Home Gardening Inspiration & Education

We are so grateful to have gotten some measurable rainfall in Louisville, KY this week! There truly is no substitute for good old fashion rain in the home garden.

It’s been a HOT summer with temperatures in the 90's and heat indexes in the 100's. Thank goodness for irrigation systems, city water, and of course RAIN water.

Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are heavy drinkers, ha, and need consistent watering. If not, they can develop a myriad of problems. 

Inconsistent watering in a food garden can lead to: Blossom End Rot on tomatoes and peppers; plants drying out and burning up entirely; stunted growth and development; and unworkable soil - to name a few.

Here is a good metrics on water requirements for edible plants:

Most food crops need one inch of water per week in 60 degree Fahrenheit weather.

For every 10 degree rise in temperature your plants will need an additional 1/2” of water.

In the 70’s you’ll need 1 1/2” of water.

In the 80’s they need 2” of water.

In the 90’s th...

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From Soil to Sustainability: A Practical Guide to Starting and Monetizing a Small Farm

If you’ve been craving a life tethered to the land, where your hands work in rhythm with the seasons and your profits grow from the earth, launching a small farm might be your calling. But make no mistake—farming is a business just as much as it is a lifestyle. That means you’ll need to make smart decisions from the very beginning to create something that can thrive both agriculturally and financially. Whether you dream of lush rows of vegetables, pasture-raised animals, or something more unconventional like agritourism or alternative energy partnerships, there’s a path forward. What matters is planning with intention and acting with clarity.

Choosing the Right Land

Before you buy a single seed or tractor, you’ll need to secure land that actually supports your farming goals. Soil quality is critical, and so is water access—two things that aren’t always obvious in a real estate li...

Reflecting upon your personal journey is so important. In the moment we don't always know if we are making the right decision.

Twenty years ago I walked away from a life of booze and smoke.

Eighteen years ago personal health problems led me to local food and farms.

I learned how badly damaged our modern food and farm systems are. One that has chosen monoculture over biodiversity. One that has adopted chemical fertilizers and pesticides over good soil management.

Government subsidies for "field crops" like soy, corn, and wheat have burdened our bodies, our land, and our economies.

Sixteen years ago I walked away from corporate America to pursue local farm work.

Local systems use sustainable, ethical practices. They value good stewardship and honor natural ecosystems.

Fourteen years ago i opened a farm business to nurture my soul and serve my higher power.

Sometimes we make drastic changes that don't always lead to a clear place. Doors open and you just keep walking.

Nine years ago we star...

The cool season is just around the corner, and you can start getting your garden ready with these basics! It is time for lettuces, beets, swiss chard, cabbage, dill, and more!

To prepare you need to prune, clear, prep the soil, and pick your plants. Very soon we plan to release a Free Fall Challenge to walk you step by step through growing a fall garden so in this blog I just want to go over the basics.

Pruning

Your summer garden should be winding down, plants will produce less, and be producing smaller fruit. The plants that are still producing can be pruned back to encourage the plant to put out their last fruit. Any dead or yellowing foliage can be cut away and put in your compost.

Clear

Clear away any dead or dying plants and any debris that may have built up in your garden. You want to clear as much soil space as you can in your beds for the new planting, but leave anything still producing, and give your garden a fresh start. 

Prep the Soil

Between growing seasons, you want...

Our vision at Edible Gardens Inc. is to inspire edible gardens for every space. We work to achieve that mission everyday by helping home gardeners wherever they are at in their journeys! We will install a garden from scratch or help you better care for the garden you have through classes and mentorship or give you the tools to DIY your own garden! 

We know from personal experience and scientific evidence that gardening provides substantial benefits to human health. A recent study in 2017 showed that home gardening is linked to better social, and emotional health in young children as well as reduction in behavioral difficulties (Richardson et al., 2017). Another study showed the connection between home vegetable gardening and reductions in depression, stress and an increase in ability to handle stress, overall it increased the physical and mental well-being of adults (Machida, 2019; Peeters et al., 2014). Having a garden in your own yard creates a space for you to connect with nature a...

It's July in Kentucky and hard to think of fall when the summer temperatures are so hot, and the spring planting frenzy feels like its just over.   However, it is time to start sowing seeds and and thinking about where your fall plants will be tucked into the garden.   Think: carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbage, swiss chard, kales, and many other of your favorite fall fares. The smaller, faster growing greens like radishes, lettuces, spinach, etc will come later.

So where do we start?  First of all, let's just say that there is still time to sneak in a few last minute summer plantings.  Cucumbers, squashes, & green beans can all stand to be directly sown into the hot soil and will mature safely before threat of frost in late October.  

Now let's familiarize ourselves with three plant families: Chenopods, Umbelliferous, and Brassicas.  For edible plants, the Chenopod Family contains beets, swiss chard, and spinach.  July & August are greet times to begin direct sowing beets and chard in...

It all starts with a vision, and a consultation. 

Welcome to Kara and Stella’s front yard edible garden!

Kara wanted to garden for years, and especially now that her four year old is interested.  After touring Kara’s heavily wooded property, we decided that the front yard had the best sun, proximity to water, and to the kitchen window.  

Our designs consider not only the space, but the gardener's experience level too.  Her space could have accommodated several beds but as a beginner, we decided to start small. 

Kara ordered two red cedar raised beds sized 8x4x1.  We removed the Pachysandra ground cover, leveled the area, added pea gravel, and flag stone.  We trenched in the black edging and topped the beds with soil, plants, and trellises.  And wowza!  I will say it looks fantastic and I love love love that is in her front yard!  

These beds will be used by the whole family.  Stella, Kara's daughter, is a natural.  To sit back and watch this mother and daughter work together in t...