Ready for a Garden? Tips and Tricks for Starting Your Own!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their recent cooking experiences and meals, with some expressing interest in starting their own gardens. Various dishes are mentioned, highlighting personal preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions grilling chicken and serving it with a salad and pita, noting the heat has limited their baking.
  • Another participant shares their enjoyment of baked potatoes from their garden, topped with homemade salsa.
  • Several participants discuss their dinner plans, including pasta with cheesy garlic bread and grilled tilapia with roasted sweet potatoes.
  • One participant describes their efforts to introduce sweet potatoes to their mother, who is hesitant about them.
  • Another participant mentions having leftover night while their partner is out of town.
  • One participant celebrates a birthday by preparing marinated venison steaks and baked sweet potatoes.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about making chicken fajitas with their step-daughter.
  • One participant shares their experience of making turkey burgers with a seasoning rub, which was well-received by their family.
  • Another participant describes a successful roasted chicken dish and plans for using leftovers in a pasta dish.
  • Several participants express a desire to start their own gardens, reflecting on the benefits of fresh produce and the therapeutic nature of gardening.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the types of meals prepared and the interest in gardening, with no clear consensus emerging on any specific topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and preferences, often influenced by seasonal ingredients and family dynamics.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in meal ideas and gardening experiences may find the shared insights valuable.

rennea
rennea
Gold Member
Messages
3,662
Tonight I am grilling chicken and we are having it on a salad with potato, green beans, and boiled eggs maybe some beans. I going to gill some pita to go with it.

Really stupid hot here and I haven't been able to do any baking:thumbdown:
 
I'm not sure about tonight. Last night we had baked potatoes (from the garden) with salsa (homemade), sour cream & cheese. YUM!! :)
 
Tonight is pasta with cheesy garlic bread and maybe a salad if I have time.
 
I've been trying to decide between grilled tilapia, or grilled chicken.

I think I'll do the Tilapia, and do roasted sweet potatoes, and a tossed green salad with it.

There! That sounds good - now if I just stick to it!

Yesterday we had BLT's for lunch w/ fresh tomatoes from the garden, and then Touchdown Taco Dip w/ chips for dinner. I think I'll have the leftovers for lunch today.:D
 
Last night was burgers, grilled corn on the cob and mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, sour cream and cheddar mixed. (Mom doesn't like sweet potatoes so I had to show her how good they were - when not all mixed up with marshmellows and stuff like that).Tonight I'm probably grilling chicken for DH and mixing some into a batch of jerk chicken nachos for Mom to try (minus the pepper for her). I'm trying to expand her eating/cooking horizons...not easy to do at age 69, but she's trying! :)
 
We have 2 soccer games (Summer league is never ending!) so its out to dinner afterwards for us!

Now to plan the rest of the week!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
PamperedDor said:
We have 2 soccer games (Summer league is never ending!) so its out to dinner afterwards for us!

Now to plan the rest of the week!
Click to expand...


I always try to but change my mind so much:rolleyes:
 
Cheese raviolis tonight!
 
I think I may go ahead and try the Spinach Carbonara Pizza. My DH is not a big alfredo sauce person, but he usually tries anything once. ( I was thinking even of splitting the pizza in two and putting pizza sauce on the other half for him).
 
If we lose power it will be canned tuna, crackers and a bottle of water! Otherwise, I would love to eat a nice hot meal of any kind in an air-conditioned home.
 
DH is out of town so it is leftover night...no cooking for me until Thurs! YEAH!
 
Today is The Furry Guy's birthday, so I'm fixing Marinated Venison Steaks and Baked Sweet Potatoes. (The Furry Guy likes them plain, baked in the skin.)We did our celebrating yesterday by going to his favorite restaurant.
 
My step-daughter is in for the week, and we are having Chicken Fajitas in the DCB, with guac & salsa. Yummo !!!!
 
Eggplant parm (picked the eggplant from my garden) Yummo!
 
Baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn & maybe some bread.

I made something that went over the pork chops. It was tomatoes that I cooked down, put Italian Seasoning, salt & pepper, garlic & onion, then cooked it most of the afternoon. I put that over the pork chops & will cook them low & slow. :)

Wait - after reading that - I think I made Italian stewed tomatoes... I thought I was being creative!
 
crystalscookingnow said:
Baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn & maybe some bread.

I made something that went over the pork chops. It was tomatoes that I cooked down, put Italian Seasoning, salt & pepper, garlic & onion, then cooked it most of the afternoon. I put that over the pork chops & will cook them low & slow. :)

Wait - after reading that - I think I made Italian stewed tomatoes... I thought I was being creative!
Click to expand...

