Grey Duck Garlic
Kitchen Gardens
Ever tasted a great meal and wondered what the cook’s secret was? Well, chances are she or he used garden fresh herbs and vegetables. Great cooks know that the right recipe is secondary to using flavorful fresh ingredients.
You can get vegetables from the local farmer’s market. While supporting local agriculture is great, you can’t always depend on getting the specific herbs and vegetables on the day that you want them. In addition, most farmers markets are held weekly, so the produce that you purchased fresh on Saturday isn’t so fresh come the next Friday. To ensure that you always have the supplies for your favorite dish consider a kitchen garden.
Kitchen gardens can be small herb gardens or larger herb and vegetable combinations. To decide what is right for you consider the space you have available and your needs. Even an apartment dweller can have a nice container garden of herbs on a sunny window. Fresh herbs can add an extra zing even to store bought vegetables. Those with a patio or balcony can add containers of their favorite vegetables. City dwellers may be able to participate in community gardens as well. If you have a small area suitable for gardening, you have even more choices.
As you consider your space, think about your cooking style. Do you love tomatoes? Plant extra and try several different types. Hate Brussels sprouts? Don’t waste valuable space on anything you dislike. Some vegetables are a little overwhelming if you have only a small space. You may love sweet corn but it will be hard to fit much on a small balcony. It will be better to concentrate on plants that produce continually or quickly like herbs, peppers, cucumbers, carrots or salad greens. Some plants, like radishes or lettuce, can be planted at intervals so that you always have some ready to harvest.
Many people love the taste of home grown food but have no time to garden. The great thing about growing your garden in containers is that you can use weed free soil mixes for an almost work free growing experience. If you have a more conventional gardening space you can add 4-5 inches of mulch around your plants or seedling to smother weeds and reduce gardening chores. To limit time spent watering, and maximize time spent cooking, add a drip irrigation line. You can even use drip or bubble irrigation with container plants. This reduces the time you spend watering and conserves water too! You may also want to try container gardens to reduce weeding.
With a small investment of time you can enjoy fresh wholesome food! Imagine the look on your friends faces when after they compliment you on a delicious meal you can tell them that you grew and cooked all the vegetables yourself!
Get your ducks in a row with Grey Duck Garlic!
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