Oak Hill Garden Center

08/17/2026

Hello Gardeners,

It’s summertime and gardeners are finally able to harvest and enjoy sun ripened tomatoes, fresh sweetcorn, and green beans. But wouldn’t it be great if our gardens would continue producing right up to and beyond that first frost in October?

Fall gardening might just be one of the best kept secrets in the vegetable world. Despite common misconceptions, it’s not too late to plant new seeds or young transplants in August, and it really all depends on finding the right species of vegetables that can grow to maturity despite cooler temperatures. This time of the year is perfect for starting a new garden. The weeds are slowing down, the air is generally cooler, and most bugs have already done their damage for the season. And yet – the soil is still warm, which is perfect for sowing seeds and planting certain vegetables.

Your garden beds will need to be prepared before planting. Begin by clearing out the old summer vegetable plants and composting the spent ones. Next, your garden soil will benefit from being refreshed with either fertilizer or compost to increase available fertility, as young plants need a nutrient boost when beginning their growth. Then be sure to water frequently during early plant establishment, as August in southern Kentucky can be quite hot.

Most gardeners are familiar with a fall garden of cool season crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Now is the time to set out transplants of those vegetables and cole crops are generally unbothered by the light frosts of October. August is the perfect time to direct seed many quick maturing root vegetables such as carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes for fall. These plants can be harvested after a frost, as the soil will insulate and protect them, and the cool nights help intensify their flavor and sweetness.

Also, if you plant now, your garden can produce another bounty of bush beans, cucumbers, and summer squash. You must be careful to only plant quick maturing varieties and you may need to utilize row covers for frost protection during those first cold spells in October.

As you can see gardeners, it’s not too late to plant a fall garden and extend you harvest right up to frost and beyond.

Happy Gardening,

Barb

07/03/2026

Hello Gardeners,

It’s finally summertime and many of us are longing to be able to travel. Whether you are taking a weekend to visit family or an extended vacation at the beach, make sure to have a plan in place for keeping your houseplants watered while you are away.

The more natural light your plant receives, the thirstier it will be over time. Houseplants near a sunny window, compared to those in full shade, will require up to twice the water due to increased evaporation. So, before leaving on your trip, move your plants a bit farther away from the light to the center of the room. Even a plant that requires full sun will be fine in these conditions for a short time.

Upcycle bottles by filling them with water and punching a hole in the bottle top. Turn the filled bottle upside down and stick it deep into the potting soil near the plant’s stem. Make sure the hole is small so the water is released slowly. By using this method your plants will gradually be watered over several days.

Add a layer of mulch or wood chips to the surface of your pots, then give them a good soaking before you leave. This extra insulation will help retain moisture and keep your plants hydrated longer.

A completely different strategy many people are opting for is using low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, in their indoor landscape. Succulent plants store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and seem to thrive on neglect. Many of these plants can happily survive several weeks without being watered.

No one wants to worry about their houseplants while trying to enjoy a much-needed vacation. By making a plan and practicing a few simple steps before departure, you can rest easy and not worry about your houseplants.

Happy Gardening,

Barb

06/01/2026

Add a bit of whimsy to your garden this summer! Stop by our sister business - Expressions Tea and Gifts - and pick up a cute flower pot for your plants!

Expressions is located in Grand Central Place, Light 18, Somerset

05/22/2026

Thank you for a fantastic Spring selling season! We are closed now as we get our mums ready for you. Hope to see you in the Fall!

05/21/2026

Today (Thursday, May 21) is the final day of our Spring Selling Season at Oak Hill Garden Center. Gates close at 4 pm. Come by today to get some bargains!

05/20/2026

Hello Gardeners,

It’s been a tough spring to be a vegetable gardener. The majority of southern Kentucky has been in a severe drought for the last few months; although thankfully, parts of the state has recently received measurable scattered rainfall. Also, after gardeners finally planted their vegetables, most areas experienced very late frost conditions. How does a gardener rebound from all this?

The good news is, it’s not too late to replant if needed. Vegetable transplants can still be found at most garden centers and big box stores. I even noticed this past week that several local farm supply stores still had a nice selection of plants for sale. By planting now, your harvest may be delayed a bit, but most plants will still produce by midsummer.

Transplants purchased now may be a bit overgrown or “leggy”, so be sure to plant them deep in the soil. Overgrown tomatoes can even be planted in a trench by laying them on their side with the stems covered and the leaves turned upward. Extra roots will emerge along the buried stem, which will result in a stronger plant and more production. With the recent rise in temperatures, vegetables normally planted from seed, such as sweet corn, green beans, cucumbers, and squash, should germinate quickly. After planting, garden beds need at least one inch of moisture a week to maximize growth. This can be achieved through rainfall, if we’re lucky, or supplemental irrigation.

Even with a late start, gardening can still be an enjoyable and productive activity this summer. It’s not only physically rewarding, by the food you grow, but also mentally stimulating, as you work in nature with the knowledge you can be self-sufficient.

Happy Gardening,

Barb

05/18/2026

SALE! SALE! SALE!

50% off all vegetables and herbs

Special pricing on all remaining flowers

05/15/2026

SALE!

50% off all vegetables and herbs

Special pricing on all remaining flowers

05/11/2026