Happy Holidays to All

From Garden to Table: A Cozy Holiday Season in USDA Zone 7a

As December tiptoes in with its crisp air and quiet charm, we welcome the holiday season with gratitude, warmth, and a touch of garden-grown magic.

In USDA Zone 7a, winter may hush the soil, but it doesn’t silence the joy of the harvest. Whether you’re sipping spiced tea from your own herbs or roasting root vegetables pulled from the earth, your garden is still very much part of the celebration.

How Are You Using Your Harvest to Get Through the Winter?

Winter in Zone 7a is a time of rest for many plants, but savvy gardeners know how to stretch the bounty. Here’s how some are savoring their harvest:

• Preserved Summer Goodness: Tomatoes transformed into sauces, jams, and chutneys bring a burst of sunshine to chilly evenings.

  
  

• Root Cellar Riches: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets stored from fall are perfect for hearty stews and roasted sides.

  
  

• Herbal Comforts: Dried mint, lemon balm, and chamomile make soothing teas, while rosemary and thyme elevate every holiday dish.

  
  

• Frozen Favorites: Blanched greens like kale and collards are tucked away in freezers, ready to be stirred into soups or casseroles.

  
  

What holiday foods have come from your garden this year?

Let’s take a peek at the festive table and celebrate the flavors that started in the soil:

• Pumpkin Pie: Made from homegrown sugar pumpkins, roasted and puréed to perfection.

  
  

• Stuffing with Sage: Fresh or dried garden sage adds depth to this holiday classic.

  
  

• Cranberry Relish with Homegrown Citrus Zest: If you’ve got a dwarf lemon or orange tree indoors, their zest adds a bright twist.

  
  

• Greens Galore: Collards, mustard greens, and kale sautéed with garlic for a soulful side dish.

  
  

• Beet Salad with Goat Cheese: Earthy, sweet beets from the fall harvest shine in this elegant appetizer.

  
  

• Apple Cider: If you’ve got a few backyard apples left, simmer them with cinnamon sticks and cloves for a cozy drink.

  
  

Garden-to-Holiday Recipe Ideas

Here are a few more festive dishes that could come straight from your garden:

Dish: Roasted Root Veggie Medley Garden Ingredients: Carrots, parsnips, turnips Festive Twist: Drizzle with maple syrup and rosemary

Dish: Butternut Squash Soup Garden Ingredients: Squash, onions, garlic Festive Twist: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds

Dish: Herb-Infused Rolls Garden Ingredients: Thyme, oregano, chives Festive Twist: Serve warm with honey butter

Dish: Garden Pickle Platter Garden Ingredients: Cucumbers, peppers, garlic Festive Twist: Add to charcuterie boards

Dish: Spiced Pear Tart Garden Ingredients: Pears, ginger, cinnamon basil Festive Twist: Dust with powdered sugar snow

A Quiet Celebration, Full of Abundance

December in Zone 7a may not be bursting with blooms, but it’s rich with reflection, gratitude, and the quiet joy of using what you’ve grown. Whether you’re sharing a meal with loved ones or savoring a solo cup of herbal tea, your garden continues to nourish you—body and soul.

So from our garden to yours:

Happy Holidays to all! May your season be filled with warmth, flavor, and the gentle reminder that abundance often begins underground.