What vegetables can I grow all year round?

What Vegetables Can I Grow All Year Round?

Many gardeners dream of having a year-round supply of fresh vegetables, even during the colder months. While some vegetables are more suited to outdoor gardens during specific seasons, there are several options that can be grown all year round, either indoors or outdoors. In this article, we will explore a variety of vegetables that can provide a continuous harvest, allowing you to enjoy homegrown produce throughout the year.

Year-Round Vegetables for Outdoor Gardens

If you have an outdoor garden and want to grow vegetables year-round, there are several hardy options that can withstand the changing seasons. These vegetables can be planted in succession or protected with row covers or cold frames to extend their growing season:

• Kale: Kale is a cold-hardy vegetable that can survive frost and even snow. It is packed with nutrients and can be harvested throughout the year.
• Carrots: Carrots can be grown in the ground or in containers and have a long growing season. They can tolerate cold temperatures and can be harvested in late fall and early winter.
• Beets: Beets are another cold-hardy vegetable that can be grown year-round. They can be harvested when they reach the desired size.
• Leeks: Leeks are a winter vegetable that can be left in the ground and harvested as needed. They have a mild onion flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Purple Sprouting Broccoli: This broccoli variety produces small, purple florets that can be harvested during the winter and early spring.
• Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a cool-season crop that can be grown in both spring and fall. It can tolerate light frosts and can be harvested when the heads are fully formed.
• Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy vegetable that can be harvested in late fall and early winter. The flavor improves after a frost.
• Edible-Podded Peas: Peas with edible pods, like snow peas and sugar snap peas, can be grown in cool weather and harvested when the pods are young and tender.
• Scallions and Onions: Scallions and onions can be grown year-round and harvested as needed. They can tolerate cold temperatures and are a staple in many recipes.
• Lettuce: Certain lettuce varieties, such as leaf lettuce and mesclun mix, can be grown year-round. They can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender.
• Radishes: Radishes have a short growing season and can be planted in succession for a continuous harvest. They are quick to mature and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks.
• Cabbage: Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be grown in both spring and fall. It can tolerate light frosts and can be harvested when the heads are firm.
• Asian and Mustard Greens: Asian greens like bok choy, tatsoi, and mizuna, as well as mustard greens, can be grown year-round. They have a mild, slightly spicy flavor.
• Chard: Chard is a leafy green that can be grown year-round. It is tolerant of both heat and cold and can be harvested as needed.
• Parsnips: Parsnips are a root vegetable that can be left in the ground and harvested throughout the winter. They have a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Fava Beans: Fava beans are a cool-season legume that can be grown in both spring and fall. They can tolerate light frosts and produce large, flavorful beans.
• Wheat: If you have a larger garden or space, you can even try growing your own wheat. Wheat is a cool-season crop that can be harvested and milled for fresh flour.
• Cilantro: Cilantro is an herb that can be grown year-round. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested as needed for fresh flavor.
• Jerusalem Artichokes: Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are a perennial vegetable that can be grown year-round. They produce edible tubers with a nutty flavor.

Year-Round Vegetables for Indoor Gardens

If you don’t have access to an outdoor garden or want to grow vegetables indoors, there are still options for year-round gardening. Here are some vegetables that can be grown indoors:

• Sprouts: Sprouts are young plants that are harvested when they have just sprouted. They can be grown indoors using sprouting trays or jars.
• Microgreens: Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested when they have developed their first true leaves. They can be grown indoors in containers or trays.
• Salad Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and other salad greens can be grown indoors under grow lights. They can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender.
• Scallions: Scallions can be grown indoors in containers. They can be harvested when they have reached the desired size.
• Garlic Greens: Garlic greens are the young shoots that emerge from garlic cloves. They can be grown indoors in containers and harvested when they reach a suitable height.
• Spring Radishes: Radishes have a quick growing season and can be grown indoors for a continuous harvest.
• Beets: Beets can be grown indoors in containers. They can be harvested when they reach the desired size.
• Carrots: Carrots can be grown indoors in deep containers. They can be harvested when they have reached the desired size.
• Bush Beans: Bush beans can be grown indoors in containers. They can be harvested when the pods are young and tender.
• Peas: Peas can be grown indoors in containers. They can be harvested when the pods are young and sweet.
• Micro Tomatoes: Micro tomatoes are small tomato varieties that can be grown indoors in containers. They can be harvested when the fruits are ripe.

Perennial Vegetables for Continuous Harvest

In addition to the vegetables mentioned above, there are also perennial vegetables that can provide a continuous harvest year after year. These vegetables come back each season without the need for replanting:

• Asparagus: Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can be harvested year after year. It takes a few years to establish a productive asparagus bed, but once established, it can provide abundant harvests.
• Horseradish: Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable that can be harvested as needed. It has a pungent flavor and is often used as a condiment.
• Watercress: Watercress is a perennial aquatic vegetable that can be grown in water gardens or containers. It has a peppery flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Goji Berries: Goji berries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in containers or in the ground. They are packed with antioxidants and are known for their health benefits.
• Gooseberries: Gooseberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in both sun and shade. They have a tart flavor and can be used in jams, pies, and other desserts.
• Egyptian Walking Onions: Egyptian walking onions, also known as tree onions, are a perennial onion variety that produces small bulbs on the top of the plant. These bulbs can be harvested and replanted to grow new onions.
• Wild Leeks (Ramps): Ramps are a wild onion variety that can be foraged or grown in a home garden. They have a strong onion-garlic flavor and are prized by chefs.
• Raspberries: Raspberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in both summer-bearing and everbearing varieties. They can provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in acidic soil. They require some maintenance but can provide a bountiful harvest each year.
• Blackberries: Blackberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in a variety of climates. They can be harvested throughout the summer months.
• Strawberries: Strawberries are a perennial fruit that can be grown in both garden beds and containers. They can produce a continuous harvest from spring to fall.
• Grapes: Grapes are a perennial fruit that can be grown on vines. They require a trellis or support structure and can provide a bountiful harvest of sweet grapes.
• Lemons, Limes, and Figs: While not traditional vegetables, these citrus fruits and figs can be grown in containers indoors or in a greenhouse. They can provide a continuous harvest with proper care.
• Mulberries, Peaches, Nectarines, and Mandarins: These fruits can be grown in areas with suitable climates and provide a continuous harvest during their respective seasons.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that can be harvested for its tart stalks. It can be grown in the ground or in containers.
• Kale: Kale is a hardy vegetable that can be grown year-round in many climates. It can be harvested continuously, allowing for a steady supply of nutritious greens.
• Globe Artichokes: Globe artichokes are perennial plants that can be grown for their edible flower buds. They can provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
• Banana (in a greenhouse): Bananas can be grown in a greenhouse in areas with cooler climates. With proper care, they can produce a continuous harvest of fresh bananas.
• Currants, Serviceberries, and Honeyberries: These fruits are perennial and can be grown in a variety of climates. They can provide a continuous harvest during their respective seasons.
• Plantain: Plantain is a perennial herb that can be grown for its edible leaves. It can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.
• Radicchio: Radicchio is a perennial vegetable that can be grown for its bitter leaves. It can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

Whether you have an outdoor garden or want to try your hand at indoor gardening, there are plenty of vegetables that can be grown all year round. From hardy options that can withstand the changing seasons to perennial vegetables and fruits that provide a continuous harvest, there is something for every gardener’s taste and preference. By incorporating a variety of these vegetables into your garden, you can enjoy a year-round supply of fresh, homegrown produce.

Related Websites:

• Mother Earth News
• Tips Bulletin
• Garden Betty
• The Spruce
• Morning Chores