Easy, grow-your-own veggies

person kneeling in garden with basket full of fresh veggies

Most of us could definitely stand to eat more veggies on a regular basis. There is no better time of year than the early summer months to make a plan and prepare to grow some in your own backyard. Following our list of easy, grow-your-own veggies from diynatural.com will set you up for getting more vegetables into your diet this summer.

Carrots are quick-growing and can be planted in spring or late summer in cooler climates. You will need a garden plot with deep, loose soil. Carrot seeds produce many small plants, and you will need to thin them out when the tops are about two inches tall.

Lettuce is another easy win for backyard gardening. No matter what kind of lettuce is your favorite, you can grow it from seeds or young plants. Keep the plants in afternoon shade and water them well.

Spinach grows easily but cannot tolerate heat. So it is best to plant it in the spring and harvest it before the summer heat or plant it in late summer for a fall crop. 

Tomatoes should be planted after frost risk. It’s easiest to grow them from starter plants in a sunny, warm spot. Stake plants to stabilize them as they grow. You may also want to try a cherry tomato plant for some variety.

Peppers grow best from small starter plants in moist soil. They should also be staked to help them grow upright. You can pick them at any stage of their growth to meet your size and flavor preferences.

Cucumbers should be planted when frost risk has passed. These veggies need a lot of space to sprawl. You can also use a trellis to train them upward to save space in your garden. You can pick small varieties for pickling. Be sure to pick cucumbers regularly to keep plants producing.

Radishes can be grown in containers and garden beds in early spring. You can even plant them with your carrots. It takes about three weeks before they are ready to eat. Keep in mind that early spring radishes taste milder than those that grow later in the summer.

Zucchini plants can thrive from seeds or starter plants in late spring. Like cucumbers, zucchini plants will sprawl, so keep this in mind when planning your garden. Try to harvest frequently while the zucchini are small with shiny skin. 

Make the most of this summer season by choosing some of the veggies above and growing them in your yard or in containers on a balcony or porch. You’ll get more of the veggies you know you should be eating and the satisfaction of growing them on your own!

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