DIY Hack: Veggies to Plant in Your Own Garden

Gardening is quickly becoming a huge trend. Some people plant their own gardens to save money on fresh, high-quality produce, or because they’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into their diets. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) gardens are also good for the environment because you don’t need to buy food that’s been shipped from far away.

Related: Tips to Help You Get the Most from Your Produce

To help you get started, here are six veggies to plant in your own DIY garden.

Potatoes

Did you know that the average American eats about 120 pounds of potatoes per year? Potatoes are one of the hardiest plants, as they can survive extreme cold and are not nearly as sensitive to light or water as many other vegetables.

This makes potatoes ideal for any garden, especially if you’re a beginner gardener. Plus, potatoes are versatile and can be used in many dishes.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a good choice to include in your DIY garden because it grows quickly. Lettuce heads can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days, so you’ll see returns on your efforts quickly.

Tomatoes

If you’re limited on space, you should definitely include tomatoes in your garden. Because the plant tends to grow upward rather than out, they are good for saving space. Tomatoes are perfect for small gardens, balconies, hanging planters, and other tiny areas.

Tomatoes are also high-producing, so growing tomatoes is a good investment for your grocery budget. Bonus: The smell of tomato leaves repels leaf-eating caterpillars and other pests to protect your other veggies.

Kale

Kale is a natural superfood. It is one of the most nutrition-packed foods on the planet. One cup of kale contains 206% of your daily vitamin A, 134% of your daily vitamin C, 3 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber.

Another bonus of having kale in your own garden is that it saves you money. Grocery stores tend to mark up the price of kale more than other produce, so your budget will thank you for growing your own.

Asparagus

Growing asparagus takes some patience, but it’s well worth it. Asparagus may need up to two years before it’s ready to harvest. However, a single plant can keep producing for up to 20 years. If you’re serious about long-term gardening, asparagus is a great choice.

Additionally, planting your own asparagus is an easy way to save money. Asparagus is typically rather expensive in stores. Most asparagus in grocery stores is imported, adding to the price. It’s also a delicate plant and doesn’t ship well, so growing your own in your garden is a smart decision.

Spinach

If you live in an area where you’re worried about the temperature dropping, be sure to include spinach in your garden. Spinach enjoys cooler climates and won’t mind several days of rain and cold weather. This is also an ideal vegetable to plant in shady places where other plants won’t grow, such as garden corners or along fences.

Related: The Importance of Proper Nutrition as We Age

Whether you’re growing your own garden as a relaxing hobby or to be gentler on the environment, you should include these vegetables in your own garden. Not only can you save money by planting veggies, but you can also make sure that your food is fresh and healthy.