Cook the Book: The River Cottage Cookbook
This week's Cook the Book is another from the great River Cottage book series. The author, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, is a celebrity chef in Britain, known for such series as TV Dinners and, after he moved full-time to his country home, River Cottage, for several shows based around the sustainable-farming lifestyle he cultivates there. The River Cottage Cookbook brings elements of his previous books under one roof, and provides detailed guidance on everything from gardening to choosing and keeping livestock. In fact, it's organized into four parts—gardening, livestock, fish, and hedgerow—based on the provenance of the featured ingredients.
In a bit, we'll bring you the first of this week's daily featured recipes. But first, as is always the case with Cook the Book, we've got a number of River Cottage Cookbooks to give away to Serious Eatsers.
Win The River Cottage Cookbook
All you have to do is tell us in the comments section of this post what you're going to grow in your garden this season—or what you would grow if you had a garden.
Three (3) people will be chosen at random from among eligble comments below. Comments will close Monday, April 21 at noon ET. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Comments are closed: 290 Comments:
I'd grow sage, chives, basil and cilantro. And some heirloom tomatoes!
bitchincamero at 1:56PM on 04/16/08
Alas, we will be in the midst of moving during prime veg gardening season, but if I could, I would grow lots and lots of tomatoes - all different varieties. I've been spoiled by homegrown tomatoes and find them to be one of the greatest gifts of summer.
jenberger at 1:58PM on 04/16/08
I've already planted, and have growing basil, oregano, rosemary, cucumbers, yellow cherry tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes!
jcrisco at 1:58PM on 04/16/08
I've never so much as grown a weed before, but I was feeling very daring last week, and despite the fact that there is a townhouse in front of us that blocks all semblance of sun, I am attempting to grown, in our upstairs window: Sage, Parsley, Oregano and Thyme. I was, might I add, making pasta sauce the night that I picked out the plants. So its a little Italian themed, but hey, there will (hopefully!) be many wonderful summer dishes in my future. Also, its technically not my garden, but Rosemary grows wild everywhere here, and my absolute favorite thing to do is grab some off a branch on my way home.
dagoose at 1:59PM on 04/16/08
If I had a garden, it would be about 80% garlic, and 20% tomatoes, haricots verts, peppers, and thyme.
juliec at 2:01PM on 04/16/08
This year I'll have a potted garden of basil, mint and tomatoes.
powernap at 2:02PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes. All I ever grow. Easy and tasty. Accept no substitutes.
scaevola at 2:02PM on 04/16/08
This year we planted 3 heirloom tomatoes, 2 eggplants, 2 sweet peppers, 1 japanese cucumer, 2 watermelons, a chili pepper, a basil, and 1 (ONE!) zucchini. I'll probably start some winter squash later. Definitely garlic at the end of summer.
Last year I swear I planted 1 zucchini but I ended up with 4 monsters that smothered my other plants!
threedogkitchen at 2:03PM on 04/16/08
Space-wise, I'm limited to herbs.
miamia at 2:05PM on 04/16/08
I'm going to try a pot of tomatoes on my porch for the first time! I can't wait to get started.
jess in boston at 2:09PM on 04/16/08
I am growing herbs, so far rosemary, chives, thyme, sage and oregano on my terrace.
SEFB9118 at 2:17PM on 04/16/08
Eggplants! I grew them last year and not only did they taste great, but they looked so beautiful growing, too.
daisy at 2:17PM on 04/16/08
tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes
misslilad at 2:30PM on 04/16/08
We're starting hot peppers (every interesting kind I could find seeds for) and the standard herbs indoors right now. We'll put some in pots to stay indoors, and the rest will go into a planter near the front door.
With 2 young children, we haven't figured out how to keep our actual outdoor garden tended, so it will probably just have a few climbing ornamental vines. (Otherwise, the usual would be tomatoes, carrots, squash, leaf lettuce, and green peppers.)
mngiggle at 2:31PM on 04/16/08
I may grow parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme..along with tomatoes, basil, and carrots.
izzy's mama at 2:38PM on 04/16/08
My dreams are small this year, I'm just going to grow basil, rosemary and some type of heirloom tomato.
MerMade07 at 2:38PM on 04/16/08
If I had a garden I'd grow herbs and tomatoes. Honestly I'd love to have a HUGE garden where I could grow all the veggies I eat on a regular basis. Carrots and snap peas for sure!
lunge at 2:41PM on 04/16/08
I am going to grown some small heirloom tomato plants on my windowsill.
ScienceandtheCity at 2:42PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes! We'll also do an herb garden, with lots of basil and some chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and mint.
esjacobs at 2:43PM on 04/16/08
herbs - as many kinds as i could pack on a tiny patch of land!
