In the summertime, many people grow vegetables in their gardens, at the local farmers’ market, or even in pots on their patio. It is a great way to increase not only your family’s vegetable intake but also your garden’s production for a year-round harvest.
They are fun to plant, to watch grow, and most of all, they are fun to eat! There are many different vegetables, but here are my top ten to grow at home. If you have a computer, gardening software helps you plan out what vegetables should be planted where and when in your garden.
1. Cucumber
What’s better than a fresh crunchy cucumber to snack on? It’s the perfect treat for summer and for cold days that you might be sick enough to want something cool. As a bonus, the cucumbers you grow and eat will add nutrients to your diet.
Cucumbers are one of the best vegetables to start growing as they prefer warm weather, so it’s best to plant them in early spring or late fall/early winter when you can enjoy them later in the summer.
Planting your cucumbers in a garden bed is a great way to add some diversity to your garden so you can create a farmland effect. If you are looking for a unique way to recycle an old bucket, you can use it as the base of your cucumber plants and then fill it with sand or soil once the plants have grown. Another idea is to plant them in a pot, and after a few years, you can move the plant to a larger container.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an easy vegetable to grow, and even better, they taste great! The different tomato varieties have different tastes – the green ones are sweeter than the red or yellow ones. Depending on the variety, fruits are ready to harvest around 90-120 days after planting. Tomatoes are also very easy to grow with almost no maintenance.
In addition to the added nutrients, tomatoes can be a great way to harvest some of your food for free. You can always find a large number of tomatoes at the local farmers’ market, so it’s not difficult to provide them for yourself and your family.
3. Lettuce
Lettuce is a great vegetable to start growing in the spring. Before planting, there are a few things to consider so they grow the way you want them to. First, make sure that your soil is worked into a good condition, add compost if possible and that there’s plenty of light where you are growing them.
For best results, lettuce needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s also important to water them at least twice a day with a watering can.
4. Carrots
Carrots are delicious vegetables that grow very well in the ground. They love warm weather and prefer to be planted in early spring, especially if they plant the seeds directly. Carrots will also grow well in pots, so you can use them on your patio, balcony, or even indoors.
5. Kale
Kale is a very tasty vegetable, but it can be spicy, so beware. You’ll love this vegetable for its hearty taste. Kale is a great addition to any garden with all the health benefits.
6. Potatoes
Potatoes are not only delicious but are also versatile and easy to grow. You can plant them in the ground or pots at home or even in bags or hanging baskets, for that matter. Potatoes are best grown in the spring and early summer.
7. Peas
Peas are a great vegetable to grow as they require very little maintenance. They can be eaten fresh or frozen, so you will always have a staple food in your garden. Peas need a lot of water, so ensure that the soil is watered well before planting them and occasionally throughout their growing period.
8. Radishes
It is a great winter vegetable that grows well in the ground. Radishes like to have cold weather for them to grow, so it’s best to plant your seeds in early fall or early spring. You can enjoy raw radishes cooked with salt and pepper for a tasty treat. As a bonus, you’ll have a beautiful red color on your plate in no time.
9. Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and it’s also a very useful vegetable. Cabbage can be eaten cooked or raw, so you have a lot of options. One of the best things about cabbage is its ability to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in your body.
10. Broccoli
Broccoli is another great winter vegetable that grows well in the ground and needs a lot of sunlight for optimal growth and production. Broccoli has many nutrients, so you’re getting healthier with every bite. It also develops very quickly, so it’s easy to grow in almost any garden.
Vegetables are a great way to add variety and nutrition to your diet. You don’t need a very large garden to add these vegetables to your diet either because you can always find them at the market. Keep in mind that some vegetables need more sunlight than others. As long as you have sunlight, water, and nutrients, they will grow perfectly well.
