This week on Community Corner, Brother Love sits down with Tennessee Kitchen Gardens CEO Sarah Ruzic and Director of Garden Operations Abi Tapia. They talk about how Tennessee Kitchen Gardens helps homeowners grow herbs, flowers, and fresh vegetables. Their goal is to help those who want to create their own gardens or plant fresh vegetables. Tennessee Kitchen Gardens provides resources, education, and hands on support to help people successfully grow their own food.Â
Sarah Ruzik began gardening with her grandmother in South Alabama at a young age. Her passion for gardening grew even more when she traveled to Guatemala. On her trip, she helped grow gardens to provide nutrition for children. Although she experienced some difficulties, such as insects, she learned to adapt to the environment and was able to overcome many of these struggles. Those experiences continue to inspire her work today and have helped shape the idea behind Tennessee Kitchen Gardens.
Abi Tapia came to gardening through a very different path. Before joining Tennessee Kitchen Gardens, she worked as a singer-songwriter and later as a live event producer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Abi met Sarah while they were in training to become garden coaches. They both shared a passion for helping people connect with gardening. Today, she helps people by providing support, guidance, and works directly with clients to help them build successful gardens.
One of Tennessee Kitchens Garden’s major missions is to educate those who have questions or want guidance with their garden. Through newsletters, gardeners receive recommendations for different varieties of vegetables. For example, knowing how to grow tomatoes specifically for snacking, slicing, or making sauces. The newsletter also provides seasonal gardening advice. Abi Tapia shares tips, such as growing lettuce every two weeks. Nashville weather can be unpredictable at times, but following tips like these will ensure you at least one successful batch.
Community members can get involved with Tennessee Kitchen Gardens in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, the organization offers workshops and educational events. They can also go to a client’s house to offer advice and support. These resources give seasoned gardeners fresh ideas while also making gardening easier for beginners.
Tennessee Kitchen Gardens tries to help people find joy in growing their own food, whether they are interested in growing a large backyard vegetable garden or just a few herbs for their kitchen. Sarah and Abi have a true connection to gardening and provide education, coaching, and community engagement. Visit their website or follow them on social media to find out more about Tennessee Kitchen Gardens, upcoming courses, and gardening tools.
Also, If you missed it live, you can listen to the full episode below. Catch Community Corner live as it airs, tune in every Saturday at 7am on Lightning 100