And big, fuzzy green Chinese melons.
cdcdcd at 2:46PM on 04/16/08
Heirloom tomatoes, basil, sage, chives, cilantro, dill, oregano, and parsley.
kdjmom3 at 2:46PM on 04/16/08
We moved from Zone 5 to Zone 6 last year--what a difference! If I want to plant spring crops, I do it in January here. Talk about starting the gardening itch early! Right now, I've got spinach, radishes, and peas coming up, along with Valentine Rhubarb. My herbs are greening up, too--oregano, lavender, lemon balm, mint, marjoram, and thyme.
Seed Savers Exchange has wonderful heirloom tomatoes and pepper plants, and I ordered six. I am looking forward to watching my three-year-old munch on cherry tomatoes still warm from the bush. There's nothing like passing on the magic of the earth to the next generation!
We'll plant green zucchini and yellow straightneck squash, Scarlet Runner beans, sweet onions, fingerling potatoes (I'd have those out now, but I want to avoid the life cycle of the Colorado potato beetle), and basil -- lots of basil.
Fiammetta at 2:48PM on 04/16/08
Zucchini, tomatoes and two different kinds of basil. I could eat zucchini every day for the rest of my life...good thing those plants like to over produce!
negociants at 2:50PM on 04/16/08
oh, that's easy - tomatoes, and basil! it's like a caprese salad, with a side of dirt!
now, if only someone would come up with a fresh mozzarella plant... i'd be so set.
Ariel777 at 2:52PM on 04/16/08
green zebras
Mike Sula at 2:54PM on 04/16/08
so far we have planted garlic, shallots, pole beans, peas. today we are planting cucumbers, tomatoes (many varieties), hot and sweet peppers, several types of squash, basil, dill, cilantro and many more things.
tenpointfarmer at 2:56PM on 04/16/08
I am SO excited! I just planted my first garden!! We have:
Basil
Oregano
Rosemary
Mint
Thyme
Sage
Cherry and Roma tomatoes
Red and green bell peppers
Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Cukes
Arugala
and will be adding runner beans :)
butterNsugar at 2:57PM on 04/16/08
unfortunately, i live in a tiny apt and definitely can't grow a garden, but I grew up with a huge vegetable garden that my mom took care of .. I would want all the things she grew - green beans, tomatoes, watermelons, chives, bittermelon, wintermelon, and probably others I'm forgetting..
mrsbao at 2:58PM on 04/16/08
we're having tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes, potatoes, garlic, beets, carrots, lettuce, and an assortment of herbs, berries, and fruit trees.. gotta love having 3 acres of land! :)
chlamers at 3:00PM on 04/16/08
zucchini, romesco broccoli, peas, onions, squash, muskmelon, cucumber, carrots
46137 at 3:02PM on 04/16/08
Here in Florida it would have to be an avocado tree along with tomatoes and basil.
kevlney at 3:02PM on 04/16/08
This year we have figs, blackberries, italian prunes, red huckleberries, zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, mint, basil, chives, parsley, and sunflowers. And if I could, I'd have a meyer lemon tree in the sunny spot near my family room, and climbing melons on the trellis outside the master window.
myrnie_twin at 3:11PM on 04/16/08
heirloom tomato
Michele811 at 3:15PM on 04/16/08
Arugula, peas, lettuce and of course lots and lots of tomatoes. I love home canned tomato sauce with basil or hot peppers.
kweiblen at 3:27PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano.
Oh, and some corn, if I can make room.
glutton at 3:32PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes and basil for sure!!
terrylayla at 3:33PM on 04/16/08
i would definitely grow tomatoes, hot peppers, zucchini, and carrots
zekks at 3:41PM on 04/16/08
My small patio accommodates herbs, usually chives, basil, thyme, mint, sage, rosemary, dill, oregano, parsley. Not enough sun for tomatoes.
CheesePlease at 3:48PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes, garlic, leeks, kale, broccoli, lettuces, zucchini (love the blossoms), shallots, potatoes . . . if only I could have a garden!
ride&cook at 3:49PM on 04/16/08
Oh! All the things I would grow if I had a garden! Definitely herbs-- basil, tarragon, cilantro, chives-- but also jalapenos, green beans, and anything else that grows easily considering my not-so-green thumb.
purpleceline at 3:49PM on 04/16/08
I wish I had a garden. Spinach, strawberries, scads of herbs, garlic, fruit trees (pears and Meyer lemons, especially). The list is endless.
impeh at 3:56PM on 04/16/08
My garden space is tiny, so I have to be choosey about what I plant. My favorite hobby crops are basil, green beans, and tomatoes; even if I get just a small crop, I make minestrone once; there is nothing better with vegetables fresh from the sun and earth.
mommyloon at 3:58PM on 04/16/08
Jalapeños. Haboneros. Maybe some other chiles.
