That's Amore'

Celebrate National Pizza Week by adding a pizza garden plan to your garden this year. Midwinter is the perfect time to start planning out new spaces to expand your garden and knowledge, and the idea of adding a fun spin on one of the world’s most favorite foods is the perfect idea to implement into your garden.

Savor the garden's bounty with these fresh, homemade pizza slices topped with vibrant tomatoes, arugula, olives, and mozzarella.

For garden enthusiasts and food lovers alike, the concept of a pizza garden combines two passions into one delightful project. A pizza garden is a themed plot or container garden designed to grow the ingredients needed to create a homemade pizza. It’s an engaging way to introduce gardening to kids, experiment with fresh flavors, and enjoy a farm-to-table experience.

Planning Your Pizza Garden

A circular pizza garden blueprint by Almanac.com featuring sections of tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables arranged for optimal growth.

The first step in creating a pizza garden is deciding where to plant it. A circular garden bed divided into sections resembles a pizza, but raised beds, containers, or traditional garden rows work just as well. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as most pizza ingredients thrive in full sun. A circular bed adds a great flow and eye appealing diversion to the traditional corners of garden bed. It also brings together fun elements of companion planting to create a space dedicated to pizza ingredients.

Choosing Your Plants for ingredients

A pizza garden typically includes the essential toppings and seasonings for a classic pizza. Start with:

• Tomatoes: Choose a variety of Roma or cherry tomatoes for rich sauces or fresh toppings. May we suggest a San Marzano or the heirloom Gezahnte by Baker Creek. These make a wonderful sauce when combined and preserved well.

• Basil, Oregano and Thyme: These fragrant herbs are a pizza staple and easy to grow. In addition, they companion plant well with tomatoes and bell peppers. These authentic spices bring Italian flavor to your sauce and boost the flavor profile. Plus, they will repel some pests in your pizza garden. We love this culinary collection by Hudson Valley Seed Co that has all the varieties you need for your garden.

• Cauliflower: WHAT! Yes this is now a pizza staple as it makes a great substitute as a crust for the gluten free or health conscious individual staying away from breads. We love the Rober variety due to the dense heads and ability to grow in warmer climates.

• Peppers: Bell peppers or hot varieties like jalapeños add color and spice. Botanical Interest has a great Sweet Bell Blend offering yellow, orange and red heirloom varieties that grow well in the ground or containers.

• Onions and Garlic: These alliums contribute bold flavor and grow well in most gardens. Mountain Valley Garlic is our go to resource for quality garlic stock.

For adventurous gardeners, consider adding mushrooms, arugula, eggplants or artichokes.

The Joy of Pizza Gardening

A pizza garden is more than just a fun project; it’s a way to connect with nature, learn about food’s origins, and enjoy the satisfaction of eating what you grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this flavorful adventure is sure to be a hit in your home. The greatest joy is passing on the love of gardening to a child. "Fidgit Grow's a Pizza Garden," shares a fun tale to engage a young reader in growing their own pizza garden. Anytime one can grow and create a whole meal from the garden, that’s Amore’!

That's Amore' Pizza Sauce

14 oz. Sauce tomatoes recommended above

3 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil

8-10 Basil leaves, chopped

1 TB Oregano and Thyme, chopped

3/4 tsp. of salt

Puree ingredients together. Authentic sauce is not cooked and has not additional ingredients. Add garlic, salt and pepper if that's a personal preference. After pureeing to desired consistency, pour onto pizza crust then add toppings. ENJOY!