Your Backyard Bounty Makes Great Gifts (Photo Courtesy of Technotheory)

Spring is here which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. A great way to spend more time outdoors is by starting a backyard garden. Not only can a garden offer great, organic and fresh food for you and your family, but it can also be a great source of gifts for family and friends this summer. If you’re starting a garden this spring, think about planting vegetables, flowers and herbs that can be used to give great gifts your loved ones will appreciate.

Homemade Salsa

Nothing at the grocery store quite compares with fresh, homemade salsa. Grow the tomatoes fresh in your garden along with the other ingredients you need to give your friends and family members homemade salsa. Check out salsagarden.com for tips on growing your ingredients and canning your salsa.

Fresh or Dried Herbs

Cooking with fresh herbs is the best way to go. Share your backyard bounty with your friends and family members by giving them some herbs. You can either cut fresh herbs and tie stems together with twine, or you can hang your herbs upside down inside and let them dry out. Once they are dry bag them up and give them away.

Flower Bulbs

Flower bulbs make great gifts. If your backyard is full of them pull some out of the ground and package them creatively using a flower pot or other plant container. Include a short list of instructions explaining how to plant and grow the bulbs.

Fresh Cut Flowers

Just about everyone loves getting flowers. If you grow flowers in your backyard this gift will be quick and affordable. Create a bouquet from the blooms in your own backyard. Arrange them in a low cost vase and your gift is ready to go.

Ingredient and Recipe

If you’re great at growing peppers, eggplant, avocado or another vegetable, bag up several of them to give as a gift. Include a recipe where that ingredient is the star. Your loved one will appreciate the thought and care that went into your gift.