apgood at 3:59PM on 04/16/08
I'd grow basil, rosemary, thyme, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. One day....
woodenspoon at 4:01PM on 04/16/08
I'd grow basil, tomatos, peas, raspberries, lettuce, chili peppers, cucumbers, scallions and of course, PIGS
Soup_Dumpling at 4:06PM on 04/16/08
my tomatoes kick ass! mexican midgets & green zebras, especially. jimmy nardello peppers. also fava beans, scarlet runner beans, lettuces, scarlet nantes carrots, easter egg radishes, bronze fennel, shiso, and later on italian squashes, pumpkins, leafy greens and brussels sprouts. nothing makes me happier than my garden!!!!
dmarina at 4:06PM on 04/16/08
on my fire escape, i grow anything that will fit!!! all the herbs i need (basil, rosemary, thyme, mint etc...) plus - when i can - tomatos, cucumbers...
amysahba at 4:06PM on 04/16/08
I've still got romanesco, kale and lettuce coming up, so I can't plant for summer yet.
alixwall at 4:08PM on 04/16/08
I'd grow tomatoes, kale, onions...
PoignantTuna at 4:19PM on 04/16/08
We'll have tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, jalepenos, cubanelles, banana peppers, cukes, peas, kale, chard, kohlrabi, broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme. And anything else we come across that seems like a good idea. I love the garden.
LauraII at 4:21PM on 04/16/08
I would love to have tomatoes and cilantro. Fresh salsa every day!
brandi at 4:22PM on 04/16/08
Tarragon, basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, dill, ramps, shallots, romaine, radicchio, heirloom tomatoes, scallions, peas, lima beans,spinach and on and on and on......
bessfour at 4:22PM on 04/16/08
@PoignantTuna - love your user name!
Herbs, tomatoes, peppers
MelsDiner at 4:23PM on 04/16/08
dry farmed tomatoes!
skim at 4:26PM on 04/16/08
Garlic and herbs, mostly.
zamboni at 4:36PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes and lettuce. That's if I had one!
onalark at 4:39PM on 04/16/08
Buddha's hand lemons!
poodle at 4:41PM on 04/16/08
tomatoes
thotfulspot at 4:49PM on 04/16/08
I cant grow a thing, but i'm going to try brussell sprouts and artichokes.
aungeinphx at 4:54PM on 04/16/08
i'd love to try growing artichokes.
hrwalf at 4:55PM on 04/16/08
Arugula
Tuscan Kale
Peppers
Herbs
Basil
Plum Toms
Cima di rapa
dikaryon at 5:01PM on 04/16/08
Oh I just can't wait til all the seeds and little plants start shooting up!
I am growing a few kinds of tomatoes, lots of lettuces, chives, basil, rosemary, sorrel, chamomile, and lots and lots of thyme.
Peas and a new one, butter beans. Lots of hot peppers for my DH, pumpkins, yellow squash and strawberries. I am hoping my black raspberries recover from the bad season last year, and I am re-planting some over-wintered kale, beets and purple carrots. I would like to try golden beets and white eggplant if I can find them in time.
Yum. Come on summer!!!!
sadiepix at 5:01PM on 04/16/08
tomatoes and herbs, maybe some peppers or eggplant if i'm feeling ambitious.
sloppy at 5:04PM on 04/16/08
I really want a citrus tree.
arbeck at 5:05PM on 04/16/08
I would kill for a row of rhubarb plants, berry canes, gooseberry bush, and sungold tomatoes
rosasharne at 5:13PM on 04/16/08
I will be starting the baby romaine indoors this weekend. Ready in 65 days! I also plan to do culinary herbs -- thyme, basil, sage, chives and oregano. I am hunting for the perfect herb planter in hopes that they will winter over (at least the sage, thyme and chives) if I put the planter in a sunny spot at the end of the season.
We already have a ten foot by ten foot mint patch behind our house. The previous owner put it in the ground and did not realize that mint spreads like a weed. On the bright side, we have unlimited mojitos all summer long!
Mizbee at 5:15PM on 04/16/08
I grow herbs - lemon blam, basil, rosemary, thyme. I belong to a CSA so I leave the veggies up to them.
Lauren B at 5:16PM on 04/16/08
Herbs, Limes, Blueberries, Tomatoes
binlu at 5:17PM on 04/16/08
I would try to grow tomatoes and peas, with some easy herbs thrown in.
sarahinnewyork at 5:26PM on 04/16/08
Lots of herbs and tomatoes
PerkyMac at 5:40PM on 04/16/08
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and herbs.
ricedream24 at 6:01PM on 04/16/08
I would grow herbs, strawberries, bell peppers and meyer lemons.
