If you’re anything like me, you enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking up your favorite meals. But what if I told you that you could cook those same meals right in your garden? It’s true! With a few simple DIY tips, you can turn your garden into a makeshift kitchen and cook all of your favorite dishes. Keep reading for more information on how to get started.
1. Choose The Right Location
When it comes to cooking in your garden, location is key. You’ll want to find a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. If you have a raised bed, that’s even better. This will help ensure that your food doesn’t get contaminated by any chemicals or pesticides that might be on the ground. When creating outdoor kitchens, you need to think about both the sun and the wind. You don’t want to be in a spot where you’re constantly getting smoke in your face from the grill or having your pots and pans blown over by a strong gust of wind.
2. Invest In Some Good Quality Cooking Equipment
Just because you’re cooking outside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. There are plenty of high-quality cooking items available specifically for outdoor use. When shopping for equipment, look for items that are made of stainless steel or cast iron. These materials will stand up well to the elements and will last much longer than their cheaper counterparts. Some essential pieces of equipment include a grill, a smoker, a Dutch oven, and some good-quality knives. And, of course, don’t forget the all-important cooler to keep your food and drinks cold.
3. Create A Storage Area
One of the challenges of cooking outdoors is having a place to store all of your equipment and supplies. You’ll need somewhere to keep your pots and pans, plates and utensils, spices, and food. If you don’t have a lot of storage space, consider investing in some outdoor cabinets or shelves. This way, everything will be within easy reach when you need it. Another option is to use large plastic bins to store everything. Just be sure to label them so you know what’s inside each one. For example, you could have a bin for pots and pans, another for food, and another for spices.
4. Set Up A Prep Area
A prep area is a must-have when cooking outdoors. This is where you’ll do all of your choppings, slicing, and dicing. You’ll want to make sure you have a large cutting board, a sharp knife, and plenty of counter space. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, consider using a folding table or setting up a makeshift countertop by placing boards across two sawhorses.
Additionally, it’s important to keep your supplies organized so that you can find everything you need when you need it. One way to do this is to invest in some storage containers. Label each container with the contents so you know where everything is. Another option is to use bins or baskets to store your supplies. This way, you can just grab a bin when you need it and take it to your prep area.
5. Be Prepared For The Weather
If you’re going to be cooking outdoors, you need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. That means having a plan for both bad weather and good weather. If it’s going to be hot, make sure you have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated. And if it’s going to be cold, dress in layers so you don’t get too chilly. It’s also a good idea to have a few tarps on hand in case it rains. That way, you can cover your equipment and supplies to keep them dry. And, last but not least, always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
6. Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Clean
Just like your indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen needs to be kept clean. This means wiping down surfaces after each use and doing a deeper clean regularly. In addition to cleaning, you also need to make sure you’re storing your food properly. This means keeping raw meat and poultry separate from cooked food. It’s also a good idea to invest in some storage containers with tight-fitting lids to keep insects and animals out of your food.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen. Just remember to be prepared for the weather, keep your kitchen clean, and invest in some good quality cooking equipment. With a little effort, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite meals in the great outdoors.