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City Cast Nashville

Let us help you find Mother Nature in this concrete jungle.

Margaret Kingsbury

Many farms in the Nashville area allow visitors to pick their own produce. Right now, strawberries are in season, with more berries and fruits on the way. Before you head out to a farm, check its social media page for hours and availability. Bring cash, as some farms don’t accept cards, and a bag for produce. Here are some of our favorite you-pick farms!

Check this large Bellevue farm’s website and social media pages for pop-up, you-pick strawberry picking. Otherwise, you can find fresh strawberries at its market. The market contains heaps of excellent produce and other farm goodies. It’s also a great place to snag lunch.

Also located in Bellevue, this farm currently offers you-pick flowers and strawberries. The farm’s CSA season begins soon, too, if you want to support them beyond a carton of strawberries.

This woman-owned Smyrna farm is in week two of strawberry picking. Flowers are available for picking, too. I recommend visiting on Farm Fridays, where you can find local vendors in addition to fresh produce and flowers.

Strawberry picking is in full swing at this Castalian Springs farm, located just outside Lebanon. This farm also grows blackberries, blueberries, peaches, and raspberries, which will be available later in the year.

 says this year’s strawberry crop is its best! Located in College Grove, right outside Arrington, this farm announces picking dates on social media. Starting in May, the farm hosts the Arrington farmers market every Wednesday.

You can currently pick strawberries at this Spring Hill farm, with blueberry season right around the corner. Blackberries and raspberries will be available later in the summer, too. The farm’s store sells pie kits and jam, and if you’re lucky, two very friendly dogs will come say hi.

Bradley Kountry Acres is located in Cottontown, and strawberries have just ripened! Buy plants for your garden while you’re there, and blueberries and blackberries will be available for picking later in the summer.

Take a day trip to the Kentucky border to visit this woman-owned farm, where, in addition to you-pick strawberries, you can find flowers, meats, fresh produce, and homemade ice cream. Plus, it’s open every day of the week!

Breedan’s Orchard kicks off their pick-your-own-peaches season on June 24. You-pick reservations sell out fast, so keep an eye out for when tickets become available. They have a great market and frequent events throughout the year.

You-Pick Farms

🧑‍🌾 Nashville-Area CSAs

Wondering where to pick strawberries and fruit in Nashville? Check out these local farms.

Where To Pick Strawberries and Fruit in the Nashville Area

Your Guide to You-Pick Strawberry & Fruit Farms Near Nashville

Get to know the natural side of Nashville: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Nashville Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

It’s tulip-picking time! Tulip season is short, so if picking flowers is on your spring bucket list, or you just want a killer spring selfie, head out ASAP to one of these local you-pick flower farms.

Get beautiful, fresh-picked tulips at this Bellevue farm, located at the intersection of Hwy. 70 S. and Charlotte Pike. It’s $5 to enter the fields, and $2 per stem. The farm is close to the end of its tulip-growing season, so make sure to check their Instagram before heading out.

This Columbia farm is currently open to the public every day of the week for tulip picking. It costs $16-19 a ticket, with five free tulips included. After that, tulips are $1.50 per stem. You’re welcome to bring a picnic, and there’s also a concession stand.

This place is a wonderland for kids, with animal encounters (sloths!), pony rides, and farm-style amusement park attractions. They have the largest you-pick tulip farm in the Southeastern U.S., but they could run out of tulips soon. Tickets start at $12.

This family farm has Cookville’s longest-running produce stand. They just opened for tulip-picking, and on Saturday, March 28, they’re hosting 

, with a bunny trail and egg hunt, local vendors, and flower picking. Or visit on April 4 for their Tulips for a Cause event, which benefits Operation United Hope. Admission is $5, and tulips are $2.50 per stem.

Take a day trip to Roberts Five Farm in Sparta, just outside Cookeville, to find your perfect tulip bouquet. They just opened, so it’s a great time to go. Admission is $5, and tulips are $2.50 per stem, with a $1 bargain for weathered blooms. You might want to wear boots, or at least close-toed shoes.

🧺 Local CSAs

It's tulip-picking time! Here are five tulip picking farms in the Nashville area.

5 Middle Tennessee Tulip Picking Farms

Where To Pick Tulips in the Nashville Area

Whitney Pastorek

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is today. Winter Storm Fern did a number on our trees, and if you’re like me, you’re itching to plant new ones. Great news — this is the perfect time to give a new tree buddy a great start, because the cool temps will 

 before the heat and drought of warmer months set in. Here are some great options if you’re looking to find native or locally grown trees for your yard or business.

Every year, the Tennessee Environmental Council distributes thousands of bare-root saplings across the state to help build our tree canopy. This year’s event is on March 21, and their timing couldn’t be better. 

 for pickup (they’re all less than $5!) at one of a dozen Nashville-area locations by March 8.

