I'm getting a little garden space from my parents who are digging up their yard to make a big vegetable garden. I don't have any gardening experience, but I'm super excited because I get an 8'x8' square to grow whatever I want. I know that homegrown veggies generally taste better, but I'm curious which ones have the most noticeable difference compared to store-bought options. I think tomatoes are a must-have, but are there any other veggies that might surprise me? I live in central Utah, and I plan to get started this Saturday. Any tips would be much appreciated! ?
6 Answers
You've got to try growing tomatoes (like Sunpeach or Green Zebra), cucumbers (go for the Japanese types), sweet peppers, and even carrots. Those Kuroda carrots are super juicy! Just a heads up about tomatoes: indeterminate varieties need something to climb, like a trellis.
You can't go wrong with garden-fresh peas! They never last long in my house because they're just that good. Plus, don't forget about lettuce and cucumbers—they pack a ton of flavor straight from the garden. Definitely try some!
Heirloom tomatoes are definitely number one for taste! But don't overlook sugar snap peas; they're fantastic when fresh off the vine! Just keep in mind that peas are usually a cool-weather crop, so you might want to save those for fall planting if it's too late now.
Exactly! Both are must-haves. Just be sure to plant your peas in cooler weather; otherwise, they'll struggle in the heat.
Sweet corn is an absolute must! You should harvest and eat it right away to get the best sweetness. Other great picks are lettuces, radishes, and even fresh herbs to add a pop to any dish. And, of course, tomatoes always shine!
Vegetables like asparagus, sweet corn, and melons are also fantastic, but greens such as kale and arugula thrive in cooler months. Plant what you love to eat, and look for companion planting to make the most of your garden space!
Kale in the fall is fantastic; just be sure to plant varieties that do well together!
Don't forget strawberries along with tomatoes! Store-bought ones are usually picked too early and don't taste nearly as good. Green beans are another surprise; freshly picked ones are miles ahead of what you find in stores. Growing pole beans is great since they keep producing. Just remember to pick them while they're young for the best flavor!
I second that! Junebearing strawberries can take over if you give them room—they're a delicious cheat for endless berries.
Totally agree on the carrots! Once you try them organic and fresh, you won’t want to go back.