Kimberly at 6:01PM on 04/16/08
Planning herbs, tomatoes, mini-cukes, zucchini and flowers... But I still have a large snow bank, so no gardening yet!
PeanutButter at 6:07PM on 04/16/08
I live with my folks in a house in Southern California and are growing: strawberries, Meyer lemons, apricots, limes, herbs, white peaches, Anaheim peppers and, eventually tomatoes.
bster18 at 6:26PM on 04/16/08
This year we're trying out a bunch of different kinds of tomatoes -- my first time trying anything but cherry! Also, lots of different herbs, cabbage, chard, kale, beans, leeks, and hot peppers. Man, I can't wait!
eggsonsunday1 at 6:28PM on 04/16/08
I would grow all kinds of tomatoes as well as basil, squash and pumpkins.
rffoodie at 6:29PM on 04/16/08
I'll be planting in a few weeks and am planning on basil, thai basil, rosemary, savory, chervil, tomatoes, green beans, beets, carrots and various lettuces.
SqueezeBottle at 6:57PM on 04/16/08
raspberries!
tracker at 6:59PM on 04/16/08
I grow herbs on the porch, but if I had the space, I would so grow tomatoes. And if I lived on the west coast, I'd want a fig tree.
ltrain023 at 7:08PM on 04/16/08
I have planted seven types of basil in an experiment for my family restaurant. We are also going to try "rooftop" romaine , using growing medium , worm castings and coffee grounds as a potting mix.We are composting all of our vegetable waste for the future .
chefdaveh at 7:13PM on 04/16/08
I'd grow sage. No doubt!
ngaloppo at 7:13PM on 04/16/08
If I had one, I would grow tomatoes, cilantro, basil and perilla.
bluebird at 7:42PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes, basil, chives and cilantro.
robnolen at 7:42PM on 04/16/08
def tomatoes.....onions ...garlic and some nice lettuce !!!
onepercent99 at 8:01PM on 04/16/08
Herbs! I love cooking with fresh herbs, but I can hardly ever afford to buy them.
ConschBTJ at 8:12PM on 04/16/08
I just planted six different varieties of tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, chives and chocolate mint.
Catharine56 at 8:14PM on 04/16/08
Small yard, so not a lot of room. But I can grow sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and even grew a broccoli two years ago. I would add to that (dream garden) some varieties of dwarf fruit trees, a cold frame for lettuces & early spinach, carrots, asparagas, blueberries, raspberries, herbs (cilantro, basil, lemongrass, chives), and of course, the edible flowers like nasturnums & such...
kimj01 at 8:34PM on 04/16/08
I would grow tomatoes and herbs of all sorts.
Rocky at 8:36PM on 04/16/08
I live in an apartment, so all I grow is herbs: basil, cilantro, mint and parsley.
But if I had actual land, I'd grow greens - tons of greens. Arugula, kale, romaine, radicchio (OK, it's red) and mâche to start. Plus, some cherry or grape tomatoes, and in an ideal world, sugar snap peas.
piccola at 8:48PM on 04/16/08
I just planted some leaf lettuce and radicchio. My peas are coming up and my tomato seedlings are doing well indoors. I plan to plant carrots, beets, radishes, beans and zucchini as well!
beltie at 9:25PM on 04/16/08
I'm going to be trying my hand at the usual herbs, dill, parsley, lavender, and rosemary, as well as strawberries! I read a lot about the pesticides used on them, so I decided to try to grow my own. Hopefully I'll get enough for at least one shortcake.
blondiebrownie at 9:34PM on 04/16/08
We live for tomatoes fresh from the garden. They are the ONLY ones we eat! Yummo
yanasbubby at 9:43PM on 04/16/08
This season I'll be growing some tomatoes from the seeds I smuggled back from Italy with some heirloom seeds my mom sent me. I'll also be growing some peppers (bell, jalapeno and serrano) and of course the requisite herbs: basil, thyme, rosemary and mint. I can't wait!!
JerBear at 9:50PM on 04/16/08
Tomatoes, herbs and different kinds of greens.
Oenonome at 10:21PM on 04/16/08
Once I'm certain my lease will be renewed for next year, I plan on getting some cherry tomato seeds in the ground. I know its not much, but I'm kind of excited about it, since I have never really grown much before, and what little I have done is in pots, not in the ground.
Nicholas H at 10:22PM on 04/16/08
herbs herbs herbs. i wish i had an endless supply of fresh herbs.
anado at 10:32PM on 04/16/08
tomatoes, horned melons, herbs, lettuce, and strawberries.
my ex had a beautiful house upstate with a fabulous garden. i don't miss him a bit, but i still miss that garden, especially in the spring.
cybercita at 10:33PM on 04/16/08
Many herbs, for sure, and cucumbers, tomatoes, some lettuces, and peppers. If I had a garden, and if I had a green thumb. I tried container herbs last year and failed. They never grew more than2-3 inches. It was like those failed clones in Alien 3.
renzata at 10:39PM on 04/16/08
Right now, just herbs (third floor apartment, grad school). Chives, basil, savory, and mint.
