Harvesting the Garden is the last in our series and the fun part of growing your own garden! The payoff of all of your hard labor! Tons of free recipes too!
Finally, after months of planning and work, you have beautiful vegetables and fruits in your garden! There are a few tips and tricks for proper picking and then storage and preserving your crops, so that they are at the peak of freshness and flavor!
How do you know a crop is ready to harvest?
Crops to harvest immature
Determining when your crop is ready to harvest varies by type. Here is a nice chart from Iowa State U, that shows this nicely.
Certain fruits and vegetables are best harvested young. They are tender and most flavorful immature. These include;
- carrots – use a garden fork to dig them out.
- lettuce
- radishes
- basil
- broccoli
- summer squash – small diameter vegetables are better tasting and have a nicer texture
- cucumbers -small diameter vegetables are better tasting and have a nicer texture
- beans
- eggplant
- peas -when pods have swelled, check on the size of the peas it contains. Smaller peas are sweeter
- sugar snap peas and snow peas. Pods should be bright in color and be beginning to swell. Taste them early. They should be tender but the peas inside should be much smaller than that of the green peas.
- asparagus – the most tender asparagus is small. The spears should be no bigger around than your little finger. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut bottom of spear.
Crops that can be harvested at any stage
- peppers, (hot peppers are hotter when mature)
- tomatoes (they ripen faster on the vine, and are tastier when mature)
- berries – some berries may require netting to protect from birds.
Crops that should be harvested fully mature
- apples
- corn – the silks at the end of ear will begin to turn brown and start to dry out. Check an ear. Nick a kernel with your thumbnail. if white milky liquid oozes out, then corn is ready.
- muskmelons and cantaloupe
- garlic, leaves will whither and brown.
- onions, leaves will whither and brown.
- pumpkins – should have a good color and a hard outer rind.
- Watermelon – same as pumpkins above. You can also wrap on the outside of full sized melons. It should sound hollow.
- cauliflower – self blanching varieties should still be white and curds should not have turned “ricey”. Varieties that are not self blanching should have outer leaves tied loosely together when head is 3-4 inches across.
Fall picked crops – crops that become more flavorful after a light frost
- carrots
- parsnips
- kale
- Winter squash
Harvesting the garden
Harvesting the garden is perhaps the easiest of all the steps, and obviously the most rewarding! Many of our most beloved vegetable crops can be picked by grabbing the fruit, twisting the stem of the fruit, and adding a gentle tug, while twisting. Do not tug too hard, or you risk damaging the root system, or breaking the plant. Plants in this category include, tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers.
Root crops, such as carrots, radishes, onion and parsnips, are picked by placing both hands around all of the leaves of the upper part of the plant, close to the ground, and strongly pulling straight up. If the root is very deep, a flat bar tool (link below) can be used to loosen the soil around the vegetable. Then it should pull right out of the soil.
Storing your harvest – Harvesting the garden
My great grandparents had what was called a root cellar, under their house. Many root cellars were accessible only from the outside. They usually had earthen floors and homemade shelving. It never froze in the root cellar, but maintained a temperature ranging from 40-50°F.
This area was perfect for storing all of their canned goods and much of their produce, like potatoes, apples, winter squash and onions. The area should have adequate ventilation.
Most modern homes do not have root cellars, so the best thing to do is purchase a separate refrigerator (used ones are cheap). Set the refrigerator to around 45°-50°F add a bowl of water and a small battery operated circulating fan to increase the relative humidity, and you have an instant root cellar!
Some crops like potatoes, especially sweet potatoes, and onions may require a process called curing before being able to store them. Clean them of dirt and debris. cure them in a dark area with moderate temperatures and good ventilation.
Most of the vegetables and herbs that you harvest will have a longer shelf life, if they are refrigerated immediately after harvest! Like everything in gardening, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Tomatoes are at the top of the list, they break every rule!
- tomatoes
Tomatoes are best stored on a sunny counter, or window sill, (not direct sunlight) after picking. They can be rinsed off, or not.
- basil
Store basil, after cutting off of plant with garden shears, in a cup filled with water. “Tent” the leaves with a plastic bag to form a greenhouse. Change water daily.
- parsley
Same as basil, above.
- potatoes
Store potatoes in a cool, dark space.
- onions
Store in a cool, dark space.
- garlic
Store in a cool, dark space.
- melons
Store in a cool, dark space.
- berries
Store in a cool, dark space.
Obviously, some crops will not store as long as others. Potatoes and onions will last a few months, berries only a few days.
Harvesting the garden – preserving your harvest
Harvesting the garden – drying as a means of preservation
Drying fruits and vegetables is an ancient tradition and still a great way to preserve some of your summer crops.
Many vegetables and herbs are perfect candidates for drying. Methods include, the oven, grill, an electric dehydrator, air fryer, or in the sun in dry climates. Those include;
- Sweet and hot Peppers
Recipes;
Habanero Recipe- Hot Pepper Flakes
This habanero recipe is an easy way to use up all of the habanero left on your plants in the fall! Hot Pepper flakes are a great habanero recipe to add to your pantry! Use a little bit of heat in all of your dishes throughout the year!
Make This
Dried Peppers - 4 easy methods
There are many methods you can use for dried, or dehydrated peppers. A commercial dehydrator, or the oven, your grill, even your air fryer can be used for dried peppers.
Make This
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- apples
Freezing as a means of preserving crops
Some crops freeze quite well. Many will lose their texture, but are great used in a variety of dishes.
