This is the moment every gardener has been waiting for. It’s that time of year when you reap the rewards of growing a vegetable garden. Here at Ford House, the herbs grown on the terrace of Cotswold Café are ready to be harvested and used in many of the recipes found on the menu.

Eating seasonally from your garden has many benefits. Growing your own vegetables and herbs can significantly reduce your monthly budget. Think about how much you will save by growing your own food verses driving to the store and purchasing fresh fruits and veggies, often at an inflated cost.

For those who prefer an organic lifestyle, gardeners can control the amount of chemicals and pesticides used in their garden. This will ensure the food on your table is 100 percent organic and homegrown.

Many gardeners say that the vegetables grown in their garden often taste better than store-bought. Perhaps it’s the love that’s put into the garden. After all, gardeners are a dedicated group of nature enthusiasts.

If you planted your garden on time this past spring, you can expect the following vegetables to be ready for harvest in August:

• Basil
• Bell peppers
• Beets
• Blackberries
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Cilantro
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Rosemary
• Strawberries
• Summer squash
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

Growing seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs brings a heightened awareness of the seasons. Knowing what to plant and when to harvest will bring different tastes to your family’s dining table.