green acres

What your are looking at are the first literal fruits of our labors. Well, actually the carnivore's labors. Being very pregnant this summer, I am not doing a lot of outdoor work in the oppressive Memphis heat. But, my loving hubby made me a garden this spring! And we are starting to see the results. We started small with a few berries in a pot. Both strawberries and blueberries.  I am happy to report we got a few red ones for the baby to munch on at lunch.

The blueberry bush has been less successful. One lone berry...but we haven't given up hope yet of a late bumper crop. In the meantime, we are lucky that are weekly CSA is keeping us stocked in our little guy's favorite fruit.


We also had another tragedy to report. This beautiful beefsteak tomato bloomed...and was promptly eaten during the night by some critter, despite the carnivore's elaborate efforts to keep them out. Sigh.

But not to worry, we have other things growing. This pic was taken very early on. The garden is really growing now. We have several types of bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and melons going crazy.

For example, these squash blossoms are blooming on two different plants. We are anxiously awaiting the actual veggies to pop. I have lots of ideas for these yellow fellas!


Oh, and don't feel too bad about that tomato plant I mentioned earlier. I have personally enjoyed a plump roma tomato and a small yellow one from two other plants in my salads at lunch. Nothing like a tomato fresh from the vine directly to the plate to make you really feel like it is summer!






And of course, there is always our herbs. We have expanded to two large pots this year. You can see why. We have mint, oregano, dill, parsley, chives, thyme, basil, rosemary and cilantro. I love being able to go out and grab a handful of fresh herbs for any dish.









We have learned lots already this year and will hopefully have an even bigger crop of home grown goodies next year. But in the meantime, we will enjoy every thing that comes of the vines. So, look for future posts where I will share with you the recipes from our own little garden of goodies!

Have you started your own urban farm? What are you growing? And what are you cooking with the fruits of your labors? I'd love to hear more ideas. Just leave a comment below.