That tickled my funny bone!

smiley_lol.gif
 
I made turkey burgers with some of our Garlic and Peppercorn Rub. My dh liked them, and my 11 yo ds didn't complain. Always a good sign. We had a side of tiny tator tots. I had salad - the norm with avodado, black beans, tomato and golden raisins.
 
I roasted a chicken with the Fluted Stone. No beer, so I used wine, freshed pressed garlic and crushed garlic, Fox Pointe seasoning (from Penzy's Spice), our salt and pepper. Served with steamed rice and brocolli & cheese.

The chicken was wonderful, so moist and well flavored (I used my new Pocket Thermometer to make sure it was cooked to perfection!), and with a little more of the Sea & Himalayan Salt added, it was absolutely delicious. The leftovers will be used in a pasta dish later in the week.

Now I'm off to start marinating the steak for tomorrow night.
 
You guys are making my mouth water! I just told DH yesterday that, though he may think I am NUTS, I want to start planting a garden in a few years. (Now, this coming from the girl who doesn't even weed her flowerbeds!) I swore growing up that I would NOT garden...but now as an adult I see the benefits of fresh produce!!
 
KellyTheChef said:
You guys are making my mouth water! I just told DH yesterday that, though he may think I am NUTS, I want to start planting a garden in a few years. (Now, this coming from the girl who doesn't even weed her flowerbeds!) I swore growing up that I would NOT garden...but now as an adult I see the benefits of fresh produce!!
Click to expand...

It's like therapy for me. Nothing like fresh produce.
 
KellyTheChef said:
You guys are making my mouth water! I just told DH yesterday that, though he may think I am NUTS, I want to start planting a garden in a few years. (Now, this coming from the girl who doesn't even weed her flowerbeds!) I swore growing up that I would NOT garden...but now as an adult I see the benefits of fresh produce!!
Click to expand...

I want to make the raised beds for my garden...less bending and if you build them right and put the cloth in, less weeding!!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to starting my own garden?

Starting your own garden begins with selecting a suitable location that receives plenty of sunlight and has good soil drainage. Next, decide on the type of garden you want, whether it's a vegetable, herb, or flower garden. Research the plants that thrive in your climate and create a plan for layout and spacing. Finally, gather your gardening tools and supplies, and prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost or fertilizers as needed.

What are some tips for choosing the right plants for my garden?

When choosing plants for your garden, consider your climate zone, the amount of sunlight your garden receives, and your personal preferences. Start with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, peppers, or herbs if you're a beginner. Additionally, consider companion planting, where certain plants can benefit each other when grown together, and select varieties that are well-suited for your soil type.

How often should I water my garden?

Watering frequency depends on the type of plants you have, the weather conditions, and the soil type. Generally, most gardens need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the ideal time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.

What are some common pests and how can I manage them?

Common garden pests include aphids, slugs, and caterpillars. To manage them, you can use natural remedies such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, using insecticidal soap, or creating barriers like copper tape for slugs. Regularly inspecting your plants and removing pests by hand can also be effective. Maintaining healthy plants through proper watering and fertilization can help them resist pest infestations.

When is the best time to start planting?

The best time to start planting depends on your local climate and the types of plants you want to grow. Generally, spring is the ideal time for most vegetables and flowers, as the risk of frost decreases. However, some plants can be started indoors earlier or planted in the fall for a winter harvest. Check your local frost dates and consult a planting calendar specific to your region for the best results.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

What's for Dinner...monday, July 26
  • pamperedbybarbara
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
2K
Staci
What's for Dinner...wednesday, June 23
  • pamperedbybarbara
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
1K
sharalam
What's for Dinner....friday, June 11
  • pamperedbybarbara
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
What Are You Cooking for Dinner Tonight?
  • rennea
    • Recipes and Tips
2 3
Replies
80
Views
7K
JAE
What's for dinner tonight? Sausages and lentils with a side of salad!
  • rennea
    • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
merego
Planning Meals From Freezer/Pantry...
  • janetupnorth
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
13
Views
3K
candiejayne
What's for Dinner - Need Ideas for Feeding a Crew of Hungry Men?
  • ChefBeckyD
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
24
Views
3K
urbnk8
Get Your Summer Garden Started: Planting Tips and Progress Updates
  • ChefBeckyD
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
2 3
Replies
86
Views
6K
StacieB
What Unique Dishes Can Elevate a Small Thanksgiving Dinner?
  • kcjodih
    • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
gailz2
What Are Some Kid-Friendly Recipes for a Restricted Diet?
  • krzymomof4
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
8
Views
2K
krzymomof4
Back
Top