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The best crops to grow in a self-sufficient garden are often based on what you like to eat, available, and gardening skills. Some crops can be grown anywhere, while others need more specific conditions and climates. Some crops also require more effort than others.
A simple garden planner can provide rough and ready vegetable garden plans, but a simple plan is not always enough. Some crops may require special care and a higher degree of skill to grow well. This article discusses the best crops to grow in a self-sufficient garden.
1. Potatoes
The famous vegetable potatoes are an essential crop to grow in a self-sufficient garden. Potatoes are one of the first annual crops to be planted each spring. Potatoes can be planted about 4-8 weeks before the last frost date for your area. This gives them enough time to grow and mature. Most potatoes are harvested before the first frost, giving you a second or third-year crop.
Potatoes can be grown in various soil types and regions, but selecting the best potatoes for your region is essential. The specific soils and climate conditions needed to grow good potatoes differ from region to region. Also, the nutritional value of potatoes is essential to the healthy diet of many people.
2. Carrots
Carrots are another important annual crop for a self-sufficient garden. Carrots, like potatoes, can be planted about 4-8 weeks before the last frost date for your area. Carrot’s flowers and seeds grow all season long in most areas.
Their foliage doesn’t die back during the winter months and can grow again in the spring when temperatures are warm enough to promote early growth. Most carrots are harvested before the first frost, giving you a second or third-year crop.
3. Kale
Kale is a great crop to try, especially if you have not grown a variety before. Kale, also known as leafy greens or winter vegetables, are most often harvested in the fall and winter months. This makes them a second or third-year crop.
Kale is easy to grow and has been cultivated since antiquity. The Romans grew kale in the middle ages to feed their soldiers because the plant was drought resistant, low maintenance, and fast-growing.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is an easy-to-grow annual crop. Popcorn can be harvested both the spring and fall. It’s a crop that can be grown in various soils, climatic regions, and sizes of plants. Popcorn is one of the most popular crops in the United States, so it’s essential to have popcorn in your self-sufficient garden. In addition, moving popcorn plants around the garden is relatively simple, increasing their potential to find a good spot.
5. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are often grown together as an annual crop that provides extra nutrients and flavor to other crops in the garden. This should be supported by good root structure, as these foods need good soil conditions to grow well. Onions have evolved and are now grown throughout many different world areas. Also, onions can be grown in various soils, although some are better than others. Garlic is very similar to onions, and most of the growing techniques are the same or similar. Some varieties of garlic require a specific climate and soil conditions, and they may need to be grown indoors or in greenhouses.
6. Squash
Squash is an essential crop to grow in a self-sufficient garden. Most types of squash are easy to grow and can provide you with a steady supply of food all year long. Autumn and winter squashes are harvested in the fall, and summer squashes can be harvested any time after the first frost.
Squash can be grown in various soils, climates, and regions. For example, growing summer squash requires more patience than growing other types because squash seeds take longer to germinate in warm weather conditions.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be grown in a wide range of climates and soil types. Some tomatoes can require particular climate conditions and soils to grow well. Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden crops globally and provide some of the best-tasting produce.
In addition, tomatoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including fighting cancer cells.
8. Apples, Pears, & Plums
Apples, pears, and plums are commonly grown as a second or third-year crop. Apples, pears, and plums are all great for your self-sufficient garden. They provide a second or third-year supply of fruits to the garden. These fruits can be grown in almost any region, but they require special care to grow well.
Apples are often grown as an annual crop in cold winter areas, while pears and plums are often grown as a second or third-year crop in warmer regions. Furthermore, varieties of apples, pears, and plums vary in flavor, size, and appearance.
In conclusion, a self-sufficient garden is an excellent way to meet your daily food needs. This means that you should aim to grow enough food for everyone in your household steadily. In addition, there are many other benefits to growing your food in the garden.
