Today: Organic patio gardening and can’t-wait-for-summer gazpacho.

This post brought to you by Organic Choice. All opinions are 100% mine.

When Nick and I started looking for a new condo (we were expecting Grace and I imagine she was expecting… to not share a room with her parents and dog), outdoor space was at the top of our wish list.  With spring in sight (sort of… right?), I can’t wait to make the most of our new patio, which is conveniently located just off the kitchen.  While bundled up in sweaters, layered with other sweaters, I’ve been day dreaming about growing our own herbs, vegetables and flowers.

Nothing says “Adios, polar vortex!” quite like homegrown produce.

I recently learned about Organic Choice, Scotts’ line of fully organic gardening products, and look forward to incorporating their products into my plans.  Better for the environment than conventional products, Organic Choice is perfect for edible gardening and is available at major retailers.

 I can barely contain my excitement (it spilled over onto Pinterest, where I’ve started a board with all kinds of ideas for planting and potting) at the thought of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant salad greens growing just outside our door.  In little containers (we’re city folks, after all).

We’ve always taken advantage of my parents’ garden, making spicy gazpacho, salsa, polenta pizzas topped with fresh herbs, summer rolls and crisp salads with their tomatoes, greens, and vegetables.  I am hoping I can convince my dad to help keep our patio plants alive… perhaps in exchange for some of that gazpacho?

Can’t-wait-for-summer gazpacho

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1/2 large red onion, diced
• 1 English cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 1 handful of fresh cilantro
• 1 handful of fresh parsley
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add tomatoes to the bowl of your food processor or blender and pulse until nearly smooth.
2. Add cucumber, onion, garlic, cilantro, and a drizzle each of olive oil and red wine vinegar and blend until you reach desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Be thankful winter is nearly over.

Time to peel off a layer of sweaters, finish off a bowl of gazpacho, and start putting those gardening plans into action.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Looking forward to the Boston Flower and Garden Show this week
• Wearing flip flops (indoors… but they’re flip flops nevertheless)
• 22 amazing houseplants that will never, ever die (allegedly) via BuzzFeed

Do you have spring planting plans?  Or tips for city gardening?