This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.
This year, my garden has been incredibly productive, bringing with it the unique challenge of storing all this food. When I say the garden has been productive, I am not kidding. I’ve harvested so much that it’s almost embarrassing to show you how much I have in storage!
A Glimpse into My Pantry
Here’s a look at what I have: freeze-dried, dehydrated, and herbal items. The real challenge is storing all the fruits, vegetables, and meats. My husband built a small pantry for me about six months ago after our RV trip, and it filled up quickly. So, I started using plastic tubs and storing food under the bed—anywhere I could find space. But it got out of hand.
Finding Solutions in Small Spaces
Living in a typical suburban Florida house with a small backyard, it’s amazing how much food you can grow in a limited space. My garden has been a testament to that, yielding a ridiculous amount of food this year. I attribute my need for a larger pantry to the garden’s overabundance.
Three Key Factors for Abundant Harvests
- Choosing Productive Varieties: Over the years, I’ve focused on varieties that grow abundantly in my area. For instance, the Tromboncino squash is highly productive in Florida, yielding both summer and winter squash. By selecting such varieties, I can maximize my harvest from fewer plants, saving space and increasing yield.
- Embracing Fruit Cultivation: While I’ve always focused on vegetables, this year I made a concerted effort to grow more fruit. Planting both annuals and short perennials like strawberries, along with fruit trees kept compact through techniques from the book “Grow a Little Fruit Tree,” has been revolutionary. Despite my small lot, I’ve planted 11 fruit trees, and even though only half produced this year, they did so abundantly.
- Adopting New Preservation Methods: Introducing two new preservation methods this year has been a game-changer. First, the Presto Electric Pressure Canner has made canning more convenient, encouraging me to can more frequently. Second, the Harvest Right freeze dryer has revolutionized my food storage, preserving food almost as fresh as when it was harvested.
Building the Ultimate Pantry
Given the amazing garden harvest and overwhelming amount of stored food, we decided to convert our spare bedroom closet into a pantry. My husband built sturdy shelves designed to support the weight of jars, ensuring durability. The pantry now houses a variety of stored garden harvest freeze-dried items, canned goods, bulk purchases, and more, all neatly organized and labeled.
A Year of Abundance and Lessons Learned
Transforming my spare bedroom into a pantry has been a labor of love, and I’m beyond excited to see all my stored garden harvest neatly organized. This year’s garden has taught me the importance of selecting the right varieties, diversifying into fruit cultivation, and adopting efficient preservation methods. I hope this journey inspires you to make the most of your garden’s bounty, no matter the size of your space. Happy gardening and happy preserving!