- carrots
Recipes;
Venison Stew, slow cooker or stovetop
This Venison Stew is so easy! It’s so much healthier than beef, and has just as much flavor. The venison in this Venison Stew is neither gamey, nor tough. It is melt in your mouth tender, in the slow cooker or on the stove!
Make This
Carrot Soup with Toasted Pecans
Lactose free and vegan cream of carrot soup. Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch!
Make This
- corn, Cut off cob. Freeze on baking sheets, until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.
Recipes; Chicken Soup,
Venison Stew, slow cooker or stovetop
This Venison Stew is so easy! It’s so much healthier than beef, and has just as much flavor. The venison in this Venison Stew is neither gamey, nor tough. It is melt in your mouth tender, in the slow cooker or on the stove!
Make This
Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup
Sick of Turkey after the holidays? You won't be with this ultra flavorful soup!
Make This
- garlic
Recipes;
Garlic Scape Pesto
Easy, healthy topping for pastas, veges and bruschetta. Made fresh at home!
Make This
Garlic Scape Herb Compound Butter
This Garlic Scape Herb Compound Butter is easy with a beautifully mild garlic flavor!
Make This
- peas. Freeze on baking sheets, until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.
Recipes;
Venison Stew, slow cooker or stovetop
This Venison Stew is so easy! It’s so much healthier than beef, and has just as much flavor. The venison in this Venison Stew is neither gamey, nor tough. It is melt in your mouth tender, in the slow cooker or on the stove!
Make This
Carrot Soup with Toasted Pecans
Lactose free and vegan cream of carrot soup. Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch!
Make This
Chicken Soup
- peppers, roast in oven or on grill. Freeze in bags
Recipes; Sausage with peppers and onions, Roasted Pepper Soup, Roasted Pepper Sauce, Salsas
- tomatoes
Recipes;
Chunky Venison Chili - Slow Cooker Version
Chunky venison chili only takes a few minutes to put together but it slow cooks for 2 days! So tender, you won't believe it's venison!
Make This
Chili for a Crowd
This beef and chorizo chili makes enough chili for a crowd! Perfect for those cooler fall days to warm you up.
Make This
- zucchini, (I grate it in a food processor and then freeze)
Recipes;
Lemon Zucchini Bread
This Lemon Zucchini Bread is so moist, yet the crust is perfectly crunchy! Lemon Zucchini Bread can be made with fresh or frozen grated zucchini!
Make This
Zucchini, Green Onion, Cheesy Quick Bread
This bread is great toasted with butter but also makes a delicious grilled cheese sandwich!
Make This
- berries, all types. Freeze on baking sheets, until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.
Recipes;
Low Sugar Blackberry Jam
This low sugar Blackberry Jam Recipe is far superior to anything you can buy at the store! This Blackberry Jam Recipe is tart, yet sweet, and just tastes like a summer day!
Make This
Low Sugar Blueberry Jam
Once you make your own jam, you will never want to eat store bought again!
Make This
Homemade Blackberry Syrup
Homemade Blackberry Syrup has been a huge hit with friends and neighbors! Learn how to make it and how to can it.
Make This
Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Such a great way to preserve the flavors of summer! This Blueberry BBQ Sauce is great on chicken and pork! Sweet, tangy and smoky!
Make This
- cherries, halved with pit removed. Freeze on baking sheets, until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.
Recipes;
Cranberry Cherry Crisp
This Cranberry Cherry Crisp is an easy, delicious, festive dessert for the holidays!
Make This
Fermenting vegetables to preserve
- cabbage
Recipes; Sauerkraut
- carrots
Recipes; Fermented Carrots
- hot peppers
Recipes;
Fermenting Hot Peppers
Fermenting peppers is not a difficult process! It is quite easy, but patience is required! Fermenting peppers is an essential step in making hot sauce.
Make This
Fermented Hot Sauce
Making fermented peppers at home, to make hot sauce, is easy! Fermented Hot Sauce is a great way to use your all of your chili peppers at the end of the season!
Make This
- radishes
Recipes; Fermented Radishes
Harvesting the garden – pickling vegetables to preserve
- cabbage
Recipes; Sauerkraut
- carrots
Recipes; Pickled Carrots
- cucumbers
Recipes;
Sweet Pickles
Sweet Pickles are the perfect thing to do with the plethora of cucumbers in your garden! They can be water bath canned or cold packed (quick pickled), for shorter storage!
Make This
Kosher Pickles
These Kosher Pickles taste like the ones you can pick up at any Jewish Deli in New York! They are garlic dill pickles. Emphasis on garlic!
Make This
- hot peppers
Recipes;
How to Can Candied Jalapenos
These Candied Jalapenos, otherwise known as Cowboy Candy, are such a great treat any time of the year! Candied jalepeños are a great way to use up all of those jalapeños from your garden next summer!
Make This
- radishes
Recipes;
Quick Pickled Radishes
Pickled Radishes are super easy! No breaking out the canning pot in the heat of the summer! These are quick pickled, or cold packed and are the perfect condiment!
Make This
Quick Pickled Radishes
Quick Pickled Radishes are so easy to make and so wonderful to have in the fridge. Crisp, tangy and a little spicy these refrigerator pickles are great on salads, sandwiches, an appetizer tray or even to snack on! No canning involved!
Make This
- onions
Recipes;
Quick Pickled Onions
Quick Pickled Onions will only take 5 minutes hands on time and keep in the refrigerator for many months. Plus they get better with time! Perfect for your Cinco de Mayo party!
