haven’t already, start your heat-loving plants indoors—like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant—so they’re ready for transplanting after the frost. Hardy crops like beans, squash, and cucumbers can be direct-sown once the soil warms up.
Watch for soil temps above 60°F for best germination.
4. Add Mulch Before the Heat Hits
Get ahead of the summer sun by laying down mulch in spring. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, shredded leaves, or bark chips are excellent choices.
Bonus: Mulch also adds nutrients as it breaks down over time.
5. Plant the Right Summer Crops
Now is the time to plan what you’ll grow. Tennessee summers are ideal for:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, sweet corn, melons
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary
- Flowers: Marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, and coneflowers (great for pollinators)
Native plants are especially hardy and low-maintenance.
6. Check Your Irrigation Setup
As you prep, make sure your watering system is in place. Spring is a good time to install or repair drip lines or soaker hoses. These systems save water and help keep plant foliage dry, which helps prevent disease.
Tip: Water early in the morning for best absorption.
7. Watch for Early Pests
Warm weather brings bugs. Keep an eye out for signs of aphids, flea beetles, or cutworms. Companion planting, row covers, and organic sprays like neem oil can help you stay ahead without using harsh chemicals.
Plant marigolds and basil near vegetables to help deter pests naturally.
8. Plan for Successive Planting
Think ahead. Spring is the perfect time to plan for multiple harvests. After an early crop of lettuce or radishes, you can plant beans or squash in the same spot for a second summer harvest.
Efficient gardening means more fresh food all season long.
Wrapping It Up
Tennessee gardeners—spring is your launchpad for an amazing summer garden. With a little prep now, you’ll be harvesting fresh veggies, herbs, and blooms before you know it. Take the time to build a strong foundation this season, and your summer garden will thank you.
Happy Spring Gardening, Y’all!
If you're dreaming of a bigger garden space—or even a property with room to grow your own food—we’d love to help you find the perfect spot here in Tennessee. Let's talk! Give us a call at (931) 248-6785.