Welcome to the Garden
There’s something special about digging your hands into the soil in DeKalb County, Tennessee. Whether you’re planting a row of tomatoes, a bed of zinnias, or just dropping a few seeds in a pot on the porch, this part of the world gives you a head start. Our area sits in USDA Hardiness zones 7a (0°F to 5°F) and 7b (5°F to 10°F), which means we’re lucky enough to enjoy a long growing season and relatively mild winters. With a little attention and some trial and error, just about anyone can get something to grow here.

Why Here? Why Now?
You don’t have to look far to see proof that we live in a gardener’s paradise. From small backyard greenhouses to well-established nurseries lining our highways, DeKalb County has long been home to folks who know how to grow things. These nurseries aren’t just a great place to pick up plants—they’re a sign that our soil, weather, and seasons make this a truly fertile place for horticulture. If you’ve ever thought about trying your hand at gardening, there’s no better time—or place—than right here.

Get Planting!
As we head into the last week of March and the first week of April, the soil is warming up and the garden is calling. It’s prime time for planting cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, and beets. Potatoes can go in the ground now, too, if you haven’t already. If you’ve started tomatoes or peppers indoors, they’ll still need a few more weeks before going outside, but this is a good time to get them strong and ready for transplanting.

Whether you're working with raised beds, rows in the backyard, or a few containers on the deck, this is the moment when everything starts to come alive. The earth is waking up—and if you give it a little nudge, it’ll do the rest.

Gardening the Real Way
I’ve been gardening for over 20 years, and it’s something that runs in my family. I’m not a large-scale farmer—just a regular guy who finds joy in growing good food and pretty plants. And trust me, you don’t need a big piece of land or fancy equipment to get started. A friend of mine, Carter Smith, likes to say, “Seed is cheap—plant often and in lots of places.” It’s good advice. Don’t overthink it. Stick a seed in the ground, see what happens, and try again if it doesn’t work out. And when it comes to weeds? Don’t stress. A few weeds never hurt anyone.

About the Author
Dr. Philip Seagraves is the owner, along with his wife Cathy, of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. It has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review many years running.