There is a distinct magic to walking through the gardens at Here We Grow Stables & Agriculture Learning Center in mid-July. The humidity of a Maryland summer, while challenging for our horses, acts as a powerhouse for our vegetable patches. Right now, our vines are heavy, our herbs are fragrant, and our kitchen counters are beginning to overflow with the literal fruits of our labor.

We believe that agricultural education shouldn’t stop at the fence line. When children understand where their food comes from—the patience of planting, the discipline of weeding, and the joy of the harvest—they become better stewards of the environment. Whether you have a sprawling backyard garden or a few pots on your apartment balcony, we encourage you to bring the farm-to-table experience into your home this month.

Here are two simple, kid-friendly recipes featuring the stars of our current harvest: Fresh Basil and Zucchini.

Garden-Fresh Pesto Pasta

Basil thrives in the Maryland heat, and by mid-July, it’s usually ready for a heavy harvest. If you pinch back the top leaves regularly, the plant will reward you with even more growth. Pesto is an excellent “entry-level” culinary project for children because it requires no cooking and allows them to practice measuring and pulsing the food processor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a nut-free alternative)

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Harvest & Rinse: Let the kids help gather the basil. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2. Blend: Combine the basil, garlic, and nuts in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped.

3. Emulsify: With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth.

4. Finish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese by hand. Toss with your favorite pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamy, garden-fresh dinner.

Simple Summer Zucchini Fritters

If you are a gardener, you know the “Zucchini Challenge”: one day you have a small squash, and the next day it’s the size of a baseball bat! Fritters are the perfect solution for using up that prolific summer squash. They are crispy, savory, and a great way to sneak extra veggies into a meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out the excess water with a kitchen towel!)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (from the garden)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prep the Veggies: Grate the zucchini and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible—this is the secret to a crispy fritter.

2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, onions, flour, cheese, egg, and seasoning. The mixture should be thick enough to hold a shape.

3. Pan-Fry: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly with a spatula.

4. Cook: Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Grow Your Own: Quick Tips for Maryland Families

Not gardening yet? It’s never too late to start a small container garden. Even in late July, you can still plant fast-growing crops like bush beans, radishes, or loose-leaf lettuce for a late-summer harvest.

• Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to till a massive plot. A single tomato plant or a container of herbs on your porch is enough to spark a child’s interest.

• Use Quality Soil: The biggest mistake beginners make is using poor-quality dirt. Invest in a nutrient-rich potting mix.

• Stay Consistent: Watering is crucial during these hot July days. Aim for the base of the plant—not the leaves—to prevent fungus.

We’d love to see your kitchen creations! Snap a photo of your garden-to-table meal and tag us so we can share your success with our community. Happy gardening, and we’ll see you at the barn!

If you would like more information about our Farm, our riding programs or general information, contact us today! Follow us on the farm through Instagram and/or Facebook for more up-to-date information!