To me, summer wouldn't be the same without the taste of fresh tomatoes straight off the vine. Last summer we had an abundance of grape tomatoes in August, literally bringing in 100 or more every evening. Our garden is much smaller this summer, but we still have fresh tomatoes and peppers ripe for the picking, as well as some herbs. All across the globe, people grow their own foods, whether they have a small urban garden on a balcony, a cheerful kitchen herb garden, one or two raised beds in the backyard, or a multi-acre farm. In my view, growing your own is the ultimate in "going local."
So I've decided to host an event that celebrates the bounty of the garden. The rules are very simple: just make a dish that uses at least one item from your very own garden and post about it. I'm leaving the choices wide open because different latitudes will have different produce available. (Just so you know, I am insanely jealous of anyone who has avocado trees in the yard!) And yes, herbs, edible flowers, and nuts definitely qualify! If you grow it yourself and it is edible. then go for it! (My brother-in-law's family has a pecan tree in their yard. Oh my, I could have fun with that!) If you don't have a garden, you can use something that was gifted to you, but the giver must have grown the item herself/himself.
If you would like to participate, send an email to by August 29 with the following information:
- Subject line: Grow Your Own
- Your name
- Your blog URL
- Link to your post
- 100x100 pixel photo of your dish
I'll post a round-up of all our dishes on August 31.
UPDATE: Logos now available! Check out the assortment of designs and sizes below. To save a logo, right click on it and select SAVE IMAGE. Download it to your hard drive and then upload it to your server. Please do not link to the logos in this location.
Cris says
How nice Andrea of you to host this event! I grow herbs! That will do I suppose, will create something!
Andrea says
Herbs absolutely qualify! Can't wait to see what you create!
Leann says
How fun!!! I will post some advertising for you on my blogs and then do a post ASAP. Thanks for a fun challenge!
Blessings!!!
~Leann
Crunchy Culinary Capers
Andrea says
Thanks for spreading the word, Leann!
Kim says
After a disaster with the herb garden (the ENTIRE THING died when I went on vacation and my husband forgot to water it), I gave up on growing my own. It'll be tough to find among my apartment-bound circle of friends, but I'm going to hunt down something homegrown just to participate.
andreea says
i am so relieved herbs qualify 🙂
my urban garden doesn't 'do' anything but herbs, and even there we're struggeling. great event
Nicisme says
It's going to be so hard to choose as we have so much going on in our garden right now! I love the logos!!
African Vanielje says
Andrea, this is a great event. I am trying to eat almost completely locally and seasonally and cook something from our garden everyday. Just about everything on my blog qualifies but I guess I'll just have to pick a favourite. great topic.
Andrea says
Kim, I hope you can find something so you can join in!
Andreea, can't wait to see what you create with your "urban herbs."
Nicisme and Vanielje, I'm envious of your gardens without even seeing them. Our garden is rather small and in a few pots this year since we just moved in a few months ago, but next summer we're planning to put in some raised beds.
Amy says
I love this idea! I grow some herbs but I also have a blackberry bramble in the backyard. I'm hoping to grow some veggies next year. 🙂
Zechariah says
hi nice post, i enjoyed it