Littlebluesiren at 10:41PM on 04/16/08
I have a small city yard, but I try to pack a lot into it, some in containers, some in the ground. So far: White, yellow, and green onions, carrots, beets, parsnips, peas, shell beans, spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, thyme, sage, parsley, several basils, garlic chives, mint, zucchini, eggplant, several sweet peppers, red potatoes, sweet potatoes. I don't grow tomatoes or hot peppers - I trade for them with neighbors who grow too many.
matriarchy at 11:32PM on 04/16/08
We'll have an herb garden with chives, tarragon, rosemary, basil, mint, chervil, parsley, cilantro and more. Also cherry tomatoes and some jalapeno peppers--I can't wait!
bobcatsteph3 at 11:36PM on 04/16/08
I've started orange, purple, red, and yellow carrots. Can't wait for what will come out of my kitchen.
jh70095 at 12:18AM on 04/17/08
It's the beginning of winter here. I already have carrots, parsnips, beetroot, spring onions, butter beans, mesclun mixed greens, and rainbow silverbeet (Swiss chard with different coloured stems). The runner beans have finished. The raspberries are doing a second fruiting, grapes are ready and I've got a heap of olives on the tree - whether they'll ripen or not I can't tell yet. Limes, lemons and tamarillos (tree tomatoes) in the glasshouse. Cape gooseberries behind the glasshouse, they need harvesting. Gooseberries, rhubarb, blueberries (hopefully they'll start producing soon anyway). I'm just planting seeds of broad beans (fava beans), more silverbeet, and spinach. Broccoli seedlings are nearly ready to plant out. Garlic will get planted in June. More coriander (cilantro) coming on in the glasshouse, but that and the basil mostly live in pots in the kitchen, as do the chillis. There's always thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, mint, and parsley in the garden
Goodness, I hadn't realised how much I grow until I listed it out like that! It's not a very big garden either.
bronwyncarlisle at 2:03AM on 04/17/08
They had grown so out of control that I an converting my herb garden to pots.....so I'll be replanting those - transplanting portions of existing plants where I can.
In addition, at least 8 tomato plants of various varieties and some Kirby cucumbers.
my pie cherry is loaded with blooms and the lemon tree looks hopeful.
suegsf at 2:20AM on 04/17/08
They had grown so out of control that I an converting my herb garden to pots.....so I'll be replanting those - transplanting portions of existing plants where I can.
In addition, at least 8 tomato plants of various varieties and some Kirby cucumbers.
my pie cherry is loaded with blooms and the lemon tree looks hopeful.
suegsf at 2:21AM on 04/17/08
lots of herbs, plus tomatoes, bergamots, meyer lemons, kaffir limes, and Santa Rosa plums
anitaepler at 2:38AM on 04/17/08
Pineapple sage, basil, oregano, parsley, scallions, sweet corn, cauliflower, pole beans, yellow pear tomatoes, arugula, spinach, mesculan mix, assorted flowers
Erinay77 at 3:54AM on 04/17/08
We live in a townhouse with very little to no personal ground space of our own, so I can't have a garden. We have a deck that gets full afternoon sun in the afternoons, but I have yet to take advantage of that. It's only my husband and myself, no kids, so I guess the thought of an overabundance of food going to waste prevents me from actually growing things. We live close to a fresh locally grown produce market, that's where I usually get my fresh produce when possible.
In a perfect world where nothing would be wasted, I'd love to grow fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill... then grow heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, garlic, super sweet white corn, baby yukon gold potatoes, red peppers, assorted hot peppers, kirby cucumbers, and fresh mozzarella cheese... oh wait, that doesn't grow in a garden... how about a money tree?
Southern_bella at 7:52AM on 04/17/08
If I had a garden......beets,carrots,cherry tomatos,herbs,kale. oh the list is endless.
secreteater at 9:01AM on 04/17/08
strawberries, onions, tomatoes, chiles pattypan squash, basil, thyme, parsley, sage, and flowers
intheyearofthepig at 9:27AM on 04/17/08
herbs, tomatos
hedgehog at 9:30AM on 04/17/08
blueberries, japanese eggplants, several types of tomatoes, jalapenos, habaneros, summer squash, parsley, basil, dill, tarragon, thyme, cilantro, chives, sage, rosemary, chard, collards, string beans, sunflowers, gooseberries, and lots of flowers
spanklin at 9:33AM on 04/17/08
Tomatoes, basil, hot peppers, lettuce. I have so many deer though, I only grow woody herbs. I might try lettuce in containers on the front steps. I grew strawberries there last year. The deer never had a clue.
