I'm in USDA zones 5b/6a, located in Illinois, and I have a raised garden bed measuring 2.5' x 12' on the south side of my house. This spot gets full sun throughout most of spring and all summer long. Last year, I filled the bed with what was sold as compost, but it seems more like a mix of soil and compost. I'm planning to top it off with some extra topsoil I'll have after leveling off my patio. I will also add some general compost or fertilizer from a nearby store.
For the last two years, I've only grown various types of peppers—about 12 to 14 plants including banana, Anaheim, jalapeno, poblano, and sweet orange peppers. This year, I'm looking to spice things up and add more variety to my garden. I want to keep most of my peppers but also try something new. Additionally, I have a separate area with strawberries that I'm hoping will yield some fruit, and I've got a few 5-gallon buckets and assorted containers for herbs or other plants.
Here's what I currently want to grow:
- 2-4 Banana peppers
- 2 Anaheim peppers
- 1-2 Jalapeno peppers
- 1-2 Poblano peppers
I'm also open to suggestions for herbs and other interesting plants like green onions, garlic, zucchini, beans, or even beneficial flowers.
2 Answers
Hey there! I'm in the same zone as you, and I've had great success with zucchini—it really thrives in full sun! I've also grown herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint, which do well in containers. Beans and jalapeños should be pretty straightforward for you, too. Honestly, I say just go for whatever you feel like trying, but keep in mind garlic needs to be planted in the fall in our zone!
Sounds like you’ve got a great plan! Since you already have success with peppers, maybe try adding some green onions or garlic for a nice variety. Zucchini grows really well and can produce a lot. Beans are also a good choice—they're easy to grow and can add some greenery to your bed. It's all about experimenting, so go for what interests you the most!