Spring Gardening in Southern Appalachia | Cullowheegee Farms

Beautifully fragrant daffodils blooming at Cullowheegee Farms

Spring at Cullowheegee Farms is a season we wait for all year. Yes, natural soap and self-care are at the heart of what we do—but step outside our workshop and you’ll quickly see that gardening is just as much a part of our story.

There’s something special about those first warm days when the land starts to wake up. The moment we spot the first green shoots pushing through the mulch, it feels like everything is beginning again. After nine years here, we’ve slowly shaped this already beautiful property into something deeply personal—our own little oasis. If it flowers or tastes good, we’re all in.

Early spring is when the real work begins. Every flower bed gets attention, including one that has become… let’s just say, impressively large over the years. We clear away fallen leaves and winter debris, pull the early weeds, and then—our favorite part—mulch, and lots of it. Fresh mulch has a way of making everything feel clean and cared for, like a reset button for the garden.

Mulching enhances soil health and plant growth acting as a protective, organic layer over the soil. It's great for moisture retention, weed suppression, erosion control, and more.

We’re especially fond of irises, and they never disappoint. With their range of colors and elegant blooms, they’re the first to truly put on a show each year. Seeing them return stronger and more vibrant each spring is one of those simple joys that never gets old.

While the outdoor garden is slowly coming back to life, inside tells a different story. By February, our home office transforms into a makeshift greenhouse, filled with trays of seedlings and the promise of warmer days ahead. Peppers take center stage—we take our pepper growing seriously. Not only are they one of our favorite things to eat, but they’re also the foundation for the hot sauces we make throughout the year. Since peppers need a long growing season, starting them indoors gives us the head start we need for a successful harvest.

As spring gardening progresses, our focus shifts to the vegetable beds. We have three in total, with space for around 250 plants, and getting them ready is no small task. Tilling, adding compost, and building healthy soil is all part of the process as we prepare for planting in May. Each year brings new lessons, and this year, we have one clear mission: outsmart the rabbits. After losing more plants than we’d like to admit last season, we’re determined to protect this year’s garden.

Gardening, much like soapmaking, is a practice in patience, creativity, and care. It connects us to the rhythms of the seasons and reminds us why we value natural ingredients so deeply. The same intention we put into tending our gardens finds its way into everything we make.

We’d love to share more of this journey with you as the season unfolds—from the first blooms to the height of summer harvest. Spring is just the beginning.