Preserving the Harvest: 01 02

Embrace the abundance of your garden by exploring various preservation techniques for your surplus produce. Canning, pickling, and creating delicious sauces and jams not only extend the lifespan of your homegrown treasures but also capture the essence of summer flavors to be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you’re creating jars of vibrant salsa or preserving the tangy sweetness of fresh berries, these preservation methods lock in the freshness and allow you to savor the taste of your garden’s harvest long after the growing season has passed.

Foster a sense of community and spread the goodness of your garden by sharing your surplus produce with friends and neighbors or local food banks. Not only does this generous act reduce food waste, but it also brings joy and nourishment to those who may not have access to fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Whether you organize a neighborhood swap, donate to a community organization, or simply share a basket of goodies with a neighbor, the act of sharing your garden’s abundance strengthens connections and cultivates a spirit of giving.

Extend the enjoyment of your garden’s bounty by freezing excess fruits and vegetables. Whether you blanch them before freezing or opt for flash freezing, this preservation method retains the flavors and nutrients of your produce, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer even in the midst of winter. From frozen berries for smoothies and pies to frozen herbs for seasoning, having a freezer stocked with your garden’s goodness ensures that you have a convenient supply of fresh ingredients ready for culinary adventures year-round.

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen by experimenting with recipes that showcase the flavors and textures of your garden produce. Take inspiration from the vibrant colors of your homegrown vegetables and fruits and dive into the world of culinary delights. Whip up refreshing salads bursting with flavor, create homemade salsas and chutneys to elevate your meals, or infuse your dishes with the aromatic herbs from your garden. The possibilities are endless, and your surplus produce provides the perfect canvas for culinary exploration and the creation of delicious masterpieces.

Quench your thirst and revitalize your body with homemade juices and refreshing beverages crafted from your garden fruits and vegetables. Extract the vibrant flavors, vitamins and nutrients by blending an assortment of your homegrown treasures. Create invigorating combinations like watermelon and mint, cucumber and lemon or a medley of berries for a burst of natural goodness. Sip on these refreshing elixirs on a hot summer day or as a healthy alternative to store-bought beverages, and relish the satisfaction of enjoying the fruits of your labor in a revitalizing form.

Embrace the concept of “closing the loop” in your garden by composting your excess produce. Instead of letting valuable organic matter go to waste, transform it into nutrient-rich compost to feed your soil. Composting not only reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes food waste but also enhances the health and fertility of your garden beds. It replenishes essential nutrients, improves soil structure and supports beneficial microbial activity. By harnessing the power of composting, you create a sustainable system where your surplus produce nourishes the earth, completing the natural cycle and fostering a thriving garden ecosystem.

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

Kelly Emerson has always been one drawn to helping people, which inspired her to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work in the late ‘90s. As a young mother at the time, she soon realized that this field was not the right fit for her and wanted to focus her time and energy on the most important aspect of her life—her family. Kelly would spend the next six years as a stay-at-home mom dedicated to raising her growing boys.