Make This
Pickled Red Onion
Making relishes to preserve garden vegetables
- cucumber
Recipes;
Sweet Pickle Relish
Sweet Pickle Relish is one of the easiest ways to use the glut of cucumbers that ripen every year in the garden! Delicious on sandwiches and in salads!
Make This
Dill Pickle Relish
A simple and easy recipe for canning amazing Dill Pickle Relish. This tangy dill pickle relish is perfect for anyone new to canning. Enjoy it on burgers, hot dogs, in potato or chicken salad.
Make This
- peppers
Recipes;
Sweet Pepper Relish
Sweet Pepper Relish is a perfect way to preserve all of the bell peppers you have in the garden! Perfect condiment for hot dogs, burgers, dressings and more!
Make This
Hot Pepper Relish
Hot Pepper Relish is a great way to preserve all of the peppers you have at the end of the season! Pepper relish is super easy to can and shelf stable!
Make This
- Tomatoes
Recipes;
Oscar Relish
This Oscar Relish is a surprisingly delicious condiment for use on a variety of proteins!
Make This
- Zucchini
Recipes;
Zucchini Relish
This Zucchini Relish is a favorite of everyone who tries it! I get requests for it often and it’s a great way to use up all of the zucchini in your garden! It tastes very similar to cucumber relish and is a great use for and abundance of zucchini.
Make This
- Peaches
Recipes;
Oscar Relish
This Oscar Relish is a surprisingly delicious condiment for use on a variety of proteins!
Make This
Canning; Making Jams, Jellies, Preserves, BBQ Sauce, Salsas, Pie Fillings, Chutneys and Syrups
Water Bath Canning Pot is sufficient to can jams, jellies, etc., due to the acid content. Canning your garden harvest in jars is a great way to conserve freezer space.
- Apple
Recipes; Apple Jelly, Apple Butter
- Apricot
Recipes;
- Blackberries
Recipes;
Low Sugar Blackberry Jam
This low sugar Blackberry Jam Recipe is far superior to anything you can buy at the store! This Blackberry Jam Recipe is tart, yet sweet, and just tastes like a summer day!
Make This
Homemade Blackberry Syrup
Homemade Blackberry Syrup has been a huge hit with friends and neighbors! Learn how to make it and how to can it.
Make This
- Blueberries
Recipes;
Low Sugar Blueberry Jam
Once you make your own jam, you will never want to eat store bought again!
Make This
Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Such a great way to preserve the flavors of summer! This Blueberry BBQ Sauce is great on chicken and pork! Sweet, tangy and smoky!
Make This
- Cherries
Recipes;
Cherry Jam
Cherry BBQ Sauce
This Cherry BBQ Sauce is fantastic with chicken, pork, and a variety of other proteins!
Make This
- Peaches
Recipes;
Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce
This Peach BBQ Sauce is a delicious way to preserve your peaches. It has a sweetness from the peaches and a mellow note from the bourbon.
Make This
Canning Peach Salsa
Canning Peach Salsa is way easier than you imagine and how nice would it be to have your own homemade salsa? So much better than the commercial stuff!
Make This
Low Sugar Peach Jam
This Low Peach Jam is like a taste of summer, that will last all year long! It is delicious and easy to do!
Make This
- Raspberries
Recipes;
- Rhubarb
Easy Rhubarb Jam
Making your own rhubarb jam could not be easier! It’s a perfect way to preserve this wonderful flavor of summer to enjoy all year long!
Make This
- Onions
Recipes; Onion Jam, Onion Marmalade
- Tomatoes
Recipes;
Green Tomato Salsa
What do you do with all of the green tomatoes left on the vines in September, October? Why you make this amazingly delicious Green Tomato Salsa! Green Tomato Salsa couldn’t be easier, and it cans and freezes well!
Make This
How to Can Homemade Salsa
Canning salsa at home is easier than think and it tastes so much better than the store bought stuff!
Make This
Harvesting the garden – Canning; whole or sliced vegetables
Pressure Canner is required for canning some fruits and vegetables whole or sliced. Others can be processed in a water bath canner!
- Apple
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Peaches- Recipes;Canning PeachesAn easy step by step tutorial on Canning Peaches. This recipe for how to can peaches is perfect for beginners and experienced canners alike. Instructions include low-sugar and no-sugar options.Make This
- Raspberries
- beans
- beets
- Carrots
- corn
- peas
- Tomatoes- Recipes;
Canning Whole Tomatoes
Learn all about canning whole tomatoes. This step by step tutorial is perfect for beginners or those with lots of canning experience. One of the easiest ways to preserve your tomato harvest to utilize all year long!
Make This
Other recipes using produce from your garden
Vegetables
- Asparagus
Recipes;
Asparagus & Shallots
This awesome asparagus and shallots recipe is a perfect side dish for any main meal! So delicious!
Make This
Asparagus Soup Recipe
This Asparagus Soup Recipe is so very easy! It’s a great way to use the hard ends that you break off of the asparagus and discard! It’s also Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy free, and paleo (check the brand of coconut milk you buy. It should only have coconut and water).
Make This
Shrimp & Asparagus Quiche
This Shrimp & Asparagus Quiche is so delicious! It's also perfect for Mother's Day Brunch! Put together in less than 30 minutes and then relax while the oven cooks it.
Make This
Asparagus Orzotto with Pancetta
Asparagus Orzotto makes a lovely side dish for any spring meal, or a light meal by itself. Vibrant and fresh, the dish is done in less than 30 minutes.
