Harvesting Nature’s Bounty: Transforming Your Garden into Goodness

As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across the landscape, it’s that time of year again when many garden enthusiasts are faced with the joy of harvesting their seasonal crops. However, this season, let’s shift our perspective. Instead of focusing solely on what we can keep, let’s explore how we can share and preserve our garden’s bounty for those who might be in need or want to avoid food waste.

Fall harvest brings plenty of opportunities to give back.

The Importance of Sharing

Anyone who has cultivated a garden knows how quickly produce can multiply, especially in desirable seasons. In Edmonton, for instance, there are an astounding 52,734 edible fruit trees found throughout the city. From dwarf apple trees yielding over 150 pounds of fruit to the abundant offerings of local vegetable patches, we have ample resources to share with those around us. It can be overwhelming at times; what should I do with this pile of kale that just won’t quit?

One of the best ways to ensure that our surplus isn’t wasted is by donating to local food banks, such as the Edmonton Food Bank. They welcome a variety of fresh produce that can include anything from root vegetables and cabbages to leafy greens. Doug Thompson from the food bank notes:

“This time of year we get a lot of potatoes. Tomatoes are always a hit, as are peas and lettuce and corn on the cob.”

The joy of contributing fresh, garden-grown produce to those who need it can be fulfilling and impactful.

What to Do With the Non-Perfect Produce

It’s worth noting that while we might have fruits and veggies that don’t make the cut for human consumption due to pest damage, they don’t all have to end up in the compost bin. Organizations like the Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARMM) happily accept produce that is still safe to eat but might not meet someone’s aesthetic standards. Melissa Marttell, the organization’s owner, relates how a truckload of imperfect, yet edible apples can be a great treat for her animals:

“If you brought them out here and we fed them, they would disappear in a matter of five minutes.”

Additionally, things like crabapples may not be suitable for food banks but can find a home with organizations that support animal welfare.

Even imperfect fruits and vegetables hold value!

Preserving the Season’s Best

For those who prefer to keep their harvests rather than share, storing and preserving are essential skills that every gardening enthusiast should acquire. If you are blessed with a root cellar, hardy vegetables can last for months. But fear not, even without a root cellar, your freezer is a fantastic option. Quick blanching vegetables helps preserve their taste and texture for soups and stews that will warm you during the colder months.

Think of greens like kale or spinach, which can be chopped and stored flat in bags. Smaller fruits, like berries, can be frozen individually on a cookie sheet before bagging—they’ll stay delectably fresh and perfect for baking or snacking during the winter months. As I’ve learned through many a kitchen experiment, adding herbs to ice cube trays transforms them into convenient herb bombs that punch up any dish.

Creative ways to store your herbs make winter cooking easier.

Learning the Art of Canning

If you’re new to food preservation, canning can be daunting but rewarding—imagine showcasing your homemade jams and pickles in your pantry! High-acid foods, like fruits and sauces, need a specific canning process to ensure they’re safe for consumption. Beginners can learn through resources like the Edmonton Public Library or join local canning workshops through Operation Fruit Rescue.

In fact, events such as the upcoming free canning and pickling workshop at the Ritchie Community League, hosted by the New Grocery Movement, can spark joy and knowledge as you work with fellow preservation enthusiasts.

Join workshops to learn about canning and preserving.

Final Thoughts on Seasonal Generosity

Our gardens yield abundance, especially in the fall, and it’s up to us to ensure that abundance doesn’t go to waste. Whether you’re sharing with food banks, animal shelters, or storing for your family, every step you take makes a significant difference. Remember to embrace the joy of sharing your produce and the satisfaction that comes from turning a potential waste into an act of kindness.

So, the next time you find yourself elbow-deep in freshly harvested kale or overwhelmed by a pile of apples, remember that you’re not just a gardener — you’re a steward of the season, ready to share its bounty with the world.