Delve into the taste of spring with Martha's premiere garden-to-table culinary creations
Springtime's just around the corner, and it's time to get our green thumbs ready for garden action! Whether you're a seasoned grower or a newbie looking to get in on the fun, here's a handy guide filled with inspiring container garden ideas, mouth-watering recipes featuring the freshest seasonal produce, and Martha's best tips to help you make the most of the growing season.
Craving a garden that's bursting with delicious crops your family will adore? Forget waiting for perfect weather—there are plenty of cold-hardy vegetables to get you started on your gardening journey early in the season.
Lettuce, a popular, quick-growing spring crop, is easier than you think to grow indoors or outdoors. Just remember to harvest it the right way to keep those leaves rolling in all season long. And don't miss the humble carrot—it's simple to grow, quick to mature, and can handle the cooler weather of early spring. Bonus points for its versatility in all kinds of recipes. Toss them in a salad, bake them into muffins, spiralize for pasta, pickle them for a sandwich topper, or roast them up for a simple side.
Party animals, less heat-tolerant herbs like cilantro, dill, and chives, along with strawberries, can be grown in spring and will liven up any dish. Plant them in the fall for a spring harvest every year, and get ready to toss them in your favorite strawberry recipes!
Feeling a tad overwhelmed? Don't worry—we've got you covered! Check out Martha Stewart Fresh, our special print issue celebrating spring and summer produce and recipes, now on newsstands near you.
Once you've nurtured those gardens to gentle life, it's time to show off your culinary skills and creative flair. Spring is brimming with exciting produce, like ramps, fiddlehead ferns, peas, leeks, asparagus, radishes, and rhubarb. From there, the possibilities are endless—why not infuse your soups, pastas, and even desserts with springtime's freshest flavors?
Better yet, celebrate the return of warmer weather with the ultimate occasion—an al fresco fête! Gather your favorite friends and family, fire up the grill, and let the good times roll. For even more inspiration on hosting the perfect spring gathering, make sure to check out our tips for extraordinary fêtes, both big and small.
Now, take a deep breath and dive headfirst into the vibrant, flavorful world of spring gardening and cooking—happy growing and eating!
Enrichment Data:Spring is an ideal time to plant cool-weather crops in containers, such as:
1. PeasThese vine-like plants need a support structure (trellis) and prefer cooler temperatures, making them perfect for early spring container gardening.
2. RadishesFast-growing and easy to manage, radishes can be cultivated in containers and are ready to harvest in as little as 30 days.
3. Mustard GreensThis spicy leafy green tolerates cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts.
4. SpinachA fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cool weather, this crop can provide continuous production with regular harvesting.
5. Kale & ChardBoth kale and chard are cold-tolerant greens suitable for container gardens, offering an extended harvest period.
- Peas are a great choice for early spring container gardening, as they thrive in cooler temperatures and need a support structure, such as a trellis.
- Radishes, with their fast growth rate and ease of management, make an excellent addition to a container garden and can be harvested in just 30 days.
- Mustard greens are a leafy green that can tolerate cooler temperatures and even light frosts, making them perfect for spring container gardening.
- Spinach is another fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cool weather and provides continuous production when harvested regularly.
- Kale and chard are both cold-tolerant greens, ideal for container gardens, and offer an extended harvest period due to their hardiness in cooler temperatures.
- For those looking for seasonal recipes featuring fresh spring produce, Martha Stewart's container garden guide is filled with mouth-watering options perfect for spring meals.
- When planning a spring gathering, it's essential to incorporate the freshest produce into your food-and-drink offerings, such as ramps, fiddlehead ferns, peas, leeks, asparagus, radishes, and rhubarb.
- To ensure a successful container garden and follow Martha's best tips for the growing season, pick up her special print issue, Martha Stewart Fresh, packed with insights on home-and-garden, food-and-drink, and cooking tips.
- With the weather warming up, it's time to get creative with your entertaining skills by throwing an al fresco gathering complete with grilled food, a lively atmosphere, and an array of spring-inspired recipes—all made possible with your seasonal container garden.
