Terri Ramsey Beavers Do you find yourself wishing for a larger garden? Or maybe your kids are constantly asking for more snacks from the fruit bowl, and you want to grow your own tasty produce. If so, then why not try growing some interesting things in your yard? It’s easy and fun, and you’ll also be helping the environment at the same time. From citrus trees to leafy greens and berries, there are plenty of different options available, and these are some of our favorites.
1. Cannabis
This is something that might seem controversial to some, but growing cannabis at home is perfectly legal in many places around the world. Of course, you’ll need to follow the laws of your particular jurisdiction and be cautious when it comes to obtaining seeds or clones. But if you manage everything correctly, then you could be happily enjoying your own harvest in no time. Additionally, you can find cannabis seeds for sale online, so it’s not too difficult to get started. If you’re keen to try it out, then you could start with an Indica strain like Northern Lights or a Sativa strain such as Haze.
2. Citrus trees
Citrus trees are some of the easiest things to grow in your yard. Many homeowners find that they are a great option for their first time, as they require minimal effort but still yield delicious fruit. If you’ve got plenty of room in your yard, then you might want to consider planting several different types for a real citrus overload. Additionally, citrus trees are a great choice for those who suffer from allergies, as the leaves and fruit don’t tend to trigger allergy symptoms. While you can buy citrus trees in pots, it’s far more fun to grow them from scratch.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile crops that you can grow at home, and there’s a huge variety available to choose from. They’re also easy to plant and don’t take long to start producing an abundance of tasty fruits. Some people even find success by growing their tomatoes indoors or under grow lights; this means that you can enjoy them all year round! It’s also a great option for those who don’t have much space, as you can even grow them in hanging baskets if you wish. This is a great way to keep your kids entertained, and you can show them how to do it, too.
4. Carrots
As well as being an important part of many meals around the world, carrots are also really simple to grow. You don’t need to do anything fancy, either, as they’ll grow happily in almost any type of soil. They’re also a great way to encourage your children to enjoy healthy eating and exercise more. You can even plant enough for the whole family and make it into a fun activity that gets everyone involved. Some varieties are particularly good when grown in large containers and will take less time than usual before you have carrots ready to pick. It’s also super easy to prepare them, as you can simply chop off the top and throw them into salads or stir-fries.
5. Avocados
Avocados might be a little more challenging to grow at home, but they’re certainly not impossible. If you want the tastiest fruits possible, then you’ll need to plant an avocado tree from scratch by grafting it onto another species of avocado tree (specifically Persea Americana). This is a little more technical than growing something like tomatoes, so it’s worth doing some research before you get started. But if you manage to grow your own avocado tree, then the fruits will be far superior to anything you can find in the supermarket. Additionally, you’ll find yourself with plenty of extra fruit to give away or use in a range of recipes.
6. Leafy greens and herbs
Leafy greens and herbs are other great options for those who don’t have much space. They’re easy to grow indoors or outside and require minimal effort – even if you’ve never grown plants before! If you start off with just a few varieties, then this is a great way to begin your green thumb journey. Some common options include basil, mint, chives, lettuce, parsley, and many others that not only taste incredible but are also good for you too. It’s easy to make some delicious meals with a bunch of herbs and leafy greens, so it’s totally worth the effort.
7. Strawberries
If you love strawberries, consider planting them in your backyard. You can use the berries to make pies, jams, and preserves or simply eat them fresh from the plant. Strawberries are quite easy to grow – they only need 6–8 hours of sunshine daily and fertile, well-drained soil with lots of organic compost added before planting. Also, keep in mind that each strawberry plant will give you one large fruit followed by several smaller ones; therefore, make sure you have enough space for all these plants! If you don’t have much room in your yard but do want a delicious summer treat.
8. Cucumbers
One of the easiest plants to grow, cucumbers are a summertime staple. The delicious fruits are great in salads and perfect for pickling! Whether you plant your seeds indoors or wait until the outside is warm enough, the choice is yours. Cucumber vines (and their lovely fruit) love warm weather and require full sun daily. If you’re growing them on a trellis, it’s important to ensure that they get enough water and nutrients, since they don’t have much space to spread out. While the vines often seem endless, harvest your cucumbers early and often to keep the plants producing more side shoots.
No matter what type of yard you have, it’s possible to grow a wide range of delicious and healthy plants. Whether you want to encourage your kids to get more outdoors, eat healthier foods, or simply enjoy the challenge of growing something yourself, there are plenty of options out there. Whether you choose carrots, avocados, leafy greens, strawberries, cucumbers, or something else entirely, the benefits of growing your own plants are numerous. So why not start today?