Betsy B at 9:50AM on 04/17/08
peas and herbs
kylad at 10:12AM on 04/17/08
The edibles I grow: apples, arugula, asparagus, basil, beans, beets, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, chives, collards, coriander, corn, cornsalad, cucumbers, dill, eggplant, favas, garlic, gooseberries, grapes, hardy kiwi, horseradish, kale, lavender, leeks, lettuces, lovage, marjoram, mint, nasturtiums, okra, onions, oregano, parsley, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, ramps, raspberries, rhubarb, rosemary, sage, savory, shallots, squash (butternut), strawberries, sunflowers, Swiss chard, tarragon, thyme, tomatillos, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini.
schnitzel at 10:39AM on 04/17/08
Just herbs: Italian parsley, curly parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, etc. I did some kale last year, but the bunnies ate it down to the ground. I've tried veggies in the past, but don't have a green thumb or the patience to nuture things along. I usually lose interest by July 4. I love Hugh on the F-Word.
aharste at 10:39AM on 04/17/08
Tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, basil, arugula, radishes, okra, etc. etc. This year maybe we'll get serious with the tomatoes at least. This site:
http://loveapplefarm.typepad.com/growbetterveggies/
has gotten us excited!
darren at 10:47AM on 04/17/08
I had no luck with my garden at all last year, so this year I'm just going to stick to the basics and hope. Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, more tomatoes, beets, peas, more tomatoes, some radishes, more tomatoes, a full herb garden, and some more tomatoes. Tomatoes were the only thing that did well last year, so... yeah, maybe a few more tomatoes.
Peasantwench at 11:06AM on 04/17/08
I'm in an apartment in a city, so no gardening for me this year, unfotunately. But more than anything, I'd love to have an herb garden -- easy access to fresh herbs at any moment, without worrying that I'll waste whatever I can't use within a couple of days. I'd also grow a variety of tomatos, eggplant, beans, and lettuces. And would love to try some experimenting with heriloom varieties of things I'm less familiar with.
lekkercraft at 11:08AM on 04/17/08
We always plant a tomato or two among the herbs and this year we're going to try and grow rainbow chard. Really fresh chard is so hard to find in the stores and we enjoy it enough to put in the work to have homegrown this summer.
My favorite food plant is my Lisbon Lemon tree; I'm hunting for a dwarf lime tree to add to my dwarf orchard.
DBF2209 at 11:47AM on 04/17/08
lemon basil! My new obsession...
eleeb at 12:32PM on 04/17/08
Tomatoes to be sprinkled w/ salt & eaten like the juiciest of apples! SLURP! & Then to be made into salsa, then tomato sauce, then slices, then... :)
Nugget at 12:45PM on 04/17/08
the usual suspects - lettuce, cukes, tomatoes. and chervil, which is a favorite herb but difficult for me to find.
wastingthyme at 1:22PM on 04/17/08
We get our veggies from a CSA share, so I don't bother with a garden, but I grow lots of herbs indoors!
Fiksu at 2:36PM on 04/17/08
After NOT having my usual garden for the past 4 years (health reasons) I am going to plant with a vengeance. Heirloom tomatoes, green beans, summer and winter squash, english cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, chives, chocolate mint, chervil, basil, oregano and sage. Maybe I'll throw in some thyme as well, if I can find it.
Boscompb at 2:55PM on 04/17/08
Not much of a gardener but I planted a few cherry tomato plants last year in the front yard and actually had a few tomatoes. May do the same thing this year.
gratefulgrama at 6:31PM on 04/17/08
I'm not sure if I'll be able to have a garden this year, but I plan to grow tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, basil, parsley, oregano, and mint.
buffyholic at 7:32PM on 04/17/08
I always grow a few tomato plants in containers and a few herbs. Definately cilantro and basil
slashchef at 9:18PM on 04/17/08
tomatoes, chilies, onions
leegwebb at 11:14AM on 04/18/08
chives!
tortor at 12:33PM on 04/18/08
Basil.
pookywookyster at 1:14PM on 04/18/08
Tomatoes, chives, basil, more tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, & still more tomatoes.