Make This
Halloumi and Asparagus Quiche
Isn’t it quiche one of the easiest things ever to make? Well I think it is and if you didn’t think so I believe it’s time for you to rethink it, give it the make and see what I’m talking about
Make This
- Beans
Recipes;
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon and Garlic
Want to know how to cook fresh green beans in the most delicious way ever? Try pan fried green beans almondine with bacon. Just 6 ingredients!
Make This
,
Beans Curry
Beans curry was something that I could never make it right! Now why is that? I either cook the beans too much…or I don’t cook it much. For the past few times I have cooked it, I made sure I was right next to the stove and it cooked perfectly.
Make This
Green Beans Almondine -Amadine
Green Beans Almondine has to be one of the easiest vegetables dishes to make! It is great for the holidays, because the green beans can be blanched the day before and then can be finished in a few minutes!
Make This
Grilled Garlic Pasta Salad with Cherries and Garlic Scape Pesto
This is such and easy recipe! Fresh and delicious!
Make This
Dragon Tongue Beans with Pancetta
Wow! Dragon tongue beans! We just picked a lovely basket of these long, purple-striped beans from our garden and created the best side dish of Dragon Tongue Beans with Pancetta and farro.
Make This
Air Fryer Green Beans
These Air Fryer Green Beans are the perfect mix of easy, quick and oh so tasty vegetable treat.
Make This
BBQ Red Cabbage and Yellow Beans
Red cabbage is a great vegetable to BBQ. I like my vegetable to still have its crunch and not mushy and BBQ red cabbage gives me the best of both world.
Make This
- Beets
Recipes;
Thyme Roasted Baby Beets
Sweet, earthy and caramelized baby beets are divinely paired with a tangy lemony tahini drizzle for an easy dish that’s just as perfect as a nourishing side as it is for a simple lunch or dinner!
Make This
,
Beet Salad
THIS BEET SALAD RECIPE HAS A HOMEMADE DRESSING WITH A SWEET AND SOUR FLAVOR REMINISCENT OF (WHAT I CALL) RED BEET EGGS. GARNISHED WITH CRUMBLED BLUE CHEESE AND PECANS, IT’S A WONDERFUL COOL SALAD TO MAKE ANY TIME OF THE YEAR.
Make This
French Lentil Salad
Beets and fennel are all over the market and let’s use what’s available? The two vegetables complement each other wonderfully because they get sweet in the oven as you roast them.
Make This
Radichio and Beet Salad
Radicchio has a deliciously bitter flavor that compliments many fresh salads. Grilling this member of the chicory family mellows it’s bite
Make This
Beetroot Energy Balls
The recipe I prepared is healthy and red. Its energy balls where I’ve added beetroot and all ‘good for you’ stuff. Check out the recipe and go on, try it out. Its super duper easy.
Make This
Beet Pizza with Beet Leaf Pesto
This vibrant beet pizza is eye-catching and delicious. The vegan pizza crust recipe is bright purple from the addition of beets (you can’t taste them). Plus, it uses the entire beetroot – from root to leaf – in the pizza, beet leaf pesto and toppings.
Make This
- Brassicas – Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Romanesco
Recipes;
Oven Roasted Cauliflower
Oven Roasted Cauliflower is an easy vegetable side dish to make for the holidays, or just any weeknight! This cauliflower takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and the oven does the rest!
Make This
Cauliflower au Gratin
This Cauliflower au Gratin is a favorite to have for the holidays, or any day! Cauliflower and cheese is a cheesy, creamy vegetarian dish!
Make This
Cauliflower Cheese Soup
This Cauliflower Cheese Soup is gluten free! Easily made lactose free and vegan by swapping out the cheese for a vegan substitute!
Make This
Cauliflower au Gratin – GF and DF
Gluten free, dairy / lactose free and vegan side dish for any occasion!
Make This
Maple Roasted Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Just a hint of sweetness gives this side dish a wonderful flavor!
Make This
White Lasagna, Romanesco & Sausage
White Lasagna is a fun twist on traditional lasagna! This white Lasagna has Italian Sausage and Romanesco, a delicious cruciferous vegetable!
Make This
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This Crunchy Broccoli Jicama Salad is not your typical broccoli salad. It's paired with chunks of jicama and tastes fantastic especially topped with the tanginess of a zingy avocado dressing.
Make This
Broccoli Jicama Salad
This Crunchy Broccoli Jicama Salad is not your typical broccoli salad. It's paired with chunks of jicama and tastes fantastic especially topped with the tanginess of a zingy avocado dressing.
Make This
Orecchiette Pasta with Romanesco
This orecchiette pasta with Romanesco broccoli is based on a traditional recipe from Puglia. It can be made with other types of broccoli too and is a wonderfully delicious and nutritious winter pasta dish.
Make This
Romanesco Curry
This nutty roasted romanesco curry is a great recipe for showcasing the beautiful flavours of a romanesco cauliflower. It’s easy to make, relatively quick and vegan too. If you’re looking for a healthy curry to make at home then this is it!
Make This
- Cabbage
Recipes;
Eggroll in a Bowl
This Healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl (aka Crack Slaw) has all of the great flavor of Egg Rolls, but it's a sure to please Easy One Pan Meal with all the taste, but without the carby wrappers.
Make This
Baked Cabbage
BAKED CABBAGE- THE BACON ADDS FLAVOR WHILE THE BROWNED BUTTER ADDS IT’S OWN UNIQUE TASTE. IT’S ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! THIS IS A RECIPE YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE.
