Fresh garden veggies are an essential part of a bountiful summer. There are various options for garden setups, so green thumbs of any skill level and size can give it a go. Many think that they will not be successful without a plot of viable ground and an abundance of time, but that’s not true. Let’s look at the various foods to consider planting in your garden, regardless of skill or setup.
Beans
There are so many varieties of beans, and most are suitable for preservation and meal planning for future seasons. Green beans grow in abundance and are easy to transplant around May. Consider dedicating a large amount of space to your beans as they can feed off each other and help each other grow. A good rule of thumb is that pole beans need more space to climb, and bush beans grow in compact areas.
Peppers
Peppers can be hit or miss per the preferences of the house. But they’re excellent for many things, from canning, pickling, and drying. Drying authentic Mexican chiles is perfect for homemade salsa macha and meat marinades. Lean toward finding a transplant starter because the germination and seedling process can be more challenging. We have a great article on planting bell peppers if you’re looking for something less spicy.
Herbs
Herbs are a garden must-have! They are special because you don’t have to take up space in your fruit or vegetable garden; you can opt for a vertical herb garden or smaller potted areas. Generally, herbs do not require a high skill set, so they are great for beginners to get a feel for the gardening process from their deck or balcony. There are also lots of great indoor herb kits to get you started.
Herbs are affordable from the start, so consider ones like chives, thyme, parsley, sage, rosemary and oregano. Once you harvest, the possibilities are endless.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an essential garden vegetable because you can preserve the harvest for the fall and winter seasons. Tomatoes are available in seeds or pre-grown for transplant. Ensure your zone is clear of frost warnings, and plant them in a sunny and comfortable position with stakes for the growing vines. They love to climb, so caging is essential to their development. You can also grow your tomatoes indoors!
Carrots
Unlike other plants, carrots can tolerate frost, so optimal planting season is typically a little before May, while it’s still chilly. They require a looser, more sandy soil because they expand in length rather than width. Carrots are essential to consider planting in your garden because they are also great preservation vegetables and offer an abundance of nutrients.
If your carrot harvest ends up shorter and slightly deformed, it is could be due to rocky, uneven soil—the looser the soil, the better the drainage system. Add in additional sand to create a healthier growing climate for your carrots.
Foods To Consider Planting in Your Garden – Final Thoughts
There is a lot of pressure around having the best garden or the greenest thumb. But remember that any harvest is a blessing, and there are many things you can plant with no experience necessary!
