Read by Matilda Longbottom

July is a magical month! All those fruits, vegetables, and herbs we started over the last few months are filling the garden and the table with joy. A sizable portion of my weekly menu comes straight from the garden, whether it’s a simple salad of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and radishes, or something more substantial like ratatouille.

One of my favorite things about all these vegetables coming in, aside from enjoying them on my table, is sharing. If you want to meet your new neighbors, drop a few pounds of heirloom tomatoes or cucumbers off and you’ve got a friend for life. Better yet, cook something and invite them over!

As a part of our July issue, we are thrilled to announce two special bonuses for you this month, crafted with your needs and desires in mind. First, we are delighted to present our Garlic: Garden-to-Table Recipe Card Kit, a thoughtfully curated collection designed to inspire you and enhance your culinary journey from the garden to your family’s table.

Additionally, we have been listening closely to your feedback and understand that many of you cherish the tangible experience of holding our content in your hands. While we remain dedicated to our mission of reducing paper waste, we deeply care about providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all our members. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce the option to download a digital, printable issue at home. Simply click the “Download Printable Issue” button, conveniently located on the right-hand side of the table of contents page, just below the “Start Reading” button. We sincerely hope that this new printable edition makes your experience with us even more fulfilling.

Now let’s talk about what you can find inside the July issue! As your cucumbers start to sprawl out over their trellises, and your tomatoes flower and fruit, I hope this issue of Food Gardening Magazine inspires you to step outside and try something new in the garden. Or head to the kitchen and try something new there! Here’s a look at this issue:

Fresh Takes—Our editorial team is always cooking, planting, or experimenting in the garden. In this issue, we have a collection of articles and videos they’ve created to show you, not just tell you, exactly what to do this month to create your food gardening paradise!

• 7 Veggies to Plant in July (with video): July might be a little late to start seeds, but head to the gardening shop for some seedlings and you still have plenty of time to get some good summer veggies in before that first fall frost. Kale and collard greens are definitely on the list, along with seven more delicious plants.
• Companion Crops: Growing Better Together: By embracing companion planting and understanding the unique roles plants can play, you’ll not only create a more diverse and resilient garden but also witness firsthand the beautiful friendships that can blossom between plants.
• The Three Sisters of Companion Planting (with video): Wine and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, or Netflix and chill, some things just belong together. Such is the case in the garden with corn, beans, and squash. In this article, you can explore the origins of this perfect combination and get tips on several different ways you can plant the trio in your garden.  
• Garden-to-Glass Cocktails (with video): If you’ve ever wanted to use up a huge harvest in the form of spirits, these refreshing garden-to-glass cocktails are created from the ground up—literally! Includes three easy-to-make recipes for cool cocktails.
• Homemade Bug Spray for Vegetable Plants (with video): Keep your veggies safe from pesky insects with this easy-to-make, eco-friendly bug spray. Using a combination of natural ingredients, you can create a powerful repellent that’s safe for your plants and the environment. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and hello to a thriving, pest-free garden!
• The Biggest Differences Between Planting in Raised Beds vs. In-Ground (with video): Deciding between raised beds and in-ground planting for your vegetable garden? This article breaks down the pros and cons of each method, helping you make an informed choice based on your space, soil conditions, and gardening goals.
• The Udderly Surprising Secret to Gardening Success: This article comes from our sister publication, GreenPrints Magazine. When writer Tammy Hanline shared the family tradition of hunting cow patties with her niece, she didn’t know a new family story was about to emerge.
• Flower Power for Your Veggie Patch: Many of us gardeners get so wrapped up in which tomatoes we want to plant or how much water our rosemary needs that we forget how valuable flowers are in the garden. Flowers give us a great way to bring vibrant color to our gardens, but they do so much more. Flowers can help support a thriving ecosystem that attracts pollinators, predator insects and birds, inhibits the growth and spread of diseases, and deter some pests.

Plus, don’t forget our NEW RELEASE! Garlic: Garden to Table Recipe Kit: This brand new Garlic: Garden-to-Table Recipe Card Kit has everything you need to get started. Get all our secrets on how to grow your own garlic at home, from the different varieties (and which ones are our personal faves) to the best times to plant and harvest. Plus, we’ll give you the lowdown on storing your garlic, so it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. And we’ve also included 20 drool-worthy garlic recipes! Get ready to use garlic in ways you never imagined. Trust me; your meals are about to go from “meh” to “oh my garlic!”

This issue of Food Gardening Magazine includes details on five featured foods this month—concurrently with publishing this issue of our magazine, we’re also publishing and updating five gardening guides on blueberries, chives, spinach, cucumber, and green beans. As a premium member of Food Gardening Network, you get full access to the magazine and these gardening guides:

Blueberries: It’s a superfood. It’s delicious in anything from pie to muffins to salad. There are five main species and dozens of varieties. And while the blueberry has some particular soil pH requirements, it’s otherwise easy to grow and is rarely bothered by pests. Learn how to grow this classic food in Blueberry Bonanza: Everything You Need to Know about Growing and Enjoying Blueberries!