I’ve purchased two trees for my yard via NTCC, and since one of them was brutally crushed during the ice storm, I guess it’s time for another. Their 

 is up and running right now, with locally grown trees of all kinds ready to find new homes. For an additional fee, they’ll even plant them for you.

Root Nashville is working with the city and the 

 to plant 500K new trees in Nashville by 2050. They accept applications for new trees in the right-of-way and 

, and you can also apply for 10+ trees to 

 in Kingston Springs, and the good people at 

 are always happy to look at photos of your space and make a recommendation. You should also keep an eye out for the 

Nashville Tree Foundation’s giveaway events

 — they often pop up at farmers’ markets with container trees you can take home.

🌳 Celebrating Big Old Trees

Whether the ice storm took out your beloved trees, or you’re just planting for spring, here are the best places to get new trees in Nashville.

Need New Trees in Nashville? Here’s Where To Look

Where To Get New Trees in Nashville

 has become increasingly popular as consumers desire more ways to eat local, get involved in their community, and support local farmers. The 

 originated in Japan in the 1960s after a group of women were concerned about pesticides in produce. The first CSA was formed in the U.S. in 1984.

The simplest definition of a CSA is a box of produce that you pick up from a farmer every week. Many of our local farms offer pickup at farmers markets around town, and in some cases, you can visit the farm itself. Several farms let folks order half-shares and include add-ons like milk, eggs, honey, or fresh-cut flowers. There’s even an all-beef CSA.

This is a great time to subscribe to one of our local CSAs before they sell out. Here are some of our faves.

Located in Bellevue, this family-owned farm offers produce in 7-week blocks, for those not ready to commit to a full 21-week season. The farm also welcomes strawberry and flower picking later in the year. Their early-bird discount on CSA boxes ends March 15.

I currently subscribe to Bells Bend, and I love picking it up on Saturday mornings at the Richland Park farmers market. (They’re also at the East Nashville market, or you can go straight to the farm.) Add-ons for grass-fed yogurt and gourmet mushrooms are available, and membership gets you free admission to farm events!

This nonprofit, which ensures leftover food from restaurants gets used in healthy meals for the community, also offers a veggie box that includes popular produce and herbs from Burma and Bhutan, thanks to the South Asian farmers at the Growing Together Farm in South Nashville.

Amazingly, this working farm is located in the heart of Inglewood in East Nashville, where it began in Alex Bice’s backyard after COVID-19 shut down his music career. They offer pickups at the Richland and East Nashville markets, the South Inglewood Community Center, and the farm itself.

This CSA offers heirloom fruits and veggies through a partnership with Golden Rule Farm, an old-order Mennonite farm in nearby Scottsville, Kentucky. They’ve got multiple pickup locations, and even offer home delivery in Davidson and Wilson Counties!

On top of seasonal organic produce, Caney Fork Farms also offers a regenerative meat share featuring 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork and chicken. They also allow you to purchase per week, rather than per season.

My favorite Nashville veggie supplier

🧑‍🌾 Your Farmers Market Guide

It's the perfect time to sign up for one of Nashville's CSAs, or community supported agriculture boxes. Here are some of our favorite local CSAs.

Sign Up for These Nashville-Area CSAs

Your Guide to Nashville’s Community Supported Agriculture

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you should stay indoors. Our local city and state parks have heaps of activities this time of year, from winter solstice hikes to Christmas bird counts. Here are some events to check out.

, the shortest day of the year, is on Sunday, Dec. 21. Many of our local parks have activities celebrating the start of winter, and the return of more sunlight.

While Warner Park’s big solstice celebration is 

 around a fire from 1-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Several Middle Tennessee state parks have winter solstice hikes on Dec. 21: 

 runs until Jan. 5. This event promotes conservation through counting instead of hunting birds. You’ll need to sign up to officially submit your counts, which contribute to research. On Dec. 20, count birds with the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society at 

While Metro Parks facilities are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can still hike. In the past, my family and I have hiked at Edwin Warner Park, Bells Bend Park, and Timberland Park. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions. If you’d rather participate in a group hike or activity, check out these state park events.

 is hosting a 1.4-mile hike to explore 2,000-year-old Native American mounds and waterfalls.

There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a hike. Practically every state park in Middle Tennessee is hosting a first-day hike, like 

 — where you can check out the park’s newest 12 acres — 

🏞️ Your Guide to Edwin Warner Park

Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you should stay indoors. Check out these winter and holiday hiking events at Nashville area parks.

Your Guide to Winter Solstice & Holiday Hiking in Nashville

Winter Solstice & Holiday Hiking in Nashville

Have you put up your Christmas tree yet? If not, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite locally owned businesses selling live Christmas trees, from quick and easy lots to farms where you can spend the day.

