Grow Fresh Ingredients for Fall Meals

Article summary

Top Fall Plants for Senior Gardens

As the leaves start changing color and the air grows crisp, there's no better time for seniors to embrace the joys of gardening with Rise Gardens. This guide aims to inspire and empower our senior community to cultivate their own fall meals, from the initial planting of seeds to enjoying hearty, homemade soups. We'll delve into the most suitable and rewarding ingredients to grow during the autumn months, including carrots, potatoes, and leafy greens, all of which thrive in cooler weather and can transform any meal into a nutritious feast. Gardening isn't just a fruitful hobby; it's a pathway to sustainability, independence, and the pleasure of harvesting what you've grown. Let's explore the practical steps to setting up your fall garden, selecting the right seeds, and ensuring a bountiful harvest that can be enjoyed in every spoonful of soup made from ingredients you've grown yourself.

It’s finally soup weather! As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the residents in your senior living community can enjoy growing their own ingredients for delicious autumn soups. Even if your community has an outdoor garden, indoor hydroponic gardening is a great solution to allow your residents to grow their own fruits, veggies and herbs year-round. From leafy greens to fragrant herbs, Rise Gardens offers a variety of seeds that are easy to grow and perfect for soups and stews.

Key Ingredients for Fall Soups

These herbs, vegetables and leafy greens can all be key ingredients in different fall soups.

Herbs

Basil – Add this to comforting tomato-based soups and pair it with a crusty grilled cheese sandwich for a delicious, nostalgic meal.
Thyme – Thyme pairs perfectly with chicken noodle soup or vegetable stew.
Parsley – Parsley is the all-star herb that works well in almost any soup as an ingredient or a garnish.
Cilantro – For those who like it hot, cilantro is a great addition to spicy soups or chili.

Leafy Greens

Spinach – This humble, quick-growing green is packed with nutrients and neutral enough to be added to almost any soup. Add spinach at the end of cooking so it has time to just wilt without becoming overcooked.
Kale – Kale is the classic fall leafy green. It’s sturdy enough to stand up to the heat and adds texture and nutrition. It works well in bean-based soups or even potato soup.
Chard – Chard adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with white bean or chickpea soups. Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes to take it up a notch.

Root Vegetables

Beets – There’s no easier way to make your soup beautiful than to add beets! You can even roast them to use as a garnish on fall soup.
Radish – Radish adds a delicious peppery flavor to soups and stews. Try them in chicken soup or vegetable soups.

Add Rise Gardens to your Senior Living Community

Rise Gardens are a great way to engage senior living residents in activities that bring joy to their lives. Consider starting a gardening club where residents can decide what to grow. Ask the dining staff to incorporate their ingredients into different dishes so everyone can enjoy the harvest! Contact us today to learn more.