4 Top Crops to Start in your Garden

There are many crops you can grow right in your backyard regardless of your climate. In this post we will be keeping it simple with 4 top crops to start your garden and provide some relief to your grocery bill and some self sufficiency tips. Starting a garden can seem overwhelming, but starting with these 4 will provide your family with a cost savings as well as healthier more flavourful food.

The first step to starting any garden is considering what you and your family consume on a regular basis. There is no point to grow fruit you do not plan on eating. These 4 top crops have been chosen for their ability and adaptability to many dishes used across the globe.

4 Top Crops to Start

#1- Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in many cultures and diets. Providing a high nutrient value as well as a high production of fruit per plant. Containing a good source of potassium, vitamins A,C, and K as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that may aid in prevention of certain types of cancers. Being relatively simple to grow, a beginning gardener can harvest ample amounts of fruit with very little effort. In ground or in pots tomatoes are a cost effective way to enjoy fresh produce and preserve your own harvests for future use. Homegrown tomatoes often taste better and are more nutrient dense than their store bought counterparts.

#2- Sweet and Spicy Peppers

With the many different varieties of peppers to choose from make Peppers our #2. From sweet bell peppers to every different level of spicy goodness you can find your preference. With each variety providing it’s own unique level of sweetness or spice, peppers are very versatile in the kitchen. Being relatively easy to grow in pots or the ground peppers are a cost effective way of enjoying and preserving fresh clean produce. Like many fruits and vegetables homegrown peppers are able to be picked when they are fully ripe allowing for a much more flavourful experience.

#3- Garlic

Besides Garlic’s well known health benefits and being high in antioxidants Garlic contains different compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic also helps boost the immune system and may reduce the risks of certain cancers. Requiring very little maintenance garlic can be grown in pots or directly into the soil. Being tolerant of a range of soil types and growing conditions garlic is a great crop for beginners. Garlic is a cost effective way to reduce your food costs, especially when it is used routinely in your cooking. Providing a stronger and more robust flavour than store bought, fresh homegrown garlic adds a complexity to your dishes. Purchasing garlic locally whether as seed or bulb will provide you with garlic more suited to your environment.

#4- Onions

Onions are a good source of antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C. They may even have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Being relatively easy to grow and heavily used in many dishes across the globe, onions are a great starter crop. Providing a cost effective way to enjoy clean produce free from chemicals. Homegrown onions provide a variety in flavours unmatched by store bought options. A versatile ingredient that is able to be used in a wide range of dishes, soups, stews and salads. Months after harvest homegrown onions can be enjoyed due to their long shelf life when stored appropriately. This provides you the cost savings and nutritional benefits long after harvest.

These top crops have been chosen for their nutrient value, simplicity to grow and their use in combination with each other. Providing most of the ingredients for many preservable meals while being able to be grown in masse, even in small backyard gardens.