Chives: Did you know that in some cultures, people hang chives from the rafters to ward off bad luck? There’s a similar tradition from the British Isles of growing chives as a garden border or hanging chives over the doorway of the house to keep out evil spirits. I can’t vouch for how well chives work at keeping out bad luck or evil spirits. I can vouch for how delicious they are. Find out more about this herb garden favorite in Chill Chives Guide

Spinach: Spinach is easy to grow, perfect for cool weather gardening, super healthy, and best of all, DEEEEEE-licious. It’s great on a burger, as part of a salad, incorporated into a dip, or as a side dish. In short, you can’t go wrong with spinach. Now discover everything you need to know to have the best crop of spinach ever! Don’t miss our latest Gardening Guide: Super Duper Spinach.

Cucumber: Cucumbers are a refreshing and versatile addition to any garden. Whether you prefer them sliced in salads, pickled for a tangy treat, or blended into a cool summertime soup, there’s a cucumber variety perfect for your needs. From the classic English cucumber to the compact Lebanese variety, discover the best types to grow and learn expert tips for a bountiful harvest in The Cucumber Grower’s Guide.

Green Beans: Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are a garden staple that offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of fresh flavor. These legumes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy choice for any meal. Whether you prefer bush beans or pole beans, our expert guide will help you master the art of growing, harvesting, and preparing these verdant veggies. Elevate your green bean game with Grow Great Green Beans.

In this edition of Food Gardening Magazine, you’ll find Gardening Guide Close-Ups that focus on blueberries, chives, spinach, cucumbers, and green beans to help get you started with these five foods and our gardening guides. These articles give you valuable tips and advice about these five foods, and you’ll have instant access to the premium gardening guides themselves, too. Be first to read these Gardening Guide Close-Ups and get a head start on how to grow and use these foods:

• 7 Ways to Enjoy Your Homegrown Spinach: Spinach is so easy to grow that NASA astronauts managed to grow the nutritious green in space. But what do you do when harvest time comes around and you have bags and bags of spinach? Discover seven delicious ways to get the most from this superfood.
• 5 Most Important Ways Not to Kill Your Blueberries: Are your blueberry bushes looking a little worse for wear? Don’t let common pitfalls ruin your harvest – we’ve got the inside scoop on the 5 most critical ways to keep your blueberries thriving and producing juicy, delicious fruit year after year.
• How to Divide Chives and Share the Wealth: Chives are the gift that keeps on giving! With our easy-to-follow guide on dividing and propagating these flavorful alliums, you’ll be able to share the wealth with your gardening pals and enjoy an endless supply of fresh chives for all your culinary creations.
• 7 Ways to Enjoy Your Homegrown Spinach: Spinach is a powerhouse in the kitchen, but are you getting the most out of your homegrown greens? From classic salads to innovative smoothies and beyond, our 7 mouth-watering recipes will inspire you to enjoy your spinach harvest in new and exciting ways.
• The Best Cucumber Varietals for Every Culinary Purpose: Cucumbers are a summertime staple, but with so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones to grow. We’ve taken the guesswork out of cucumber selection by breaking down the best varietals for every purpose, from refreshing salads to zesty pickles and everything in between.
• Getting Your Pole Beans to Reach Greater Heights: Are your pole beans falling short of your expectations? Don’t settle for mediocre yields and lackluster growth – our expert tips and tricks will help you coax your pole beans to new heights, resulting in a bountiful harvest of tender, flavorful pods that will be the star of your summer meals.

And then there are the recipes you’ll find in these gardening guides! Here are some of my favorites that are tasty, unique, and easy to make:

• Parmesan Chive Drop Biscuits: These parmesan chive drop biscuits fill the house with a warm, welcoming aroma that promises a taste of home. I love to make these even when we don’t have company coming over—they’re easy to make, a breeze to bake, and they’re deliciously satisfying. They make a great addition to dinner—or really any meal.
• Blueberry Coffee Cake: This Blueberry Coffee Cake is moist and fluffy. It’s tender and jam-packed with blueberries that give it just the right amount of tartness. In just about an hour, you can have this delicious treat on the table — from my personal experience, it doesn’t take very long for them to disappear!
• Traditional Greek Cucumber Salad: This refreshing and zesty salad is a staple of Greek cuisine and is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or fish.
  
• Green Beans Almondine: Elevate your side dish game with this classic French recipe. Tender green beans are blanched until crisp-tender, then sautéed with garlic, shallots, and butter until lightly caramelized. Topped with toasted sliced almonds for a satisfying crunch, this dish is an elegant yet easy way to enjoy your garden-fresh green beans. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or fish.
• Spinach and Feta Egg Muffins: Start your day off right with these protein-packed, portable breakfast muffins. Fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful herbs are combined with beaten eggs and poured into muffin tins. Baked until golden and puffy, these savory muffins are perfect for busy mornings or as a healthy snack on the go. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

We’re also happy to announce there’s a new tab on our site for Gardening Kits! This is where Gold Members will find:

• Printable Garden Planning Calendar Kits
• Printable Garden Planning Kits
• Printable Recipe Card Kits

Check them out now, and download your favorites! And please don’t forget that you can also print the entire issue if you prefer reading Food Gardening Magazine in hard-copy format. Just look for the “Download Printable Issue” button on the “Table of Contents” page, located on the right side of the page, under the “Start Reading” button.

I hope you enjoy the July 2024 issue of Food Gardening Magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed growing it. We’re so happy to have you here! Now let’s get into the garden!

Happy harvesting—and happy eating!

Christy Page
Editor & Publisher

P.S. Please enjoy this issue of Food Gardening Magazine, and let me know what you think about it by commenting below with your feedback! Your input is valuable to us and can help us make improvements.