This interview is with Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery.

Tammy Sons, Founder/CEO, TN Nursery

Tammy, welcome to Composting.io! Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a gardening expert?

I am a plant expert and the founder of Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, specializing in providing high-quality native plants and trees. With over two decades of experience in the industry, I still am passionate about sustainable gardening practices and educating others on the benefits of incorporating native flora into their landscapes. My expertise and commitment to environmental stewardship have made me a respected figure in the gardening community.

Your career in gardening spans over 38 years! That's incredible. Can you share some pivotal moments or key decisions that shaped your path?

One of the most crucial decisions in my life was founding Tennessee Wholesale Nursery. This venture allowed me to channel her expertise into a business that provides high-quality, native plants and trees to customers nationwide. The nursery's success is a testament to dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

You mentioned an active online community for your gardening business. How important would you say composting is to the success of home gardeners, especially those just starting out?

Composting creates nutrient-rich soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth. Compost adds valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, which are vital for plant development. For beginners, having nutrient-dense soil can make a significant difference in the success of their garden.

That's a great point about composting being a foundation for beginners. What are some common composting mistakes you've encountered, and how can our readers avoid them?

Many beginners fail to maintain the correct balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials in their compost pile. Too much green material can make the compost pile slimy and smelly, while too much brown material can slow down the decomposition process.

Speaking of success, your business experienced a boom after a customer's video went viral. What role do you see composting playing in the broader conversation about sustainable living and environmental responsibility?

A customer video is a potent resource. Composting plays a vital role in sustainable living and environmental enhancement. It is beneficial for flower beds, sustainable vegetable gardens, and the ecosystem.

You're clearly adept at staying ahead of trends. What are some innovative composting methods or technologies that excite you, and why?

Worm castings are incredibly nutrient-rich and are the best natural additions for plants. We use them in our greenhouses, and they have increased plant growth by 400-500% in a short period of time. This has allowed our plants to be ready for resale in a much shorter time frame.

For someone passionate about composting but limited by space constraints, like apartment living, what would be your top recommendation to get started?

Countertop composting is popular and excellent for container gardening, window boxes, or raised beds. It's increasingly popular in small areas, like apartment living.

Finally, what advice would you give to our readers who are hesitant to start composting, feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the process?

I would recommend speaking to a nursery or successful master gardener. Also, every county in our state (TN) has a local extension field agent that allows the general public to learn about sustainable practices.