Make This
Apple & Dried Cherry Coleslaw
A slightly sweet, slightly tangy version of this classic side dish.
Irish Colcannon
Colcannon is an Irish dish that has been around for centuries! It is super easy and normally served for St. Patrick’s Day in the US, but great any time of the year!
Make This
Cabbage Rice Recipe
Looking for an alternative to rice? This cabbage rice recipe will surprise you. It’s easy to make and takes little of your time. Another quick and easy yet effective recipe for anyone looking to make a swap with rice in their menu.
Make This
Simple Cabbage Salad
We eat a simple cabbage salad several times a week. It’s an easy way to bring more veggies onto our plates at various times of day, regardless of what the calendar says.
Make This
- Carrots
Recipes;
Cinnamon Maple Glazed Carrots
Learn how to make maple glazed carrots in 20 minutes + 4 ingredients! This easy cinnamon glazed carrots recipe is so EASY, and it tastes amazing!
Make This
Black Rice
This black rice recipe, not only is simple to make and fresh for the summer, it is also full of healthy vegetables and fibres. A vegan meal that can be served as main or as a side dish for a barbecue dinner.
Make This
Carrot Soup with Toasted Pecans
Lactose free and vegan cream of carrot soup. Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch!
Make This
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are an easy and delicious side dish for any meal. Glazed with butter and brown sugar, they also are known as burnished carrots, or roasted carrots. With just 3 ingredients, cooking them on the stove top makes them fast and easy! Elegant enough for company, easy enough for a work night!
Make This
Broccoli Carrot Potato Cococnut Curry
This broccoli carrot potato coconut curry is a lovely light curry, perfect for warmer days and cooler nights. A simple and delicious meal inspired by our love of Indian food.
Make This
- Corn
Recipes;
Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Canning delicious salsas in the summer can save you money all year long!
Make This
Mexican Street Corn
This Mexican Street Corn recipe is the best way to serve corn on the cob. The cheesy, salty, and spicy topping perfectly balances out the natural sweetness of the corn.
Make This
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Corn
Time to break out the grill! Now that (most of) the cold weather has passed, it’s time to be out in the fresh air again. When I think of fresh air, I think of hours in the backyard, more fresh produce and grilling!
Make This
Corn Salad
Time to break out the grill! Now that (most of) the cold weather has passed, it’s time to be out in the fresh air again. When I think of fresh air, I think of hours in the backyard, more fresh produce and grilling!
Make This
Dominican Corn Pudding
Majarete – Dominican Corn Pudding – a sweet pudding made with fresh sweet corn.
Make This
- Cucumber
Recipes;
Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber Tomato Summer Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Salad takes all of ten minutes to prepare! It is perfect summer, healthy fare!
Make This
Lemon & Cucumber Cake with Gin Icing
Cucumber Cake! This delicate green cucumber cake tastes like a lemon sponge with a subtle, refreshing flavour from the cucumber. It’s a summery cake and I’ve topped it with a gin icing.
Make This
Cucumber Mojito
Chill with this easy 5-ingredient cucumber mojito. The perfect cocktail with a subtle taste of cucumber, a hint of mint and the bright flavor of fresh limes.
Make This
German Cucumber Dill Salad
Refreshing German Cucumber Dill Salad to serve as a salad side dish during the hotter months of the year.
Make This
Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
This Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad is one of my favorite summer side dishes to throw together on a warm night.
Make This
Prawn, Radish, Cucumber Sandwich
I could have this prawn radish and cucumber open sandwich every single day and I would never get bored of it. Just so good and sooo refreshing….
Make This
- Eggplant
Recipes;
Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
This Italian Fried Eggplant Recipe is absolutely delicious without using bread crumbs! Instead, it’s fried with flour and eggs. It’s simply delicious!
Make This
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
This baked eggplant parmesan recipe is pure Italian comfort food and a family favorite. From the perfectly cooked eggplant to the delicious sauce to the indulgent gooey cheesiness, this dish is one of my favorites
Make This
Baked Eggplant Pasta
This eggplant pasta is another classic Sicilian recipe where the eggplant is often the main ingredient of many dishes.
Make This
Aubergine Caviar
This eggplant pasta is another classic Sicilian recipe where the eggplant is often the main ingredient of many dishes.
Make This
Deep Fried Eggplant Balls
Deep fried eggplant balls is a classic recipe from the South of Italy, flavoured with basil and Parmesan, even the fuzziest children will devour those delightful vegetable bites.
Make This
Timbale and Grilled Aubergine
Rice timbale is a risotto mixed with meat and vegetables cooked in a mould, also known as Sartu in Naples.
Make This
Vegan Eggplant Sandwich
This vegan eggplant sandwich is so delicious that you’ll keep making it over and over again. Layers of smoky and fresh vegetables are packed in panini bread, then toasted till perfection! Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, and lunches on the go!
Make This
Sweet & Tangy Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant lovers will rave about this grilled eggplant with a sweet and tangy glaze. The beautiful bold colors make this an impressive side dish at any BBQ or picnic.
Make This
- Peas
Recipes;
Sauteed Green Beans & Peas with Basil
Easy 15-minute sautéed green beans recipe! This spring or summer vegetable side dish is a simple green bean and pea saute with a sprinkle of fresh mint and basil. Can be grilled too!
Make This
Braised Beef with Asparagus and Peas
This recipe comes from the old school world of cooking! It is simply braised beef shin in a good quality beef stock until a knife is no longer required, then it is served on some spring asparagus and peas!
