GROW YOUR OWN Snack and party delights

How about growing your own vegetable treats? This month Rob Smith looks at a wide range of options for tasty and nutritious snacking

- Rob Smith

Welcome to the wonderful world of home-grown vegetable snacking and party food! Vegetables aren’t only grown for cooking or salads, so let’s talk about the joys of growing your own delicious and healthy treats right in the comfort of your back garden, or even within the constraints of containers. Whether you have ample space for a sprawling garden or are limited to a small balcony, you can still grow fresh vegetables for snacking and entertaining.

Get ready to explore a diverse range of vegetables that are perfect for snacking on their own or serving with mouthwatering dips. From the satisfying crunch of celery sticks to the vibrant sweetness of mangetout, the versatility of broccoli and the flavourful appeal of cauliflower, there’s something to suit every taste. 

If space is limited, don’t worry! Everyone has space for a few crops, even French beans, which can be easily trained to climb up trellises or stakes, making them an excellent choice for container gardens. Their slender and tender beans make for exquisite crudités that add both colour and flavour to any snacking platter. In fact you can even grow shorter varieties like ‘Mascotte’ in a hanging basket or window box.

DELECTABLE DIPS

But that’s not all! Other veggies which are traditionally grown to serve cooked can be transformed into delectable dips; take broad beans and peas for example. These legumes offer a smooth and creamy base for a variety of dip recipes. Even if you're working with limited space, you can still enjoy the satisfaction of growing these crops and creating home-made dips that will impress your guests.