Growing a challenging vegetable can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes you might prefer to plant something low-maintenance that yields plenty of food efficiently. Luckily, there are many high-yield vegetables that are easy to grow and produce abundantly without taking up much space in your garden. “High-yield vegetables produce more from smaller patches, maximizing your growing space,” explains Kelly Funk, president of Park Seed. “Once these vegetables reach the harvest stage, they continue to grow new leaves and fruit, providing a continuous supply of nutrients from the soil.” Here are some of the highest-yielding fruits and vegetables that require minimal effort from the gardener.
Tomatoes are a popular crop that yields plenty of fruit, especially cherry tomatoes. “You get a lot of tomatoes for your effort,” says Renee Pottle, creator of Seed to Pantry. “A single cherry tomato plant can provide tomatoes for salads all summer, while a few plants will give you an abundance of fruit.” To grow tomatoes successfully, plant seedlings in a sunny area with well-drained soil after the last frost. Water the seedlings regularly, gradually reducing watering frequency as the plants establish deep roots. Pruning tomato plants helps promote growth.
Zucchini is another high-yield vegetable that can easily take over your garden. It is usually grown as an annual plant from seeds directly sown into warm soil. When planting zucchini, ensure the soil is warm and well-drained. Adding fertilizer or compost to the soil before planting can improve drainage. Water zucchini regularly, picking ripe fruits frequently to encourage continuous growth.
Pole beans are a high-yield option that produces more food than bush beans in the same space. They are easier to harvest and some gardeners find them tastier than bush beans. Plant pole bean seeds in spring after the last frost and consider planting a second crop in summer for a fall harvest. Pole beans thrive in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Harvest beans when they reach 7 inches to maintain flavor and encourage further fruiting.
Cucumbers are a low-maintenance fruit that is easy to grow and produces several yield
Growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh produce right from your garden. When it comes to growing cucumbers, expert Meyers advises that they are best grown as an annual crop, thriving in warm weather conditions while being sensitive to frost.
To ensure a successful cucumber harvest, it is recommended to plant the seeds after the first frost when the soil has warmed up. While cucumbers are typically directly seeded into the garden, some gardeners opt to start them indoors to achieve an earlier harvest. Regardless of where you choose to plant them, ensure the location receives full sun exposure and has well-draining, moist soil. Initially, water generously after planting, then establish a consistent watering schedule once the plants have taken root. To promote continuous fruit production, be diligent in picking ripe cucumbers regularly.
Carrots, a staple root vegetable, are praised by expert Pottle for being an easy crop to grow. They can be left in the ground until you are ready to harvest them, making them a convenient choice for home gardeners. When planting carrot seedlings, it is essential to select a sunny location with loose, well-composted soil. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist by providing approximately 1 inch of water per week. As the carrot plants develop, mound the soil around the tops to shield them from sun damage. Additionally, thin out the plants once they reach about 4 inches in height to allow for proper growth.
Lettuce, a versatile and prolific crop, is an excellent choice for small gardens due to its ability to flourish in compact spaces. According to Pottle, lettuce is well-suited for shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall. Plant lettuce seeds in a sunlit area and ensure regular watering, typically twice a week. This adaptable plant can thrive in various soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to any garden. For a continuous supply of fresh lettuce, sow seeds every two to three weeks.
Overall, growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a fulfilling and sustainable practice. By following expert advice and providing the necessary care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, and other crops in your home garden.
For more gardening tips and inspiration, you can find the original article on Martha Stewart’s website.
