When pondering whether to grow your own vegetables at home, it’s natural to consider the affordability of certain produce at the grocery store. Two questions often arise: are these cheap veggies truly worth cultivating yourself, and should you prioritize growing pricey varieties? While gardening isn’t solely about budget, it’s crucial to weigh the time and space commitments against the cost-benefit analysis.
For some individuals, the decision may be straightforward – they’ll opt for convenience and purchase their vegetables rather than investing in a garden.
What’s “Worth the Effort” of Growing?
One of the simplest ways to determine which vegetables are worth the effort of growing is to take a trip to your local grocery store. Make a list of your favorite vegetables, then note down the prices of each item in the produce section. You can deduce that the veggies worth growing are those that cost less to cultivate than they do to purchase. In my experience, living in rural Quebec, the most affordable options include cabbages, peas, asparagus, carrots, beets, and potatoes.
For instance, a standard green cabbage head costs around $0.99, while two 10 lb bags of potatoes or root vegetables can be had for just $5. There are also ‘pick-your-own’ options available for asparagus, which can fill a massive bag for a couple of dollars, and peas are widely grown. On the other hand, tomatoes, garlic, lettuce, kale, and peppers tend to be pricier. Based on this, it makes sense to focus on growing nightshades, garlic, and tender greens in my garden.
Interestingly, when I lived near Sacramento, the most expensive options were asparagus, peas, corn, and brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. The climate there wasn’t ideal for cool-weather-loving crops such as those. Ultimately, take note of the prices at your local supermarket to inform your garden choices.
Crops that are Generally Worth the Effort
While considering the prices of vegetables and herbs in your area is crucial, it’s equally important to think about how much you enjoy eating these veggies and their growth requirements. Most people don’t have an abundance of free time to dedicate to gardening, so the most sought-after and beloved vegetables are those that thrive with minimal maintenance. Here are some of the easiest-to-grow varieties that won’t require constant attention.
They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them perfect for busy gardeners who want to reap a bountiful harvest without sacrificing too much time or effort.
Cherry Tomatoes
With minimal care, these plants thrive in sunny spots with decent soil. They’re perfect for balconies or yards, producing an abundance of fruit that’s ready to be snacked on, added to salads, or used as a flavorful sauce base. The beauty lies not only in their ease of growth but also in the variety they offer. Heirloom varieties, in particular, can be saved and replanted, allowing you to cultivate a kaleidoscope of sweet and juicy gems year after year.
Climbing Peas
In my three decades of gardening experience, I’ve only encountered a disappointing pea crop once, courtesy of a pesky powdery mildew outbreak. On the contrary, peas are renowned for their impressive yields and low maintenance requirements. To ensure a healthy harvest, simply water them at soil level, prune away excessive foliage, and you’ll avoid the mildew issue altogether.
Once your peas are thriving, enjoy them fresh from the garden, or preserve them through canning, freezing, or drying for a winter’s worth of nourishing soups.
Pole Beans
When it comes to legumes like beans, you’ll want to consider growing them as part of your own garden. Not only are they dual-purpose, meaning you can enjoy both the young green pods and mature seed beans, but they’re also well worth the effort due to their potentially high cost at the store. To get the most out of your bean-growing experience, look for varieties that have been cultivated in your region for at least a century.
This will help ensure optimal results and minimize any potential issues.
Mixed Lettuces
If you’re an ardent fan of salad greens or have a herbivorous companion that’s obsessed with lettuces, consider devoting a garden bed to a medley of mixed lettuces. You won’t regret it! Not only are lettuces a bargain to cultivate, but they also boast effortless growth. In fact, baby lettuces can be prohibitively pricey at the grocery store, yet remarkably simple to grow in your own backyard.
To prevent them from bolting due to intense heat, consider providing partial shade for these tender greens.
Radishes
Growing dual-purpose plants can’t get much easier than this! Start with a compact variety such as ‘Hailstone’ or ‘Cherrybelle’, and broadcast the seeds widely. As the seedlings emerge, thin them out and enjoy their nutritious greens. Then, simply wait for the bulbs to poke through the soil and harvest them at maturity. The best part? These small radishes will be ready in just 22-27 days!
