Produced by
Patti Moreno
Contributor to:
Growing and Planting an Italian Kitchen Garden
Ciao, Bella!
If you haven’t already noticed, I have a soft spot in my heart and stomach for Italian Food. Why, Garden Girl, you ask? Because, it’s so easy to make; there are endless possibilities and it is always delicious. Italian Food has always been my family’s favorite, but once I started gardening and preparing my sauces with fresh grown herbs and vegetables, they can’t seem to get enough of the stuff! Just wait until you try it on your family.
I think the key to my success has been my Italian Kitchen Garden that includes heirloom tomatoes, sweet red peppers and flavorful herbs. The video will show you how easy it is to bring fresh, aromatic meals to your table all year long.
Here are the basics: Using only two small 4'x4' raised beds, I was able to grow almost 100 lbs of heirloom tomatoes, basil, onions and red peppers in one growing season. Not only did I make fresh marinara, but I made delicious heirloom tomato salads with basil, soups, bruschetta, and my personal favorite, pesto sauce.
Take a look at the video, then I suggest that you pick your own favorite tomato and basil plant varieties to start your own Italian Kitchen Garden. I highly recommend planting marigolds alongside tomatoes because marigolds help ward off garden insects that can wreak havoc on tomato plants. Did you know that the roots of a marigold plant has a natural insect repellent?
Don’t forget to these Garden Girl reminders:
- In order to maximize your limited space, plant no more then one tomato plant per square foot,
4 basil plants per square foot and no more than 16 chives per square foot. - Mulch and water regularly.
- Be aware that you need additional water when transplanting plants from a container to a raised bed.
- Give your Tomatoes support by using stakes or trellises.
- When harvesting tomatoes let them ripen on the vine.
- Harvest your herbs regularly by cutting the tops of your basil plants leaving the base of the plant to keep growing throughout the season.
- Don't forget to use a high SPF sunscreen and drink lots of water!
Enjoy!