The Land is a magical little co-op that’s only a quick trip outside Nashville in Kingston Springs. At Wonder Gift & Garden, you can not only pick out your Christmas tree, but also buy gifts inside for the nature lovers in your life. Afterwards, head to 

, also on The Land, for baked goods and hot chocolate by the fire.

Kiwanis Park is that lot right across from Nashville State Community College and Target on White Bridge Road, where the Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch is in the fall. They’ve got tons of trees right now, including ones with roots, if you’re interested in replanting.

This family-owned farm lot located at the intersection of Hwy 70 and Hwy 70 South in Bellevue sells lots of different tree sizes.

The family who owns JVI Secret Gardens in Donelson makes purchasing a Christmas tree from their lot extra special by providing free hot chocolate and s’mores, and offering a photo op with your new tree! All their trees come from small family farms, and you can purchase Christmas decorations there as well.

Santa’s Trees has eight lots in the Nashville area. They also sell wreaths, wooden reindeer, and garlands. I especially love the delivery and set-up options.

Head to 51st Avenue in The Nations to shop from this veteran-owned Christmas tree lot, with sizes ranging from 7-9 feet tall.

Located an hour outside Nashville in Cunningham, this charming family farm makes for a perfect holiday-themed day trip. You can buy a precut tree, or cut down your own! Enjoy free sleigh rides and hot chocolate, and a wreath workshop on Dec. 7.

Fast’s Greenery in Arrington has a great selection of trees and Christmas decorations, from wreaths to poinsettias. Inside, find fresh-baked goods and gift baskets. There’s also a fire pit, and free hot cocoa and popcorn. They’re celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

This family-owned Christmas tree farm in Murfreesboro offers precut and choose-and-cut options. Plus, their Christmas shop has numerous gifts and holiday decor.

Christmas Tree Lots

🛷 Local Christmas Parades

Here are some of the best locally owned businesses selling Christmas trees in Nashville, from quick and easy lots to farms where you can spend the day.

Your Guide To Finding Live Christmas Trees in Nashville

Where To Buy Live Christmas Trees in Nashville

McKenna Harford

If your trees are starting to look as bare as the ones in my neighborhood, you might be tempted to pull out the leaf blower or rake, but resist that urge! Instead, join the 

 movement, which encourages people to let the fallen foliage stay to benefit the environment.

Want to learn more? Read our guide, and then go check out the "

 event this Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Warner Park Nature Center 

Leaving the leaves has a number of ecological benefits according to 

, including providing habitats to pollinators and small wildlife like frogs or salamanders. The leaf litter also attracts birds foraging for food.

Animals and bugs aren’t the only beneficiaries — the foliage helps promote soil health, too. As the leaves break down, they act as a natural mulch to fertilize your yard.

Another huge perk of not removing leaves is that it cuts down on the amount of yard waste that’s sent to landfills. NTCC says that when 

, it rots instead of decomposes, which releases methane gas — an air pollutant.

While leaving the leaves is mostly self-explanatory, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of a leaf-strewn lawn.

NTCC’s main tip is to avoid letting the leaves pile too deep on top of grass, because they can block sunlight and smother the lawn below, as well as allow mold growth. So be sure to 

redistribute the leaves around garden beds

 or under bushes. You’ll also want to clear the foliage off the root flare of trees.

 for later use or added to compost piles, although NTCC cautions against using the mulching setting on your lawnmower — that could grind up any critters already making a home in the leaves.

Don’t have any leaves? Fall is also a great time to 

 to pick out the right one for your space. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure what will grow in your yard — they can help advise you. They’ll even deliver and plant it for you, which means your shovel can stay in the shed with your leaf blower. 😅

Leaves

🍂 Do you leave your leaves?

A guide to the benefits of leaving the leaves and tips on how to do it.

Why Nashvillians Shouldn't Rake Their Leaves

Why You Shouldn't Rake Your Leaves

Now that Halloween is over, you might be wondering what to do with your pumpkins. Here’s your guide, from where to compost them to animal rescues accepting donated pumpkins.

Don’t throw your pumpkin in the trash. More than 

 end up in landfills each year, and release harmful methane gas as they decompose.

While some websites recommend feeding pumpkins to wildlife, many experts say it can 

, and pumpkin mold/rot can cause animals to become ill.

🎃 What To Do With Your Pumpkin Instead

 will compost pumpkins and other materials for you, and either deliver the results right to your door for use in your garden, or donate them to local farms.

 are accepting pumpkin donations to use as compost or feed through the nonprofit Pumpkins for Pigs.

You can also donate your pumpkins to Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary at their annual 

 on Nov. 8. There will be vendors, live music, hot chocolate, and animals to pet!