HeyCarl at 3:13PM on 04/19/08
if I had a garden, I'd grow many types of squash, beautiful heirloom tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.......
starsmom at 5:15PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes, zucchini, lettuces, all kinds of herbs, peppers, & melons!
randio at 5:16PM on 04/19/08
I love grape tomatoes and eat them like candy, will also grow mint to flavor new potatoes, in a pot so it doesn't take over the garden.
magsy at 5:19PM on 04/19/08
This year along with my regular flower gardens, I am going to try some pumpkins and grape tomatoes.
mnsteph at 5:20PM on 04/19/08
I've already planted my sweet peas, lettuce, and spinach. My perennial herbs are coming up, and I've started seedlings of 6 different kinds of basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, cukes, summer squash, and sugar baby watermelon. Later on, I'll plant a few varieties of tomato.
louiseb130 at 5:23PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes
Squash
Radish
Pumpkins
Spinach
Peas
Peppers
Onions
Potatoes
Lettuce
Cucumbers
Gourds
Beans
Beet
Kale
&
Sweet Corn
kcook84 at 5:23PM on 04/19/08
If I make a garden this year I will grow tomatoes and green peppers.
janetfaye at 5:27PM on 04/19/08
WOW! Lots of ambitious gardeners here! We just have a 10X20 above our rocky ground for tomatoes,lettuces and zuchini!
meredith13 at 6:04PM on 04/19/08
Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes. The absolute best!
joanne117 at 6:05PM on 04/19/08
This year I am going a rabbit garden for my 3 bunnies. All herbs, and veggies that they can eat. It will be nice.
nostrilb at 6:16PM on 04/19/08
Meyer lemons and Key limes
toastworthy at 6:21PM on 04/19/08
tomatoes, peas, okra, beans, black eyed peas, yellow squash, peppers
lisacna at 6:24PM on 04/19/08
3 kinds of tomatoes, 2 kinds of basil, cilantro, green peppers, and cukes!
cdziuba at 6:31PM on 04/19/08
herbs!
Josh Baugher at 7:05PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes of course, five different kinds I think, Armenian and pickling cucumbers, turnips, peas, fava beans, chickpeas, cardoons, artichokes, eggplants, um I don't remember everything I'm the cook my partner's the gardener!
Eilen at 7:17PM on 04/19/08
Several tomatoe varieties, green peppers and cucumbers.
ruthing73 at 7:45PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes in a planter on my porch.
paryjeja at 7:47PM on 04/19/08
Squash and green beans and a few tomato plants.
neneelynn at 7:58PM on 04/19/08
Just 6 tomato plants this year
Suekey at 8:01PM on 04/19/08
Corn, potatoes & strawberries
cre8tveminde at 8:03PM on 04/19/08
I garden in raised boxes, one is devoted to herbs, one to strawberries and then my annual veggies-lettuce,spinach, tomatoes, sugar sna peas, pole beans, summer squash, etc. I get hungry just thinking about the goodies.
CarolHarrity at 8:14PM on 04/19/08
I don't have a large space, so I'm doing tomatoes, peppers (banana & green), and cilantro. I intend to can my own salsa this year and freeze some tomatoes to use in my crab soup during the winter. Next year we're adding a strawberry patch and expanding my garden to include more herbs.
Gracie at 8:15PM on 04/19/08
Big beefy tomatos and peppers.
chica6969 at 8:54PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes
kktwins at 8:55PM on 04/19/08
All the usual suspects plus cuban oregano - my distinct herb. I love it and give it away gratuitiously.
ky2here at 9:12PM on 04/19/08
I am planning on growing tomatoes, zucchini, green onions, and strawberries in my garden this year!
laralin2266 at 9:13PM on 04/19/08
cukes corn and tomatotes
mverno at 9:40PM on 04/19/08
I don't have a garden (The proverbial black thumb. I could kill a rock garden.) However, if I DID have a garden, I would have to have tomatoes! Growing up, a neighbor always grew extras of EVERYTHING, so we always had garden fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, butter beans, yellow squash, watermelon and peanuts. It all spoiled me, but those tomatoes!
lisaray at 9:55PM on 04/19/08
Tomatoes, green onions & peppers
LINDALSHOT at 9:57PM on 04/19/08
My first garden this year! We bought tomatoes, eggplant, romaine, cuc's, spinach, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, and peppers!!! Hope it works :)
cadmar at 10:03PM on 04/19/08
I don't have one as I move around a lot. My mom grows tomatoes, lettuce, squash, and other stuff.
slb3334 at 10:05PM on 04/19/08
I planted my garden today with bell peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes, cucumber, yellow squash and zucchini!
sewingmema at 10:09PM on 04/19/08
herbs, western and japanese, green onions, chinese vegetables including bitter melon, cucumbers, japanese eggplant. wish I could also add an orchard ...
morabbiton at 10:45PM on 04/19/08
I am giving up on squash. The vine borers get me every year. So... tomatoes, herbs, and maybe some onions are about it this year.
fangirl at 10:50PM on 04/19/08
Hungarian hot peppers for canned hot pepper rings.
steadier571 at 11:29PM on 04/19/08
I'm growing simple salad - lettuce, tomatoes and peppers.