Make This
Asparagus Salad with Pea shoots
This easy asparagus salad is full of the tastes of spring, with asparagus, pea shoots and radishes topped off with a bright dressing and crisp pancetta.
Make This
Creamy Pea Salad
Creamy Pea Salad is truly tasty and soooo easy to make. A no-fuss, low-carb side dish that is perfect for those busy midweek meals.
Make This
Pea Bruschetta
These simple Pea Bruschetta (pea crostini) make the most wonderful fresh easy appetizer.
Make This
Green Peas Halwa
Matar ka Halwa (Green Peas Halwa) is a rich creamy, easy to prepare dish with few ingredients. This is fairly uncomplicated dish to make and delicous to eat dessert.
Make This
Raw Sugar Peas Salad
It takes just a few minutes to prepare this raw sugar snap pea salad with a delicious fresh herb and lemon vinaigrette. Upon hearing this news, the crowd goes wild!
Make This
Pea Salad Recipe
Pea Salad is such a classic spring salad! This Pea Salad Recipe is perfect to make when my Mom is coming because it is both gluten and dairy free! The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to put it all together! So much easier than potato salad!
Make This
- Potatoes
Avocado Potato Salad
Light and creamy, Avocado Potato Salad with Spring Onions and Radishes, made with few simple and fresh ingredients. This low-calorie salad is rich in nutrients – healthy fats and fibers, mayo-free, dairy-free, vegan and just delicious
Make This
Mom's Bacon & Egg Potato Salad
This is the best Potato Salad you have ever eaten! This recipe makes a huge batch (5 lbs.) so if you have a smaller crowd, cut the recipe down.
Make This
Irish Colcannon
Colcannon is an Irish dish that has been around for centuries! It is super easy and normally served for St. Patrick’s Day in the US, but great any time of the year!
Make This
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
Recipes;
Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb come together in this gluten-free strawberry rhubarb crisp. It’s a great choice for spring and summer entertaining or to bring to potlucks!
Make This
Rhubarb Strawberry Apple Salad
This healthy summer salad is very fresh, juicy, sweet, with pleasant acidic notes from lemon and rhubarb. Easy and delicious strawberry salad! Moreover, it is extra special with strawberry sauce.
Make This
Straight-up Rhubarb Pie
This pretty homemade pie is perfectly sweet and tangy. It lets the natural flavor of fresh rhubarb shine through without any distractions and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Make This
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
This healthy strawberry rhubarb cobbler is vegan, made with coconut oil, coconut sugar, and spelt flour. Minimally sweetened and with simple ingredients, it’s a nice lighter spring option, especially served with a scoop ice cream.
Make This
,
My Mom's Rhubarb Pie
This Rhubarb Pie is slightly sweet and slightly tangy! It is the best rhubarb pie EVER!
Make This
Gluten-free Rhubarb Crisp
This gluten-free Rhubarb Crisp is so easy and is a great gluten and lactose/ dairy free way to enjoy Rhubarb Pie! It is tart and sweet and incredibly easy!
Make This
- Summer Squash
Recipes;
Zucchini Noodles Ground Beef Stir Fry
Make This
Summer Harvest Pasta
Labor Day is next week. Of course this means pumpkin everything on the horizon and my basic girl heart is swelling with excitement. But it also means that gardens and farmer’s markets are chock full of all the delicious end of summer veggies. Zucchini, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes.
Make This
Grilled Summer Squash
Easy grilled summer squash with goat cheese and oregano is a delicious summer side dish for using up that bounty of fresh harvest! (gluten-free, nut-free)
Make This
Zucchini Crust Tomato Spinach Feta Pie
Seven ingredient + low carb Tomato Spinach Feta Pie with an easy zucchini crust – delicious as a simple weeknight dinner or weekend brunch!
Make This
Sauteed Shrimp with Zucchini
This sautéed shrimp with zucchini showcases natural sweetness of shrimps and zucchini. The addition of garlic and lemon juice makes the dish so delicious. It is a quick and easy one-pan meal for busy days.
Make This
Summer Squash Casserole
This quick and easy Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for the holiday season!
Make This
Ravioli with Buffalo Mozzarella Summer Squash Sauce
Double Spinach Ravioli in Buffalo Mozzarella Summer Squash Sauce – This pasta sauce is a great way to hide veggies into your kids’ pasta meals. They won’t be able to guess all the squash you snuck into the sauce!
Make This
Squash Risotto with Thyme,
Curried Yellow Squash Soup
This Curried Yellow Squash Soup is creamy, easy and delicious! It is also, conveniently, gluten free and vegan!
Make This
- Winter Squash
Recipes;
Spaghetti Squash Boats with Mozzarella Cheese
Spaghetti Squash Boats with Mozzarella Cheese, Garlic and Parsley. A delicious side dish or vegetarian meal. Add in veggies to make it even more filling!
Make This
,
Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon Spaghetti Squash Boat
Easy delicious side dish to enjoy with any meal!
Make This
Butternut Squash, Apple, Coconut Soup
This Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is also gluten and lactose free! Step by step directions for stovetop, in your instant pot and in a crockpot.
Make This
Roasted Butternut Squash
This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is easy and delicious! With just 3 ingredients, you’ll find out how to roast butternut squash the easy way! No peeling or chopping required! Oven roasting takes all of the work out of the task.
Make This
- Tomatoes
Recipes;
Chicken Stuffed Tomato Bites Appetizers
These Chicken Stuffed Tomato Bites are an easy gluten and dairy appetizer for any occasion! Best part? They are no cook, economical and take all of 15 minutes to make a enough for a party!