Still have a whole, undecorated pumpkin? 

. Feel free to share results with your friendly City Cast Nashville team. 😁

🌺 Planting a Native Fall Garden

Now that Halloween is over, you might be wondering what to do with your pumpkins. Here’s your guide!

How To Compost or Donate Pumpkins in Nashville

What To Do With Your Halloween Pumpkins in Nashville

Did you know fall is a great month to plant a native garden? I spoke with Melinda Baker, program coordinator at 

 educator, to get her recommendations and tips. Plus, where to buy native plants!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

“Native plants, insects, birds, and other fauna co-evolved together over millions of years. Their interdependent relationships foster the biodiversity that stabilizes our ecosystems and food systems. Because of habitat loss, we’re rapidly losing native plant and animal populations, which in turn is diminishing the health of our ecosystems overall.

“Nashville and the wider Middle TN area are being devoured by unsustainable development. With that comes pavement, herbicides and pesticides, manicured turf-grass lawns, and mostly nonnative ornamental plants. These things degrade our ecosystems and food webs, not only creating food deserts for insects and other wildlife, but straining human food systems and health. It’s an unsustainable paradigm.

“Thankfully, there are paths to restoration and coexistence with nature, if we choose to take them. Planting native can regenerate lost habitat and biodiversity, especially if we all do it. If we approach our yards like land stewards, we have the power to make a profound difference in the biodiversity crisis, especially at the local level.”

“Fall plantings have a better survival rate in Middle TN, so it’s the best season to plant. My plant lists are a combination of natives I find attractive or interesting and those that serve an important purpose in our ecosystem. Spoiler alert: All native plants serve an important purpose.

“It’s essential that a native habitat provides food and host plants year-round. As you plan, think about what new species you want to add to enhance the landscape visually and ecologically. I’m always very excited to watch my fall bloomers show out — the native asters, goldenrods, sunflowers, and salvias. They’re all so beautiful while being among the heaviest hitters ecologically. Insects, birds, and other wildlife are still very active in the fall, and many folks forget how important native fall wildflowers are.

“If you’re new to native habitat gardening, native plant sales are a great place to start your journey. There are lots of species to choose from, and plenty of folks around to answer questions. For more comprehensive help, you can also reach out to us at 

 for a fun, two-hour session about how to regenerate native habitat on your property. Plant recommendations included!”

Wild Ones Middle TN Fall Native Plant Sale

. Order Oct. 14-21, pick up on Oct. 24 at Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary.

Nashville Public Library’s Seed Exchange

🌼 What’s your favorite native flower?

Fall is the perfect time to plant native gardens. The Habitat Connection has some tips on how to get started on your native fall garden in Nashville.

Native Fall Gardening in Nashville Tips

Your Guide to Planting Native Fall Gardens in Nashville

 is one of Nashville’s most peaceful and underrated parks. The 808-acre park is located in rural West Nashville, far away from traffic and city noises, and there’s usually only a handful of other visitors. I love its big open skies and plentiful wildlife. Here’s everything you need to know about the park.

, and is bordered by the Cumberland River and numerous farms. The city purchased the land in 1989, but didn’t convert it into a park until 2007. The park serves as a vital floodplain and has meadows, pastureland, ponds, and forested knolls. The tall grasses make it an excellent place for birds and other wildlife.

, and six miles of trails total. The main trailhead is at the park’s outdoor center, and a smaller one nearby at the Popular Hollow Trailhead. All the trails intersect and loop back to their origin points. Give yourself an hour or two to hike, or more, though you could take a short hike to the barn and back if you don’t have much time.

There are no paved trails here; it’s all grass. While relatively flat, I wouldn’t recommend hiking with a wheelchair or stroller. Many areas get muddy. However, none of the trails are difficult, and I had my daughter hiking them with me as a toddler. Dogs are welcome, too.

For birders, the field directly behind the outdoor center is a treasure trove. Get there early in the morning or right at dusk to see the most birds, though there are always a lot! The smaller Popular Hollow Trailhead begins in a wooded area, where a turkey once chased me! I’m not sure who was more startled. I also frequently see blue herons and other water birds at ponds scattered throughout the park. My favorites are the bobwhites I’ve spotted a few times in the morning.

There isn’t a lot of shade, so if it’s a hot day, go in the morning or evening, and bring water.

It’s tick central, especially in the summer months. 

. Now that it’s September, the ticks should be lessening.

 has natural and cultural history displays, and is open Tuesday through Friday. They also host numerous events.

Climbers should check out the boulder by the outdoor center, as well as the climbing wall inside.

The park offers a limited number of free mountain bikes and helmets for use on its 

Bells Bend Park is one of Nashville's quietest and most underrated parks. Here's your guide.