As Coronavirus lockdowns throughout the world kept people indoors, many of them discovered hidden talents or began practising new hobbies, including cooking and baking. Others transformed their gardens into dedicated relaxation spaces. In this article, we are going to offer advice on how to create a chef’s perfect garden.
Kitchen
There are many options for outdoor kitchen items, such as pizza ovens, charcoal grills, or even gas stoves. Cooking in your garden is an excellent way to spend time in the fresh air, while safely socialising with your family and neighbours. One important item you will need in your outdoor kitchen is a preparation space and a small preparation bowl, preferably with a tap to rinse fresh herbs and vegetables.
Seating
If you have sufficient space in your garden to serve and enjoy an alfresco meal, even better. It is wise to choose tables and chairs that are made from materials that can withstand different weather conditions. Rattan garden furniture is not only a hardy choice; it is affordable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing too.
In some European cities, it is trendy to place the dining area among the edible plants. If you are drawn to this idea, then ensure that you allow for sufficient space for diners to pull out their chairs and eat in comfort. Also, keep the table and chairs clean from light dustings of soil that can result from a light summer breeze.
Herbs
Allocating a small space in the garden to grow a variety of aromatic plants with which to cook will not only bring important pollinators to your green space but bring average dishes to life. You can rotate your herbs as the seasons change, which will aid in nitrogen regeneration within the soil. In the summer you can plant fragrant greens such as basil, rosemary, chives, and tarragon. In the harsher months, mint, thyme, lavender, and sage make excellent choices. A bonus is that many herbs have medicinal properties too.
Fresh Produce
In addition to growing fresh herbs and microgreens in your garden, you can also plant seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is a rewarding pastime that will not only save you money, but it will also reduce store visits, which in turn may keep you safe from exposure to the Coronavirus. If you have a bountiful harvest, you can share your colourful, delicious produce with your friends and neighbours.
Ornamental and Edible
A chef’s garden doesn’t need to be predominantly green. It can be colourful too. By planting edible flowers such as pansies, nasturtiums, and marigolds in your garden, you bring a rainbow of colour into your outdoor space, and a variety of tastes to your dishes too. A word of caution though: beware of spraying your edible flowers with pesticides as this will render them unsafe for consumption. Also, always research new plants before placing them into salads or using them as garnishes because the flower may be edible, but the leaves may night, or vice versa.
There are many other ways to create a chef’s perfect garden, but these points should be enough to get you started. Bon appetit!
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