I’ve eaten a lot of salads in my life… but none hit quite like this one.
This wasn’t some grocery-store spring mix with a plastic tomato tossed on top. This was straight from my own backyard—a handful of vegetables I planted, watered, and watched grow with my own two hands.
Today I made my first full-on DIY garden salad using only what came out of my soil. Here’s what went into it:
🌱 What I Harvested:
- Leaf lettuce
- 1 small beet (chopped)
- ½ a jalapeño (for a little kick)
- 1 large cherry tomato
- 4 cucumber slices (chopped)
- 4 long green beans (chopped)
- A sprinkle of fresh basil
- Salt, pepper, and just a tsp of ranch dressing
🧠 Why It Matters (Besides Tasting Damn Good)
Every single ingredient (besides the dressing) was grown in my 20×16 backyard garden. That’s real food—no sprays, no barcodes, no plastic wrap. Just dirt, water, and a little patience.
Even better? Most of these vegetables can be replanted right now in July—and harvested again later this season. Lettuce, radishes, beets, and even green beans can give you a second (or third) round of fresh eats if you time it right. This garden isn’t just feeding me once—it’s setting me up for months of harvest.
Here’s what makes this combo a powerhouse:
- Beets = great for blood flow
- Leafy greens = full of vitamins A & K
- Jalapeño = good for metabolism
- Tomato & cucumber = hydrating, full of antioxidants
- Green beans & basil = add crunch and flavor plus fiber and anti-inflammatories
🛠️ The Power Shed Takeaway:
This kind of DIY isn’t just about building things—it’s about building habits. Whether you’re wiring up a rain barrel or snipping lettuce for lunch, it’s all connected.
And honestly? That salad reminded me why I started this site. This is what we’re about here:
Turning a patch of dirt, some scrap wood, or a crazy idea into something useful.
Coming Soon: I might turn this into a printable card if you want to grow your own salad mix. Or maybe even a few “Shed Recipes” for fresh eats from the backyard.
Until then, get your hands dirty. You might just eat better because of it.
—Steve (aka Buck)
🛠️ The Power Shed