
Danielle Fagans: A gardener’s story
In the raised beds out back, we have two kinds of potatoes, basil, rosemary, tomatoes, sage, and bush beans. I’m trying to do more companion gardening this time around to hopefully limit the amount of “bad” pests and bring about the good ones that will for sure help our garden grow!
This whole experience has been life changing as it has truly brought our family closer together.

Farm Profile: Lavender Dreams with Jeannie and Brian Miller
U-Pick Lavender Season in East Tennessee By guest author Jen Grant Graduates of the Field School beginning farmer training program, Jeannie and Brian Miller are entering a new season of success with Midfield Lavender Farm in Bulls Gap. Last year, during...

Featured Chef: Serenity Knoll Cooking School
David Wiley, a passionate farmer and community member, purchased in 2000 the property that now houses Serenity Knoll. With a strong belief in fostering community, he began construction on the pavilion in 2012, laying the groundwork for Serenity Knoll Farm. David...

Winnie Li: Gardener’s Story
This year, I’m excited to focus on growing more pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and corn. Last year’s harvest was incredible! There’s something so rewarding about having an abundance of food to share with neighbors and friends. I’m particularly proud of still having frozen bell and sweet peppers in my freezer.

Megan Tewell: Gardener’s Story
The Build It Up program came at the perfect time for me and my family. Equipped with new information and resources, we made our first garden plan. The program helped us create and maintain a planting schedule, and an ambitious garden layout. Factoring in watering needs, sun orientation, and soil conditions, we started to really learn more about our land. And though it required a lot of hard, consistent work, we have been rewarded each day with progress.

Tending Roots of Reciprocity: A First-Year Reflection
Each workshop begins with an invitation to connect with someone you do not yet know. We are asked to spend a few minutes learning about their experiences, challenges, and goals. These simple conversations feel like planting seeds of friendship and collaboration. They remind me that growing food and growing community are not separate things. They are the same practice.