DIY Veggie Gardens that Go the Distance

close up veggie garden

There are plenty of reasons why someone might choose to start a veggie garden. Not only do you get the satisfaction of growing your own food, but also you can yield healthy plants that are free of toxins. While most people enjoy these simple benefits, there are certain edibles that will make your veggie garden even more profitable. However, with so many types of plants on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right ones. Fortunately, there are a handful of ideal edibles that are easy to grow and can be used across a variety of recipes, and The Home Depot offers free DIY workshops on how to start your own vegetable garden, should you need expert help!

Corn

The idea of planting corn might seem daunting for many growers. However, many corn varieties, such as sweet corn, are easy to plant and thrive across several planting zones. Just make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight and has plenty of upward space to grow. Corn can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. You can eat corn right off the stalk, boil it, fry it, and even barbecue it on the grill.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are one of the more versatile plants available. Not only are they easy to grow and maintain, but also they can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, stir fry, toppings, soups, and even appetizers. When planting, be sure to leave plenty of room for growth, as cucumbers tend to take up a lot space.

Peppers

Peppers are one of the easiest plants to grow. They thrive in warmer climates and can yield a surprising amount of peppers per stalk. Even better, these plants can really add spice, flavor, and color to just about any dish. Depending on the variety, you can even dry them out and use them as a spice for hotter recipes or homemade salsa.

Tomatoes

No veggie garden is complete without a healthy amount of tomatoes. For a better and more versatile variety, consider choosing slicing tomatoes for your garden. Slicing tomatoes are easy to grow and can be planted in all zones. They are also the perfect size for a variety of recipes and can be chopped for stews, sliced for sandwiches, boiled for sauce, and canned for later use. For best results, build a support structure for the tomatoes to grow upward instead of outward.

Lettuce

Leaf lettuce is one of the better choices in the lettuce family. Not only does leaf lettuce thrive in all planting zones, but also this variety is high yield and can be picked throughout its growing cycle. Of course, lettuce is great on salads, but it can also be used to add color and healthy flavoring to certain dishes.

In addition to lettuce, planting kale is a great way to add more texture and flavor to salads. Kale is easy to plant and can be stored for a greater length of time than your average lettuce stalk.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest plants you can add to your veggie garden. Fortunately, some varieties, like Olympia spinach, are easy to grow from seed and have high yields. Spinach can be incorporated in a number of different recipes and dishes, including salads, casseroles, soups, and pasta.

Beans

Beans are ideal for first-time veggie gardeners because of their fast growth cycles and ease of planting. Beans come in numerous colors, sizes, and shapes, including snap beans and provider. The best part about growing beans is they can be eaten right off the stalk or cooked into a number of tasty recipes. Beans can be planted in all zones, though they grow best in warm climates.

Onions

Onions are a must-have for any veggie garden. Not only are onions used in just about every recipe imaginable, but also they are easy to grow and harvest. Onions come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, so choose a variety that best suits your needs in the kitchen. Onion color varieties include white, yellow, and red, while sizes vary from little pickling onions to massive cultivars.

Tips for Better Yield

Before breaking ground for your new veggie garden, make sure you thoroughly plan out the space. Most importantly, remember that soil is king. Soil rich in nutrients will encourage growth and result in a better end product. Additionally, make sure you properly space out your plants to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Finally, mix things up and try to pick plants that complement each other, both in the garden and the kitchen.