I'm starting a garden on my 1/2 acre lot after years of growing veggies on my condo patio. Having grown up here, I know we have challenges with deer and possums around, especially with a cemetery nearby. I want to grow a variety of plants to help feed my family and surplus to give away through a food pantry I run. I'm planning to plant some apple trees and blueberry bushes too. Given the climate near Lake Erie in Ohio (Zone 7a and 6b), what would you recommend for high-producing plants?
3 Answers
For something unique, consider growing pole beans and swiss chard. They’re super productive and can keep yielding, especially the chard. And if you want some fruit, blackberries and raspberries are great—but just be ready for the harvest labor! Gardening can definitely be a community effort, so get help if you can!
Hey! You've got a great space to work with! I’d definitely recommend cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and beans. They're super productive and can yield a lot. Plus, zucchinis tend to keep producing, so you’ll have plenty to share!
Totally! Zucchini can go wild. My mom used to give away bags of it because we had too much!
Try focusing on plants like potatoes, tomatoes, and squash. They not only grow well but also have good storage potential. You can even grow them vertically to save space! Just be cautious about planting too much at once; starting small helps manage things better.
I hear you! Starting smaller makes it easier to tackle weeds and pests. It really can become overwhelming if you plant too much.

I love how diversifying your crops helps! Don't forget to try other fruits like figs; they're delicious and not too hard to manage!