After months of sweltering afternoons, daily thunderstorms, and the hum of overworked air conditioners, fall is here to offer us a little relief. It’s still plenty hot, but it doesn’t scorch. I’m swatting fewer mosquitoes and, for the first time in months, the idea of standing in front of a hot grill feels less like a chore and more like a reward. It’s time to enjoy the backyard and have a cookout.

While the rest of the country celebrates the first day of summer, Floridians brace for it. It marks the beginning of hurricane season, as well as the return of relentless heat, humidity, and mosquitoes.

As the mild Florida winter stretches ahead, gardeners are looking for easy-to-grow crops for the backyard garden. Collard greens are always my top recommendation.

As the scorching heat of summer finally gives way to milder temperatures, fall is the best time to cook outside in Florida. Next time you fire up the grill, leave some room for a few ears of corn to make a vibrant salad that will liven up any meal.