I'm helping out a family member with their veggie garden while they're on vacation this summer. I've been given the green light to plant whatever I want in their half-acre garden, which gets plenty of sun, is in zone 8b, and has great soil. I'm aiming to set up an automated watering system so I don't have to visit more than a few times a week. I'm particularly interested in low-maintenance vegetables that either have a long growing season or take up more space to maximize the garden's potential. So far, I'm thinking of planting onions, leeks, potatoes, melons, and winter squash. I'd love any additional suggestions!
3 Answers
Definitely go for beets and winter squash! They thrive in sunny spots and can give you a good harvest with minimal interference. Just make sure to manage the weeds around them as needed!
Have you considered planting Jerusalem artichokes? They’re pretty resilient and can grow with minimal care. I tried a few in containers and they gave me a decent harvest even with little maintenance. Also, sweet potatoes can be a great option too if you have fertile soil. Just plop a cutting in and water it, and you’re good to go! Just be careful with Jerusalem artichokes if you’re planting in-ground because they can get a bit invasive.
Thanks! Sweet potatoes sound like a fun choice. I’ve heard about Jerusalem artichokes being invasive, so I might steer clear of those for this garden.
You should definitely add pumpkins and more winter squash. Those vining plants can cover a lot of ground and help suppress weeds. Plus, they’re super fun to grow!
Good point! I’ll keep that in mind, thanks!
Oooh, I hadn't thought about planting beets. That sounds delicious, thanks for the tip!