So far, so good in my second year of gardening with Build It Up. Participation in Build It Up the first year taught me the importance of a garden plan and crop rotation, and everything I have planted so far this year seems to be thriving in its location. The program...

Gardening is a great way for children to learn about nature, science, and the environment. It's also a great way for them to get exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. So why not get your children involved in gardening? Here are some tips on how to get children involved...

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...