Bloom Where You’re Planted

One of the things I love most about living in Tennessee besides the music, the people, and the homes, of course, is how everything comes to life in the spring and summer. As a local realtor, I spend a lot of time driving through neighborhoods and walking properties, and I can tell you, few places are as lush and vibrant this time of year as Nashville.

From front porch flower boxes to full backyard vegetable gardens, Middle Tennessee is a dream for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you're just testing the waters with a potted tomato plant, Nashville’s climate makes it easy and fun to grow.

Why Tennessee is a Gardener’s Paradise 

Nashville sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a/7b, which means we get a true four-season climate with a long, warm growing season that stretches from early spring well into late fall. That’s perfect for everything from fresh herbs to hydrangeas, summer squash to sunflowers.

Here are just a few reasons why gardening in Nashville is so rewarding:

• Mild Winters + Warm Springs: Plants wake up early here! By March, you’ll start to see daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms showing off.
• Plenty of Rain: Tennessee gets consistent rainfall—especially in spring—so your garden rarely feels neglected.
• Fertile Soil: With just a little love (and maybe some compost), our soil can support a wide variety of plants, fruits, and veggies.
• Community Support: From local farmers’ markets to neighborhood plant swaps, there’s no shortage of ways to learn and grow with others.

What to Plant (and When!) 

Here’s a quick peek at what you can grow in Nashville, and when to get it in the ground:

• March–April: Lettuce, kale, carrots, peas, spinach, radishes, pansies, petunias
• May–June: Tomatoes, peppers, basil, zucchini, cucumbers, hydrangeas, zinnias, marigolds
• July–August: Time to plant for a fall harvest—think pumpkins, beans, beets, and fall-blooming perennials

Even if you don’t have a big backyard, container gardening is super popular in the city. A sunny porch or balcony is all you need for a few pots of lavender, cherry tomatoes, or fresh mint (perfect for those summer cocktails!).

The Beauty of a Backyard Oasis

Gardening is more than just dirt and seeds, it's about creating a space you love coming home to. I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully planted yard, a cozy patio with potted herbs, or even just a cheerful front porch garden can make a house feel like a home.

If you’re house hunting, keep an eye out for properties with raised beds, mature trees, or south-facing yards that get great light. These small details can make a big difference whether you’re an experienced gardener or just dreaming of your first sunflower.

My Favorite Plant Shops in Nashville 

One of the best parts of gardening is finding the perfect plants—and luckily, Nashville has no shortage of amazing spots to explore. Here are a few of my go-to garden centers and plant shops:

• Hewitt Garden & Design Center (Franklin) – A gorgeous, full-service garden center with everything from native plants to pottery. It’s worth the drive!
• Creekside Garden Center (Bellevue) – Tucked away in the trees, this charming spot has a great selection of perennials and shrubs—and the staff is so helpful.
• Gardens of Babylon (Downtown at the Farmers Market) – Right in the heart of the city, they offer a beautiful variety of houseplants, flowers, and organic gardening supplies.
• The Land (Kingston Springs)- This shop focuses on native vegetation and helping others cultivate their own personal habitat.

Let’s Grow Together 

Part of why I’m so passionate about real estate in Nashville is because of how connected we are to the land here. Whether you’re strolling through a local nursery, sipping sweet tea in your backyard, or harvesting your first tomato of the season, there’s something so special about growing where you live.

Thinking about putting down roots in Nashville? I’d love to help you find a home that lets you grow, inside and out.