Make This
Cucumber Tomato Summer Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Salad takes all of ten minutes to prepare! It is perfect summer, healthy fare!
Make This
Tomato Consomme Tortellini
This recipe will probably taste more of tomatoes than anything else you have ever eaten, the tomato consomme in this simple pasta dish is pure perfection!
Make This
Grilled Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Grilled Goat Cheese Bruschetta is toasted on the barbecue grill, smeared with creamy Goat Cheese, and topped with a bright, flavorful Tomato, Kalamata Olive, and Herb Salad.
Make This
How to Make Tomato Juice
Looking for a way to use up your tomatoes or just want to make a great healthy drink? We teach you how to make tomato juice that is flavorful and healthy.
Make This
Summer Tomato Garden Sauce Pasta
On this day, I gathered tomatoes, oregano and parsley and came straight to my kitchen and cooked up Summer Garden Tomato Sauce Pasta.
Make This
Bruschetta Chicken
Bruschetta Chicken is a healthy and delicious Italian dish that comes together with just a few fresh ingredients. Savory juicy chicken breasts topped with a classic Tomato Bruschetta and a touch of tang thanks to a marinade (and a finishing drizzle) of Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Make This
Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs
An Italian Farro Salad made with juicy and sweet cherry tomatoes, peppery radishes, fragrant fresh herbs, and a zingy vinaigrette. This feel-good salad is great for eating outdoors, as a packed lunch or a healthy side dish and couldn’t be simpler to make!
Make This
Fruits
- Apples
Apple and Bresaola Salad
A tasty and colorful salad with apple, Italian Bresaola, radishes. A combination of flavors that always work, both in winter and in summer.
Make This
Apple Butter
The act of canning apple butter is as iconic to fall as canning peaches is to summer. But lucky for you, this crockpot apple butter recipe is a lot more hands-off!
Make This
- Apricot
Apricot Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Apricot Chicken is the perfect summertime recipe, when the backyard apricot tree is full and your stomach is empty.
Make This
Apricot and Vanilla Pastries
Apricot and vanilla pastries recipe! 3 apricot mumps laid on a pillow of vanilla pastry cream are enclosed in this gorgeous puff pastry, easy to make and delicious!
Make This
Apricot Panna Cotta
Apricot and vanilla panna cotta recipe, vanilla panna cotta paired with pureed fresh apricots is such a delight!
Make This
- Blackberries, Raspberries
Recipes;
Blackberry Pie Recipe
This Blackberry Pie Recipe is easy and a perfect summer dessert for a picnic or BBQ. Flaky pie crust and a not to sweet filling make this recipe stand out!
Make This
Blackberry Tea
Enjoy Blackberry Tea either sweet or unsweetened with a slice of lemon! The perfect summer refresher for your whole family!
Make This
Venison with Blackberry Sauce
This Venison with Blackberry Sauce is elegant enough for company but easy enough for any weeknight dinner! Venison with Blackberry Sauce is also one of the most delicious recipes in my repitoire of Venison Recipes!
Make This
Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce
These Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce is an easy summer dessert that is fresh, tart and sweet, all at the same time. Perfect for summer entertaining!
Make This
Blackberry Peach Galette
This Blackberry peach Galette is very simple. Easier than making a pie.
Make This
Mini Peach and Berry Tarts
Mini peach and berry tartlets recipe, mini fruit pies with a layer of vanilla pastry cream and a choice of saturn peaches, raspberries and blueberries. Make them all three or pick the one you prefer!
Make This
Vanilla Layer Cake with Blackberry Buttercream
Fluffiest vanilla layer cake with dreamy blackberry buttercream – perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
Make This
Raspberry Syrup
This homemade fresh raspberry syrup for drinks is made with three ingredients: fruit, water and sweetener!
Make This
Blackberry Cupcakes
This recipe is for basic vanilla cupcakes. I wanted to garnish my cupcakes with blackberries because they look so good on top of the cream and I also added them to the cream itself. Plus, they’re super tasty! It’s a no-brainer.
Make This
White Chocolate Raspberry Pie
With a crunchy base, a creamy filling with a hint of orange, this raspberry and white chocolate pie will have your guests daydreaming.
Make This
Blackberry Pear Traybake
Enjoy this blackberry and pear traybake and use up unripe windfall fruit; it’s perfect for picnics.
Make This
- Blueberries
Recipes;
Banana Blueberry Quick Bread
This Banana Blueberry Quick Bread is so easy, moist and delicious!
Dairy Free Blueberry Smoothie
Use either fresh or frozen blueberries to make this healthy, antioxidant rich, delicious smoothie!
Make This
Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
Easy lemon blueberry Bundt cake recipe, this Bundt cake is bursting with lemon and blueberry, buttery with a delicious crumb, sweet, tangy, this Bundt cake is a real crowd pleaser!
Make This
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Bread
This vegan lemon blueberry bread recipe is so tasty it’s one of my favorite breads. The lemon and blueberry are so complementary each other perfectly which makes this bread a great addition to any breakfast table.
Make This
Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies
These Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies are so delicious! They are soft and chewy with plenty of juicy blueberries and bitter-sweet chocolate inside.
Make This
- Cherries
Recipes;
Cranberry Cherry Crisp
This Cranberry Cherry Crisp is an easy, delicious, festive dessert for the holidays!
Make This
Apple & Dried Cherry Coleslaw
A slightly sweet, slightly tangy version of this classic side dish.
