Written by: Paige Spencer
Summer gardens and barbecues go hand in hand, creating a delightful and vibrant atmosphere that epitomizes the essence of the season!
As the sun casts its golden rays, lush greenery and blooming flowers provide a picturesque backdrop for gatherings with friends and family. The sweet aroma of freshly cut grass and fragrant blossoms fills the air, adding an extra touch of serenity to the surroundings.
With the sizzle of the grill and the enticing smell of sizzling meats and vegetables, the anticipation of a delicious BBQ feast builds. Laughter and conversation intertwine as loved ones gather around the picnic tables, sharing stories and creating cherished memories.
The vibrant colors of summertime, the taste of smoky grilled delights, and the joyous ambiance of a summer garden make BBQs a cherished tradition that brings people together in the embrace of nature’s splendor.
In this blog, we have created some ways you can utilize your garden and incorporate it into delicious foods that are perfect for the summer time!
Barbecue-Glazed Grilled Corn
You do not want to miss out on this amazing dish at your next summer barbecue. This barbecue-glazed grilled corn is a perfect side dish filled with sweet and smoky flavors!
Ingredients:
- 12 ear corn
- olive oil
- 1/4 c. store-bought smoky barbecue sauce
- 3 tbsp. finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp. Honey
- 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
Steps:
- Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup store-bought smoky barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
- During the last 3 minutes of grilling, baste corn with sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips on how to properly grow corn:
- Choose the right variety: Choose a corn that is suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Make sure it’s a tasty one too!
- Prepare the soil: Corn requires well drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Plan the spacing: Corn is wind-pollinated, so it is important to plant it in blocks or rows rather than a single line.
- Plant at the right time: Corn is a warm-season crop.
- Watering: Corn requires regular watering, especially in dry periods.
- Harvesting: Harvest corn when the ears are fully mature.
Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce
This ridiculously delicious strawberry-cabernet barbecue sauce combines the deep depth of red wine with the acidic sweetness of fresh berries. You can put it on literally anything at your next barbecue!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 oz. strawberries, trimmed and quartered (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 c. Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/4 c. ketchup
- 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 to 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
Steps:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in strawberries and Cabernet Sauvignon. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook until berries soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add vinegar, sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, maple syrup, garlic, and jalapeño. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth (or use an immersion blender directly in the pan), about 30 seconds. Return to pan and simmer, if necessary, until sauce thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, and use it to baste grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops.
Tips on how to properly grow strawberries:
- Choose the right type of strawberry: There are three different types: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral.
- Select healthy plants: Purchase disease-free, certified strawberry plants from a reputable nursery.
- Prepare the soil: Strawberries prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Spacing: Strawberry plants should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Watering: After planting, thoroughly water the strawberry plants to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots.
- Fertilization: Strawberries benefit from regular feeding.
Cucumber Salad
Want something green on the table but don’t want just boring old lettuce? The solution is this perfect cucumber salad that is filled with flavors and so refreshing for your next summer barbecue!
Ingredients:
- sliced English cucumber
- 2 sliced scallions
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Steps:
- Toss together cucumber, scallions, mint, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and garlic.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Serve with favorite protein
Tips on how to properly grow cucumbers:
- Select the right cucumber variety: There are various cucumber varieties available, including slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and specialty varieties.
- Timing is key: Cucumbers are warm-season crops, so it is important to plant them when the soil is already warmed up.
- Prepare the soil: Cucumbers thrive in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Spacing: Cucumber plants need ample space to grow and spread, about 12 to 24 inches apart with rows spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.
- Watering: Cucumbers require consistent moisture to thrive, water the plants deeply, providing around 1 inch per week.
- Harvesting: Regularly check the plants for ripe cucumbers.
Creating the perfect summer barbecue is easy with the help from us! Taking care of your garden is very important so we have incorporated tips on how to harvest your corn, strawberries, and cucumbers properly. We would love for you to use these recipes in your next summer barbecue.
Make sure to download our app in order to help you identify your plants problems, speak to real life plant experts, and so much more! You do not want to miss out!
