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Plant questions? Need to know whether we have a particular tree, shrub, perennial, annual, indoor plant, poinsettia variety, or orchid? Use the form on the right to contact us or give us a call at 865-573-9591.

Our plant specialists are gardeners too and will be happy to help you!

 

3029 Davenport Rd
Knoxville, TN, 37920
United States

(865) 573-9591

Stanley's Greenhouse is a family owned and operated plant farm and garden center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Spring 2021: The Perfect Time to Grow More of Our Own Food

Ideas You Can Use

Check out our answers to commonly asked questions and the latest tips from our plant specialists!

 

Spring 2021: The Perfect Time to Grow More of Our Own Food

Anna Montgomery

This spring planting season is a great opportunity to consider growing more of your own food, or perhaps growing just your own herbs, tomatoes, and salad greens. Here are a few ideas from Knoxville-based master gardener, and biologist John Tullock, who is the author of such books as “Grow Food at Home: Simple Methods for Small Space”, “Appalachian Cooking”, and “Seed to Supper”.

You can grow food in many different ways

  • At a windowsill or under artificial lights

  • In containers on a balcony, deck, or patio

  • In raised beds in the yard

  • In a traditional in-ground garden

  • Most people use a variety of methods, depending on the crop and time of year

Plan for the entire year

  • Purchase seed for fall and winter gardening in spring, when selection is best

  • Think about how you actually use each crop; are you making pickles or do you just want fresh cucumbers for salad?

  • Understand succession planting and intercropping

  • Look for cultivars that work best in your situation; compact varieties are best for containers

  • Don’t forget herbs, small fruits, edible flowers, and mushrooms

Plan your garden based on your kitchen

  • What are your family's favorite vegetables?

  • Which crops cost the most in the grocery store and could be more economically grown at home?

  • Which crops will bear over a long season without replanting?

  • Which crops store well?

Be a creative cook and you’ll be able to use everything you produce in the garden

  • Learn techniques, not recipes

  • Use common sense and substitute when you need to

  • Learn basic food preservation techniques

  • Taste before, during, and after cooking