I like growing food plants that originated here in the Americas. I like growing ‘Cherokee’ Tomatoes and native runner beans. Here are some of the native food plants that are ready to produce in my garden.

Runner beans – Kentucky Wonder

These green beans will be sautéed with red peppers and onions.

‘Cherokee Purple’ Tomato.

I will simply slice these and drizzle with homemade vinaigrette and sprinkle with freshly grounded salt and pepper.

A pepper begins to grow.

I don’t particularly care for hot peppers. I grow the sweet ones. I cut them up and freeze them. I cook with them all winter long.

Highbush Blueberries – I doubt I will eat many, the birds will beat me to them.

I rarely cook with fresh blueberries. I prefer to eat them fresh and raw. Lately, I add them to yogurt. The birds will strip these bushes clean as soon as the berries are ready. I buy my blueberries from Whole Foods Market.

Early Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash Blossom

I love sautéed yellow squash. My Grandma Wilhelmina made it with the squash she grew in her garden. I cook it, the way she did, sautéed with onions and seasonings.

Native Grapes – variety ‘Concord’

The grapevine in my garden is full, lush and loaded with grapes. And the Catbirds have been checking up on the crop daily.