It’s that time of year again: our gardens are overflowing with an abundance of homegrown goodies! Or the supermarket shelves, if you’re not one to get your hands in the dirt! The seeds we’ve sown over the past few months have made it to their fruitful stage and we can eagerly check items off our grocery list. If you’re enjoying your harvest this time of year as well, here are 10 ways to use your garden veggies in the kitchen that will make you feel so very proud of your “farm to table” efforts!
Elevated Planter Garden
Before I begin, let me share a bit about the garden I’ve nursed this year! Normally I grow my garden veggies in 8×4 beds on the sunny side of my house. But having had a C-section this past spring, I knew I’d need something more convenient and less labor intensive. I opted for this elevated planter gifted from Earth Easy and not only has it been great for my recovery, it has fed my family well for the past month! Their Cedar Planters are made in the USA from Oregon Cedar and are coated with a non-toxic waterproof sealant to extend the lifespan of the piece! What I love about their selection is the variety of sizes, shapes, and heights to accommodate any space and make gardening fun and convenient for anyone!
I was hesitant that my favorite garden veggies would struggle to grow in the “container” garden environment, but they have been thriving. Maybe it’s the convenience that allows me to maintain it more regularly, maybe it’s the drainage being elevated off the ground, maybe it’s the safe placement on the deck away from critters. I think it’s a little bit of all of those things that have led to my garden success this year! If you’re wanting something that is convenient and pretty for your outdoor space, Earth Easy has so many great options for elevated planters, raised beds, and traditional garden beds with unparalleled quality!
What I Grow
Here are the veggies/fruits I have painlessly grown to fruit in the midwest:
- Beefsteak Tomatoes
- Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
- Peppers (jalapeños, serrano, red chilies, green bell pepper, garden salsa, etc.)
- Tomatillos
- Zucchini
- Japanese Eggplant
- Strawberries
- Green Onion
- Herbs (basil, thyme, lavender, cilantro, parsley, mint, rosemary)
- Cabbage
- Cucumber
- Okra
Of this list, I’ve only tried peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, and herbs in containers. I’ve found the peppers do best (they can still thrive in dry conditions), But I’ve been impressed with the success of each in a smaller “container” environment! For more info on starting your own veggie garden, check out my gardening for beginner’s blog post!
Putting the Garden to Use in the Kitchen
If you’re here, it’s likely because you’ve got a surplus of garden veggie output that you’re looking to use up! I’ve enjoyed doing the same and have a few recipes I love to use them in! I’ve listed them below:
10 Ways to Use your Garden Veggies
Garden Tomato Lasagna
One of my favorite tomato heavy meals that tastes even better with this fun and fresh twist!
Garden Fresh Bruschetta
Chop up your tomatoes and herbs and toss them in some olive oil for a delicious “garden fresh bruschetta” appetizer or some levelled up avocado toast!
Autumn Harvest Bowl
One of my favorite ways to use winter squash is with this savory and cozy seasonal bowl!
Hatch Pepper Chili
This may be called “hatch pepper chili”, but you can use any variety of peppers in this fun and delicious white chicken chili recipe!
Homemade Pico or Salsa
Chop up your tomatoes, onion, peppers, and herbs to use as a garden fresh dip or topping! Take it a step further and toss with mashed avocado, salt, and lime for the most AMAZING guacamole you’ve ever tasted! I also love to make homemade salsa – especially with my home-grown tomatillos!
Quiche or Egg Bake
Quiche and Egg bakes / frittata’s are such a fun way to use up some extra garden veggies! No need to measure anything, just chop up whatever you’ve got growing that morning!
Zucchini Boats
Any summer squash will do for this delicious garden fresh Italian meal!
Garden Fresh Chimichurri
This is a perfect way to utilize your thriving herb garden! Try out my “mojito” mint chimichurri to add a unique flavor to your next steak dinner!
Parmesan Baked Eggplant
The best way to prepare eggplant right here! Try out this healthy spin on a recipe I grew up loving!
Goodie Bags for Friends and Family!
Sprinkle some garden-fresh love to your people with random goodie bag drops! They’ll be thrilled to use them and it’s a great way to spread your labor of love to the people you love! Bonus – toss in a recipe for them to make with their garden goodie bag contents!
I hope this list has inspired you with some fun ways to put your garden to use this Fall! Enjoy your final days of summer with some sunshine and the people you love!
With love from my kitchen to yours,
kelsie
