How to use your excess garden harvest
Right about now, your garden’s bounty is coming in full force. Well, congratulations! You’re a successful gardener!
But has your family been begging you to lay off the zucchini bread and tomato sauce?
If you’re wondering what to do with your overflowing garden harvest, here are six ways to put your fruits and veggies to good use–instead of having them end up in the landfill.
Give It Away Now
One of the many beautiful things about gardening is it can inspire generosity with its abundance.
The nonprofit organization, AmpleHarvest.org, makes it easy for gardeners to share their surplus harvest to help eliminate food waste and hunger in local communities. Find a food pantry near you for a drop-off donation.
Short on time? Some organizations, such as Village Harvest, will even harvest your fruit for you!
Preserve That Summer Flavor
You can prolong the enjoyment of those scrumptious summer flavors long after the season by preserving your food. With plenty of options, such as canning, freezing, pickling, fermenting, or dehydrating your fruits and vegetables, you can harness flavors at their peak.
If you’re new to preserving food, the National Center for Home Food Preservation is the perfect resource to get you started.
*A quick tip: If you’re planning on freezing your vegetables, be sure to blanch them first to get rid of any germs. Then dry the veggies before storing them in containers or freezer bags.
Make Bread to Break Bread
You don’t have to look far to find someone in need. Perhaps you have a neighbor who just had a baby or is facing some rough times. And–pardon the sad reminder–there are plenty of people who are still getting sick. These folks would surely appreciate your culinary skills and garden-fresh ingredients. In the spirit of generosity, round up your friends and make it a cook-off!
Swap Your Goodies
Chances are someone has been eyeballing your eggplants, and you’ve been coveting their backyard chicken eggs. Ask around in your community and do an exchange!
When Life Gives You Overripe Veggies… Make Compost!
Did you return from vacation to heaps of overripe veggies and fruit? They can still be of service if you compost them. The United States Environmental Protection Agency breaks down composting for you here.
With just a bit of time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with that gorgeous black gold that enriches our gardens.
*A quick tip: Avoid adding diseased produce to your compost pile. They can infect the plants during the next garden season.
Become a Backyard Farmer
Use the power of Facebook Marketplace to sell your fruits and veggies. It could turn into a sweet little side hustle, allowing you to be free of excess produce while making some cash.
You can even set up your own produce stand in your driveway. Turn it into a fun event and throw in some themed arts and crafts!