Gardening can be very rewarding for people whether they do it for fun or as a job. Working outside in the sun and fresh air is not even the best part of it. As a result, you will get homegrown fresh vegetables and fruits which people would pay lots of money to buy. This way, you will have them for free!
Some vegetables grow as annuals. This means that they only grow during one season and after that, you will have to sow new seeds next year for them to regrow. However, not all vegetables are annuals. There are some vegetables and fruits that you will only plant them once and they will regrow again year by year, giving you healthy and fresh food for your family. These are only 10 of the best ones we could of think of right now:
Rhubarb
You should plant the rhubarb in the early spring when the ground has thawed. Leave at least four feet distance between the plants, and make sure they get full sunlight. Also, the soil should be fertile and well-drained.
Kale
Kale is very easy to grow. You should plant it in early spring, several weeks before the first frost, or in the fall. It can grow well in full sunlight too, but it prefers partial shade. Also, make sure the soil is rich in nitrogen.
Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are very productive and need well-drained, alkaline soils. After the first frost, they are ready to harvest. Yet, they grow very large, so make sure you plant them around 6 inches apart from one another.
Asparagus
Many people love the taste of asparagus, especially if it’s steamed with a little bit of lemon. However, when you get store-bought asparagus, it doesn’t do it much justice to the ones that you grow and pick yourself. Asparagus is known to grow well in cooler climates with cold winters and dry summers. Preferably, you need to plant the asparagus in full sunshine. Light and well-drained soil are also preferred with raised beds. When asparagus grows, it can be either a male or a female plant. Typically, male plants are more productive, so make sure you plant all-male asparagus in your garden.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a perennial herb with tart, lemon-flavored leaves used for soups, stews, salads, and sauces. The two main sorrels grown are common sorrel, Rumex acetosa, and French sorrel, Rumex scutatus. They are relatives of rhubarb, and the leaves contain small amounts of oxalic acid that’s not harmful when consumed in small quantities, (unless you are sensitive to oxalates).
Horseradish
You can grow horseradish almost anywhere and in any circumstances. Even though it’s ideal for it to grow in full sun and fertile soil, it can survive any condition. The best time to plant the root piece of horseradish is in spring so that you can harvest them after the first frost in fall. Remove all foliage in the fall from the plant. This will allow it an additional root growth which results in larger yields the next harvest.
Chives
Chives are, however, sold at markets and stores. The question is: how fresh are they by the time they make it to your table? Isn’t it ultimately better to step outside, harvest a small bunch, chop them up and add them to salads and dips – all in a matter of minutes? You’ll be pleased to know that chives are very hardy. Such vigorous growers in fact, that they will need dividing every few years.
Watercress
If you love slightly peppery leaves, similar to that of arugula/rocket, then you are going to adore watercress from your own backyard. It isn’t the simplest-to-care-for plant, as it is also attractive to many pests such as snails, white flies and spider mites. But, some of the best things in life take time and work. With the right set-up you can harvest vitamins A and C from watercress year round. Not only that, watercress is rich in niacin, thiamine and iron, better than an ordinary leafy salad!
Blueberries
Blueberries are not a vegetable and they grow in a bush, but they are delicious and nutritious perennials you would surely like to have in your garden. They need full sun and fruit prolifically.
Plant the bushes in the early spring, and leave at least 5 feet between them. You can also grow blueberries in containers. They come in around the first of June and finish up early to mid-July, and every year, they return stronger.
Globe artichoke
In terms of height, artichokes often come out on top – at about 5′ to be sure. It is beautiful from head to toe, and although it has a long growing season, the flavor is well worth the wait. Artichokes can be grown either as an annual or a perennial. In the latter case, they must be protected during the winter months.
Before planting, find out what varieties grow best in your zone, then wait 2 years for the first harvest.