You don’t have to have the greenest thumb in the neighborhood in order to grow your own edible plants for food at home. In fact some plants that grow edible greens, berries, and veggies are also quite easy to grow. Here is our list of 7 plants that are not only nutritious and delicious, but that even a beginning gardener can successfully grow at home.
1. Strawberries
It may come as a surprise, but the succulent, sweet strawberry grows on a very agreeable little plant. Strawberry plants are resistant to many pests, and when you grow them on a patio or balcony, they can be a rewarding treat. Plant new plants in rich soil that is well-draining. Be sure the pot has holes for adequate drainage and don’t let the soil remain saturated. You can grow strawberries in widow boxes or hanging baskets and pick them as they ripen.
2. Onions
Onions are a root vegetable that very few bugs will bother. Growing a 3-gallon pot full of sweet onions is fun and easy. Plant dried onion sets, water when the soil surface is dry to an inch or so deep, and watch the go. The good thing about harvesting your own onions is that once picked ad dried some, they will last in a pantry for up to two weeks. Rerigerated onions can last even longer.
3. Potatoes
Yes you can grow potatoes at home. Large plastic bins with holes for drainage can grow bushels of potatoes. Make sure the soil is free from bugs when you begin. To do so, potting soil from a garden shop is better than dirt from the yard. Once your potatoes start growing be patient. Let the green vines ramble and begin to harvest after a month of growth. The longer they grow, the larger these starchy root vegetables become.
4. Herbs
Growing herbs is easy, fast, and rewarding. Don’t expect to have a basil or mint plant last forever, but that is part of their charm. Start plants with seeds and you can count of a full season of fresh herbs harvested from your own garden, kitchen, or back porch. Growing herbs in pots is an easy entry to growing your own edible plants.
5. Tomatoes
Picture an Italian villa with rugged fruit trees, bright flowers, and a garden full of juicy tomatoes. The beauty of it is that you need not live in an Italian villa to grow your own fresh, nutritious tomatoes. Tomatoes can be grown in the ground or in pots, and a simple homemade frame of scrap wood and string is plenty to support this tasty crop. Heirloom tomatoes can be grown again from their seeds, so save them and grow on.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce is easy and fun to grow and it is one of those home crops that seems to thrill every guest who sees it. Serving up your own homegrown lettuce is not only nutritious, but it allows you to know exactly what has been fed to, sprayed on, and done with your food. You will be astounded when you realize how long home grown lettuce will last in your refrigerator, because it is as local as it gets.
7. Peppers
Growing peppers at home is easy and exciting. There are many types to select and you can grow sweet, mild, or hot peppers in pots or in the ground. Check your USDA Zone, read the seed packaging for when to plant in your area, and grow your own delicious peppers. Peppers can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, or used in many cooked dishes. They are one of the most versatile edible plants available, and they are also very easy to grow.