To ensure a continuous supply, plant more seeds every couple of weeks and you’ll be harvesting fresh radishes until the first snowfall.
Green Onions
Scallions, also referred to as spring onions, are notorious for their ability to thrive with minimal maintenance. One of the most appealing aspects of these vegetables is that they can be easily coaxed into growth from store-bought clippings. To initiate this process, simply chop off the green portions for culinary use and then plant the white bulb end facing downwards, followed by a gentle watering.
Within a matter of days, a new onion will begin to sprout forth, allowing you to harvest it multiple times throughout the season by cutting back the new growth as needed.
Zucchini
Kale
Kale, a hardy brassica, is remarkably adaptable and can thrive in nearly any zone, making it a cost-effective option compared to purchasing it. While this versatile vegetable does have one drawback: it’s susceptible to bolting when exposed to hot temperatures. To circumvent this issue, kale can be cultivated as a spring, autumn, or winter crop, depending on your geographical location.
In regions with intense summers, I find it necessary to grow kale indoors to prevent it from going to seed prematurely. By broadcasting an abundance of seeds and harvesting some young plants as ‘baby kale’ for raw consumption, you’ll also have the opportunity to let other plants mature for braising, dehydrating into crispy kale chips, or incorporating them into a delicious kimchee recipe.
Which Vegetables are NOT Worth the Effort of Growing?
While some garden enthusiasts may find joy in cultivating certain vegetables, others may find it’s not worth the investment. These particular veggies are often plagued by issues that can make their growth unpredictable and less rewarding. If time and effort aren’t yielding desired results, it might be more practical to focus on other options. That being said, personal enjoyment or a passion for gardening can override economic considerations.
Some people may still choose to grow these vegetables simply because they appreciate the process or the occasional harvest. For those looking to maximize their yields and minimize inputs, however, alternative choices might be more effective.
Cabbage
Cabbages are notorious for their space-hungry nature and demanding maintenance. Not only do they require constant attention to protect them from cabbage white butterflies, but also regular spraying to deter worms and borers. While they may not be the most glamorous addition to your garden, cabbages remain an affordable option globally, making it easy for enthusiasts of sauerkraut and kimchi to get their hands on a few heads at their local supermarket.
Cauliflower
Growing this type of plant poses an added level of complexity due to its unique requirements. Not only does it require a lengthy germination period, but it’s also extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations. As such, it’s often more practical to cultivate it commercially in greenhouses where the environmental conditions can be meticulously managed and controlled.
Carrots
Carrots, despite being often perceived as low-maintenance, can be surprisingly finicky. They require soil that’s both nutrient-rich and well-draining, with no pesky stones to impede their growth. Consistent watering at the same time each day is crucial for optimal development, while a sudden heat wave can cause them to bolt. Given their relatively affordable price point, it’s puzzling why they’re often overlooked in favor of more ‘exotic’ vegetables, leaving valuable yard space unused.
Corn
Corn cultivation is often not feasible for small-scale farmers due to its inherent challenges. The plants require extensive land and are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Moreover, each plant typically produces only two or three ears, making it impractical without a large area to work with. Furthermore, corn requires wind pollination, which can only be achieved by growing at least 20 plants in a grid pattern.
Even under these optimal conditions, only about half of the ears will develop fully.
Celery
Celery’s finicky nature means it requires specific conditions to thrive. Calcium and boron are essential nutrients that must be present in the soil for optimal growth. Failure to provide these elements can lead to disappointment. On the other hand, lovage is a low-maintenance perennial that offers a similar flavor profile without demanding the same level of care. For those who appreciate celery’s taste but lack the time or patience to cater to its needs, lovage presents a practical alternative.
Eggplants
While tomatoes are a breeze to cultivate, their nightshade relatives, specifically aubergines, present a vastly different challenge. These plants are notoriously finicky when it comes to temperature fluctuations, making them susceptible to a multitude of pests and diseases. Unless you reside in arid, sun-scorched regions like the southern United States or the Mediterranean, you’d be wise to reconsider growing aubergines.
The frustration that ensues from dealing with burrowed plants covered in flea beetle holes may not be worth your while. For those living in Italy or South America, where fresh tomatoes are readily available, it’s likely more practical to focus on radishes and peas – or other crops that bring you joy and savings.
