It’s not exactly fast food; growing your own salad can take most of the summer. But the wait is well worth it. With just a few basic tools, a little backyard space, and some elbow grease, anyone can enjoy a truly fresh salad.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby. Flower growers can admire their blooms all summer long, while vegetable gardeners get to savor the crispness of home-grown lettuce and the rich flavor of tomatoes picked just moments before they hit the plate.

Starting your salad garden begins with lettuce, which isn’t just one type but a whole variety of flavors, shapes, sizes, and colors. You can grow iceberg, butterhead, romaine, and many other varieties that grocery stores rarely stock. Check what grows well in your area and pick the types that catch your eye.

Next up is the tomato, which adds vibrant color and depth to your salad. These robust plants thrive in various climates, but be sure to stake them so the fruits don’t touch the ground. They’ll ripen quickly, so keep an eye on them. Pick tomatoes when they’re plump and red, slice them, and enjoy!

For a pop of color and a dose of Vitamin A, add fresh carrots. These hearty veggies grow underground, so they thrive in loose soil. When you’re ready, just pull up any carrots larger than your finger, slice them, and they’re ready to go.

Don’t forget the cucumbers! These fast-growing plants are usually ready to harvest in about two months. Simply pick one off the vine, clean it, slice it, and it’s ready for your salad.

With crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, crunchy carrots, and refreshing cucumbers, your simple hobby transforms into a delicious salad. Gardeners can truly relish the fruits—er, vegetables—of their labor!