Cherry Crumble Pie
Cherry crumble pie is both a seasonal delight and an easy pie recipe to master. Arguably, the best cherry pies are those that come directly from your grandmother’s kitchen.
Make This
Cherry Brie & Bacon Quesadilla
Today’s recipe is dedicated to the delicious sweet red cherries from that very tree. And they are in season now. I stuffed them in a quesadilla!
Make This
Cherry Camambert Grilled Cheese
This cherry camembert grilled cheese sandwich is so delicious that it will soon become your family favorite!
Make This
Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot
Who doesn’t like chocolate-covered cherries?! This Chocolate-Covered Cherry shot is just as popular but more fun for grown-ups, especially at holiday gatherings!
Make This
- Peaches
Recipes;
Peach Sorbet
If you’ve got a ton of peaches, make this easy Peach Sorbet! It is super easy, vegan and the perfect no-guilt end of summer treat! You can make peach sorbet with or without an ice cream maker! No cutting up peaches either!
Make This
Peach Crisp
Peach crisp is an easy summer dessert that can be assembled in less than 15 minutes! This Peach Crisp Recipe is Gluten Free and Vegan!
Make This
Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce
These Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce is an easy summer dessert that is fresh, tart and sweet, all at the same time. Perfect for summer entertaining!
Make This
Blackberry Peach Galette
This Blackberry peach Galette is very simple. Easier than making a pie.
Make This
Southern Peach Cobbler
Peach Cobbler is a quintessential Southern dish! Did you know Florida has thousands of acres of Peaches? Yup, that's right!
Make This
Peach Chocolate Galette
Decadent dark chocolate 5-ingredient galette dough, rich almond cream filling, and vibrant, yellow peaches. You only need a couple of minutes with a food processor and 20 minutes in the oven. Vegan and gluten-free.
Make This
Roasted Peach, Feta, Pistachio Salad
My idea for a Roasted Peach, Feta & Pistachio Salad was born!
Make This
Peach Iced Tea
Stay cool in the heat this summer with this super refreshing Peach Iced Tea. A really naturally sweet and fruity drink that is great for serving up to a crowd.
Make This
Peach Sorbet
This is the Best Peach Sorbet Without Ice Cream Maker – simple 3 ingredient peach sorbet that tastes like summer in a bowl, with no need for an ice cream maker!
Make This
- Plums
Recipes;
Spiced Poached Plums
THE SPICED POACHED PLUMS ARE GENTLY POACHED IN A SYRUP INFUSED WITH CINNAMON AND STAR ANISE.
Make This
Plum Vanilla Custard Tart
This recipe is nothing fancy; just a very classic french style Shortcrust Pastry (Pate Brisee) tart filled with Vanilla Custard (Creme Patissiere) and topped with Fresh Plums.
Make This
Stone Fruit Salad Burrata
Celebrating the summer bounty with a quick and super easy-to-make salad starring two of my all time favorite ingredients: crunchy and sweet stone fruit & rich and creamy burrata ~ yum!
Make This
Yellow Plum Sorbet
This Yellow Plum Sorbet was caught my eye immediately! I thought the use of Grand Marnier was interesting!
Make This
- Strawberries
Recipes;
Strawberry Salsa
This Strawberry Salsa is so versatile! You can literally use what you have in the pantry! One of the reasons I love Strawberry Salsa is that it's so easy!
Make This
Grilled Brie Recipe & Balsamic Strawberries
This Grilled Brie Appetizer with Balsamic Strawberries is the perfect, ridiculously easy appetizer for your next cook-out! I am making it again for the 4th of July!
Make This
Strawberry Infused Sea Scallops
These Strawberry Infused Sea Scallops are not only gorgeous but they take less than 40 minutes, including marinating and have a wonderful hint of strawberry!
Make This
Sparkling Ginger Strawberry Lemonade
We call this strawberry ginger fizz: It’s bright, refreshing, the strawberry puree is so fresh and the zippy, tiny-bit-spicy-sweet ginger syrup take this lemonade to the top.
Make This
Spinach, Pecan Strawberry Salad
This easy spinach pecan strawberry salad is one of my favorite salads in the world.
Make This
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing is a great way to add a summery touch to your salads. The recipe is fast and easy to make and this fresh homemade salad dressing is quite versatile.
Make This
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Bursting with natural colour and flavour, this is the best strawberry cheesecake you’ll ever make at home.
Make This
There are, indeed, thousands of ways to preserve your precious crops, so that you can enjoy them throughout the year! So why not get started? Take that first step and plant a little garden this year, so that you can reap the benefits this summer!!
Don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter, so that you don’t miss any new recipes! Only 1 email per week, on Fridays! Sign up form is below!
If you have any questions about Harvesting the Garden, or any other garden topic, let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you and be happy to help!
If you missed the rest of the series, start with Planning Your Garden, one of the most important steps!
Also, don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!
Tools I use to when harvesting the garden
Contains affiliate links, for full disclosure, see FTC Disclosure, here.
I hope you have enjoyed this series on How to Start a Garden, and that it is, and will be, helpful to you, now, and in the future! Thanks for stopping by today!
Enjoy! And have fun cooking!
Xoxo,
Harvesting the Garden and Preserving the Harvest
The last, in our 5 part series, How to Start a Garden! This will teach you the proper way to harvest those crops, that you have worked so hard on! We also have over 100 FREE recipes for you to see, so that you can find new inspiration for ways to preserve the fresh crops, at the peak of freshness!
See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 1 garden 10′ x 10′
Cost: $50
Ingredients
- 1 baskets for gathering