My Soil Isn't The Same, Starting Fresh in Memphis: Lessons from the Garden (and a Few Uninvited Guests)

When we moved to Memphis with the family, I knew starting a new garden would be completely different from the one I had tended for three years back home. That garden thrived thanks to my own rabbit compost, duck pond water, and homemade worm castings. I learned firsthand how to rebuild soil and bring it back to life.

There’s an old gardening saying I always keep in mind: “The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps.” Goodness, that is the truth!

As I step back and look at this new garden, I’m seeing some elementary mistakes and slower growth than I’d like. But those observations have also confirmed what I already knew — nothing beats natural fertilizers and having animals as part of the system. That’s why I’m seriously considering adding quail, rabbits, or both. We’re still in a neighborhood setting while we search for land, so I need something manageable and neighbor-friendly.

Since I started this garden, it’s already become a little wildlife haven. We have an abundance of squirrels (which I’m not thrilled about — they dig far too many holes in my beds), ducks, turtles, and even a large rat snake that seems quite comfortable here. The habitat is clearly loved… but I need my plants to thrive in it too.

I’m trying to avoid buying too many outside fertilizers or manures. In my experience, they’re often too hot and can burn young plants, or they simply don’t live up to the claims. Even many “organic” products feel watered down these days. I’m a firm believer in truly regenerative, organic practices, and I want to stay true to that — not just use the buzzwords.

So this week my plan is:

• Start researching and sourcing rabbits, quail, or both

• Finish the greenhouse build

• Keep sowing seeds

• Find better ways to secure the garden from unwanted visitors

What are your plans for the first week of May in the garden? I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

Remember to shop our store for tallow and shea body butters, goat milk soaps or an ebook recipe book!

Until next time, Serena The Wild Bloom Garden