I don’t usually show you guys this side of our backyard. It is one hubby loves, but I wish it looked a little better. He planted me a garden and even though it is not really pretty, it does produce some amazing food that I love.
Our temps have been over 100, so he added some shadecloth to keep things from burning. Not really pretty, but effective. Best of all I love Cooking From The Garden
Underneath all that netting he is growing me tons of wonderful tomatoes.
Bell Peppers – We have red, yellow and green.
Zucchini
And the pole beans are starting to take off too.
I cook with a ton of onions and these are some I still have from the last garden planting.
We love them. I also made some fabulous Onion Rings. You can find the recipe here.
When the temps are over 100, the oven or even BBQing is just too hot. So the crockpot is the best. A fabulous hearty roast with no effort at all. Potatoes, carrots, and onions from the garden.
A sale priced chuck roast is always super tender. Rubbed well with garlic and pepper, then add half water and half broth to almost cover.
Just put it in the crockpot on low and forget it for the day. Dinner will be fabulous.
I love tomatoes and aren’t these beautiful. Every day we’ve had at least two bowls full like this. They’re so sweet, I love to eat them just like grapes.
Besides tossed salads, I love them in pasta salads too. You can find this Chicken Salad recipe here.
Sometimes a plant hides behind the leaves and you miss it, such as this absolutely huge Zucchini. Now if you are going to roll in a cornmeal/flour egg wash mixture and fry, it will be fine, but sometimes when they are this big they taste a little pithy, or bitter. However, they are perfect for baking.
How about some Zucchini Bread. This is a fabulous recipe and makes two loaves. Perfect for now and one to freeze for later.
Doesn’t this look yummy? Just letting it cool then I will add a powdered sugar glaze to the top. Wrap it well and put one in the freezer for later.
This is the side of the yard I usually show you, it is where you will usually find me. However, hubby’s side is pretty wonderful too. I love all those fabulous things he grows for me.
With the price of food going up, you will appreciate that garden even more. Every thing looks tasty. Love your pool area. Looks so inviting!
Nice garden. I think your husband should do some posts on successful gardening. I see more people trying their hand at growing some veggies this summer. With unemployment hitting so many families really hard and actually shopping challenges gardening is more important. I think ‘his’ side of the yard/garden is equally important and real life. I believe you have said he is a Master Gardener. Good post. Thank you.
I agree we need a guest garden post or 2!!
Wow Marty, you do well with your garden especially with the heat you get once summer is here. So many onions left and mire coming.
It’s great your hubby tends to thus garden.
Cindy
Hi Marty! I live in Tempe and tried a veggie garden a few years ago. I put it in the partial shade on the north side of my house. Not sunny enough. What exposure does your garden have? Does it get morning or afternoon light? I might try again if I can figure out a more successful placement.
Our backyard gets both morning and afternoon sun that is why we had to add the sun shade cloth since the temps are way over 100 here in Phoenix. The veggies were getting sunburned. Plenty of sun seems to be the magic trick. You can always add shade if needed. Marty
This is fabulous and inspiring! I’m going to plant in the fall. Would love a guest post from my favorite master gardener on what to plant in the southwest in the fall.
You have made me hungry for my youth. Down home roots.
Your hubby is a winner! I have a small raised garden but haven’t harvested anything yet, because we don’t get the sun that you do. I can just imagine how yummy those tomatoes are – I eat them the same way!
Marty, your zucchini bread recipe is very good as I made several loaves last year and froze them but I have never put a glaze on mine and will have to try it…
Thanks, this really is a good recipe and the glaze just makes it even better. With the glaze it can become dessert. Marty
Thanks for sharing some of your recipes!!!!!! Since I live in Northern VT we don’t see 100 temps so I can only imagine how creative you must have to be to grow those veggies. And, as long as your garden is growing home grown nourishment it is beautiful:)
What wonderful foods! I’d be in heaven.
Nothing like picking your own fresh produce in your backyard!. Your husband was smart to put shade cloth over the garden. We have used it tho our temps are nothing like yours. The chickens love over-sized zucchini.
Love seeing your garden! I’m in Gilbert and we have a little farm, but didn’t plant a garden this year. You are inspiring me to get one in next year though! It’s getting much too hot now. We are getting a cold spell next week though. I think it it is going to get down to 105! lol. Thank you so much for hosting! Stay safe too!
Hugs,
Tee
Thanks, I do enjoy the great veggies we get. I think I like the winter best because of the fabulous lettuce. I am looking forward to our “cool” spell coming up Marty