There are so many options for an aspiring gardener and/or homesteader. Not only do these options include every variety of crop imaginable, but also all their organic or GMO varieties. Typically, the best options for homestead produce are durable, highly nutritious, and high-yielding options. What is particularly right for you will depend on why, where, and how you’re growing.
- Where are you located? Where will your plants be located? A backyard garden will have different needs than an insulated greenhouse. Different plants grow best with differing amounts of sunlight/humidity/room to stretch out, and varying temperature ranges. Keep your plant’s preferences in mind when deciding where to place them. Or, keep your placement in mind while choosing what plants you’d like to grow.
- Who will you be feeding? Do you have picky eaters at home? Anyone with allergies or dietary restrictions? Does anyone have any favorites? It’s important to keep your audience, or table, in mind. A large harvest of beautiful carrots can become burdensome and useless if nobody wants to take a bite.
- What do you have the room for? If you’re intending to feed your family directly and solely from your backyard, how you use your space will be essential. Primary produce, or those that you eat the most of, should be produced in larger quantities than side dishes, experiments, etc. You’ll also likely want enough extra to store and preserve for later, when those vegetables are no longer in season.
Nutritionally complete and vitamin rich produce is ideal for providing you and your family with everything they need. Heirloom produce is often chosen for its chance to reproduce, as hybrids are often sterile. If your produce will be exposed to the elements, it’s important to plant the right crops at the right time. While there are some cool weather vegetables and fruits, a greenhouse can massively extend your growing period. Even if your greenhouse isn’t heated, the protected space can prevent freeze or frost damage during the coldest nights. For first timers, here’s some great options for your first ever harvest:
- Winter Squash: These are well suited to beginners, as they are incredibly hardy and easy to grow. These are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C. These are high-yielding plants, each 100 square feet can produce up to 100 pounds of squash. These squashes are often large and can be stored for longer than six months without issue.
- Beans: Beans are an incredibly good source of protein, which is important to consider if you plan on cutting out some or a lot of your regular meat intake. These store incredibly well, even without being canned and preserved, although they are very easy to freeze. Pole greens grow upwards, making them a great way to utilize vertical space.
- Leafy Greens: This includes many salad favorites like kale and spinach, or even cabbage and collards. These are some of the most nutritionally dense vegetables you can grow, containing calcium, iron, and lots of vitamins. These will need to be preserved, often done through freezing or drying.
- Tomatoes: These are an essential base ingredient across so many cultures and staple dishes and can be preserved in a variety of ways. These are some of the most popular options for canning, as they are high in acid, and therefore easier to can.
