Easy-to-Grow Vegetables for Busy Gardeners: A Guide to Plant-and-Forget Crops
Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right plant choices, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest with minimal effort. Here’s a guide to some of the easiest vegetables to grow for busy gardeners:
Vegetables That Require Minimal Upkeep
These vegetables are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the garden. They’re low-maintenance and can be left to their own devices for the most part.
- Beets: Beets thrive in well-draining soil and can be planted in partial shade. They’re ready to harvest within two to three months.
- Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that comes back year after year. It doesn’t require much care, but it does need a bit of room to spread out.
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. It takes a while to mature, but it requires very little attention.
- Winter squash: Winter squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s a vining plant, so it needs some space to spread out.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in northern climates. They’re a low-maintenance crop that can be grown in containers or in the ground.
- Onions: Onions are another easy-to-grow vegetable. They can be planted in the spring or fall and require minimal care.
Plant Varieties for Different Levels of Care
Some vegetables require a bit more attention than others. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, you can enjoy even more delicious and nutritious produce.
- Early season potatoes: Early season potatoes can be grown in late winter or early spring and take up to three months to reach maturity. They’re a low-maintenance option that can be grown in containers or in the ground.
- Maincrop potatoes: Maincrop potatoes are the main, larger crop that are planted in the spring and take 4-5 months to reach maturity. They are best planted in the ground.
- Large onions: If you prefer larger onions, increase the spacing between the sets when planting.
Growing Vegetables in Specific USDA Zones
Different vegetables are suited to different climates. When choosing vegetables to grow, it’s important to consider your USDA zone.
- USDA zones 8-10: Vegetables that thrive in warm climates include beets, rhubarb, garlic, winter squash, potatoes, and onions.
- USDA zones 5-7: Vegetables that are well-suited to moderate climates include beets, rhubarb, garlic, winter squash, and potatoes. Onions can also be grown in these zones, but they may not produce as large bulbs.
Versatile Vegetables that Can Be Used in Multiple Dishes
One of the best things about growing your own vegetables is the versatility they offer. Many vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a great addition to any meal.
- Beets: Beets can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. They’re a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a tart vegetable that can be used in desserts, jams, and sauces. It’s also a good source of vitamin C.
- Garlic: Garlic is a flavorful vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s a good source of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
- Winter squash: Winter squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in soups, stews, pies, and breads. It’s a good source of fiber and vitamins.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They’re a good source of energy and nutrients.
- Onions: Onions are a flavorful vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They’re a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables that Store Well for Months
If you’re looking for vegetables that you can store for months, there are a few good options to choose from.
- Beets: Beets can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to three months.
- Garlic: Garlic can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
- Winter squash: Winter squash can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to three months.
- Potatoes: Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
- Onions: Onions can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to three months.
Vegetables that Can Be Harvested Throughout the Spring and Summer
If you’re looking for vegetables that you can harvest throughout the spring and summer, there are a few good options to choose from.
- Rhubarb: Rhubarb can be harvested from early spring to early summer.
- Garlic: Garlic can be harvested in the summer when the leaves begin to turn brown.
- Winter squash: Winter squash can be harvested in the fall when the fruits are mature.
- Potatoes: Early season potatoes can be harvested in early summer, while maincrop potatoes can be harvested in the fall.
- Onions: Onions can be harvested in the summer when the tops begin to fall over.
Planting Techniques for Optimal Vegetable Growth
To ensure a successful harvest, it’s important to use proper planting techniques.
- Beets: Plant beet seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in rows. Cover the seeds with soil and water well.
- Rhubarb: Plant rhubarb crowns or divisions in the spring. Space the plants about a square yard apart.
- Garlic: Break up garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Plant the cloves about an inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart.
- Winter squash: Plant winter squash seeds directly into the ground. Space the seeds about three feet apart.
- Potatoes: Plant seed potatoes about 2-3 inches deep and 24 inches apart. Hill up the soil around the plants as they grow.
- Onions: Plant onion sets about 3/4 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart. Cover the sets with soil and water well.
Watering and Fertilizing Schedules for Maximum Vegetable Yield
Proper watering and fertilizing are essential for maximizing vegetable yield.
- Beets: Water beets regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize beets every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Rhubarb: Water rhubarb regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize rhubarb in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Garlic: Water garlic occasionally, especially during dry weather. Fertilize garlic every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Winter squash: Water winter squash regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize winter squash every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Potatoes: Water potatoes regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize potatoes every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Onions: Water onions regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize onions every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of easy-to-grow vegetables without spending a lot of time in the garden.
