Why Swiss Chard and Garlic are Ideal for Fall Home Gardens
Navigating the complexities of modern food systems can be daunting, especially with frequent recalls and rising grocery prices. One solution is to cultivate your own produce, and a visit to the University of Maryland’s Terp Farm offers insights into ideal crops for fall planting.
Renowned for its agricultural education, the University of Maryland operates Terp Farm, where farm manager Guy Kilpatric oversees the cultivation of vegetables for student cafeterias and the campus food bank. This autumn, Kilpatric highlights Swiss chard and garlic as exceptional additions to any home garden.
The Benefits of Swiss Chard
On a crisp day at Terp Farm, Kilpatric introduces the high tunnel—an innovative structure resembling a greenhouse with roll-up walls to accommodate tractors. Here, rows of Swiss chard thrive, a versatile leafy green that withstands cooler temperatures.
Swiss chard, known for its earthy flavor akin to beets, is praised by Kilpatric for its nutritional value and culinary flexibility. “It’s an incredibly nutritious green, and it’s really easy to dress it up with other things to add more flavor to it,” he explains. He suggests pairing it with garlic and peppers for a savory sauté or incorporating it into pasta dishes.
Harvesting Fall Crops
In addition to Swiss chard, Terp Farm is preparing to harvest other fall crops, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, while completing the harvest of heartier summer vegetables. Students actively participate in this process, with senior Hannah Camacho and her classmate gathering ripe poblano peppers.
Camacho, a bioengineering student with aspirations in sustainable farming, believes in the value of growing one’s own food. Kilpatric echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the satisfaction and security that come from home gardening. “There’s so much that you can do with home gardening that’s both creating a more food secure situation for yourself or your family,” he remarks.
Embracing Garlic in Your Garden
As autumn sets in, Kilpatric urges home gardeners to consider planting garlic, one of the simplest crops to grow. Planting now will yield a bountiful harvest by next summer, perfect for making homemade pesto.
Embracing home gardening not only enhances food security but also offers a rewarding experience. With Swiss chard and garlic, gardeners can enjoy fresh produce through fall and beyond, enriching both their meals and their connection to the food they consume.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
