Just-picked favor is what’s hot today. And it doesn’t get any fresher than home-grown. Here are easy-to-grow favorites that only get better when cooked on your backyard grill. Now’s the time to plant!

Each of these backyard vegetables take on a darker, richer favor with the smoke and caramelizing that occurs when fame-cooked.

Remember not to overcook any of them–you want to cook them over high heat, charring them, but allow them to retain a slight crunchiness. Before grilling, brush or toss with olive oil to enhance favor and to retain moisture. 

Slice the long way for ease of cooking or place in a special BBQ pan designed just for grilling.

Best-for-the-Grill Veggies to Plant Now

Eggplant – Couldn’t be simpler to grill. Brush half-inch thick rounds with olive oil directly on the grill. Season with kosher salt. Cook till grill marks form and fesh is gray.

Onion – The ultimate grilling companion for all other veggies.

Peppers– There are lots of companions for peppers and with the skins charred, they taste even better.

Cabbage– Season wedges with butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Wrap in foil, place on grill until steamed and edges are caramelized. Even people who don’t like cabbage like this.

Beets– Grill beets like cabbage above, seasoning with salt and butter. If you harvest when young, you don’t even need to peel them.

Corn– Pull husks down and remove the silk. Place husks back up, soak in salted water for 10 minutes, then grill for 15 minutes with the lid closed, turning often. Simple. Perfect.

Tomatoes – Cut tomatoes in half and season with kosher salt, fresh-ground pepper and brush with olive oil. Cook cut side down in a vegetable basket until slightly charred. Before serving, brush again with oil, give a splash of balsamic vinegar and top with chopped fresh basil.

Yellow Squash and Zucchini– Place long slices right on the grill after brushing with olive oil and a mixture of fresh herbs.

Grow fresh grilling seasonings, too
Since your vegetable ingredients will be straight-from-the-backyard, why not use just as fresh seasonings, too?

Here are chef’s favorites for summer grilling. With fresh herbs, favor is always livelier and prettier to look at, too.

Rosemary– Rich, piney scent; earthy favor. Sprigs are beautiful charred.

Thyme– Musty and savory—especially good on vegetables.

Tarragon– Sweet and savory at the same time, with just a hint of perfume.

Oregano– Combine with lemon and olive oil to accompany tomatoes and meats. Fresh oregano is milder than dried.

Chives– Charred or not, chives add beautiful texture to the appearance of foods and wonderful, soft, oniony favor.

Dill– Another beautiful herb when grilled. Lay smoked or charred veggies on a bed of grilled dill for a subtle infusion of favor.

The Edible Patio
Gardeners with small spaces are learning to grow vertically. All vining cucurbits (cucumbers, squash) and melons can be trained on trellises, obelisks or tripods made with wooden stakes. There are many edibles that grow well in containers.

Tomatoes (determinate types won’t need support), peppers, lettuce, and herbs are some of the best. Bush beans are excellent in containers and pole beans on tripods become interesting and beautiful features.

Article from the Spring/Summer 2015 Issue of Inspirations Magazine