Aisling at 11:29PM on 04/19/08
i think i'd pu in a lemon tree
samanthapayntr at 11:31PM on 04/19/08
Allthough I cant eat sunflowers themselves, I have planted 4 on each side of the front of my house. I was thinking of roasting my own sunflower seeds this year. I love the salt and Im one of those freaks who eats the shell too! Not only are they beautiful, the seeds are crunchy and yummy too!
ursulamom at 11:40PM on 04/19/08
Yellow Squash, Tomatoes, Okra,
TxBubba at 12:07AM on 04/20/08
tomatoes
chromiumman at 12:18AM on 04/20/08
tomatoes!
anniehall4000 at 12:34AM on 04/20/08
Beans, Tomatoes (of course), Dill, Chives, Canatalope, Green peppers,
janene1627 at 1:00AM on 04/20/08
Tomatoes... if I had a garden.
humbleh at 1:13AM on 04/20/08
My mother-in-law has started expanding her garden, so we are all donating seeds and manpower. The last weekend the whole family took a turns at picking snap peas and other veggies for dinner.
kris_1492 at 1:26AM on 04/20/08
Weeds. Lots and lots of weeds.
grahamred at 1:45AM on 04/20/08
already have herbs, Meyer lemon, Pink Lady Apple, Santa Rosa Plum trees
would love figs, peas, more herbs, tomatoes...
gorzd at 1:47AM on 04/20/08
I'm definitely doing tomatoes and peppers this year. And one of my goals for this summer is to start an outdoor herb garden in raised beds. Wish me luck, I have a black thumb and had really bad luck last year (all my tomatoes got blight).
columbusfoodie at 2:03AM on 04/20/08
Chocolate and pineapple mint, cucumbers, asparagus (I planted the crowns a few years ago and am hoping to see some results soon, whew!), lemon balm, rosemary, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, yellow summer squash, kohlrabi, strawberries, dahlias, tansy, and sage
Jessilyn24 at 3:29AM on 04/20/08
Tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini, and anaheim chiles
cezovski at 3:34AM on 04/20/08
chives and tomatoes
maweisberg at 3:49AM on 04/20/08
Tomatoes and banana peppers
cgeo2000 at 5:26AM on 04/20/08
Tomatoes.....summer just isn't summer without homegrown tomatoes!
mom2boys at 6:46AM on 04/20/08
I've given up. Groundhogs eat everything I plant. If I could I would certainly plant tomatoes, peppers. herbs and Swiss Chard.
clc408 at 7:19AM on 04/20/08
I will be growing tomato's, squash, cucumbers. I also have an herb garden of Oregano, Peppermint and Rosemary.
valerie46 at 7:19AM on 04/20/08
I'm going to grow tomatoes, yellow beans and pickling cucumbers - half the fun is watching the plants grow....and herbs too. Can't wait for the frost season to go away so I can get out in the yard!
Teeeveee at 7:26AM on 04/20/08
tomatoes and basil
agordon10 at 7:37AM on 04/20/08
We growing tomatoes, squash, peppers, melons and herbs.
pamme42 at 7:46AM on 04/20/08
I hope to grow container tomatoes and peppers. I have some herbs in my perennial garden which is under thistle attack. Hopefully, containers will work better for us!
mcferret at 7:53AM on 04/20/08
I always give it my best shot each year-sometimes the results make me smile- sometimes not-but this year I am going to concentrate on tomatoes,herbs, crookneck and pattypan squash , japanese eggplant, swiss chard and leaf lettuce
carolasar at 8:19AM on 04/20/08
Definately tomatoes and zucchini!
yellowlabs at 9:12AM on 04/20/08
I'm going to try to grow tomatoes, peppers, some herbs, melons, squash and beans...if the deer let me. :D
AsTheNight at 9:26AM on 04/20/08
If I can nag my DH into helping me clear a spot I will have tomatoes, radishes, eggplant, onion, green beans(on poles) cucumbers, peppers(hot and green), summer squash, zuchinni, sweet corn and maybe even start an asparagus bed. Oh almost forgot-peas and cabbage if I get started early enough.
bb97036 at 9:35AM on 04/20/08
green beans and oriental cukes for sure and tomatoes if all goes well
misternat1 at 9:36AM on 04/20/08
My son loves cherry tomatoes so if I had a garden thats what I would grow.
mariana at 9:42AM on 04/20/08
Lettuce, tomatoes, lavender and SUNFLOWERS!
Bellemorte82 at 9:46AM on 04/20/08
I like to grow steak tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chives, and parsley.
LIDARKSIDE at 9:46AM on 04/20/08
we only have a bit of space...so tomatoes and peppers to make homemade salse...thanks :)
mama43 at 10:04AM on 04/20/08
for lack of space he