One of the parts of this garden project I love the most is the sense of community that I receive when we pick up the plants or attend the workshops. Gardening, at its best, is a communal activity. In an idealized world, I would have learned the arts of companion...

With summer fast approaching and our summer plant distribution coming up later this week I thought a tomato planting primer was in order. In the years I've been growing food these are some of my favorite tips for getting good tomato plants in the ground.  ...

I am excited to be with the BIU Gardening Program again this year. It is such a wonderful program and I have learned a wealth of information. I look forward to celebrating the successes and failures of all of our efforts. I have learned that sometimes a plant just...

Drip Irrigation for the Home Gardener Drip Irrigation is not for everyone or for every situation, but this no-till gardener with a DIY drip system can no longer imagine growing small fruit and vegetables in East Tennessee without one. Drip systems have benefits and...

As a second-year gardener I feel much more confident going into this growing season. And yet, I have already learned a few things to do differently next year. I have a feeling that it will always be like that. Each go-round bringing a new set of lessons learned. Last...

Spring is here and with it, another year of gardening! I have been itching to get out there and get some plants in the ground! With each new year, comes new techniques and changes to my garden. I always try to do something different each year so I can see what works...

I’m beginning my second year of gardening and it is already VASTLY different than last year. I expanded my garden by taking over the other half of my front yard. I started by tilling and sowing buckwheat as most of my garden will be for summer planting. I put together...

Hi Ya, Rachel Slaughter here - Build It Up's new Program Assistant.  I thought I'd introduce myself since there is a good chance you may be getting an email from me before we get a chance to meet in person.   One of my earliest memories is the year my brother planted...

This is our second year being a part of the ARCD Build It Up program. Last year we had a lot fun and learned so much!    Last year we started an elderberry patch. When I went to prep them for this years addition I immediately could tell that we had been hit by...