Year-Round Growable Produce: 12 Fruits and Vegetables to Cultivate Indoor or Outdoor
In the world of gardening, the belief that certain fruits and vegetables can only be grown during specific seasons is a thing of the past. With careful planning, the right varieties, and a bit of know-how, it's possible to enjoy homegrown produce all year round.
One cool-season green that thrives in multiple harvests is kale. Its "cut-and-come-again" nature makes it an ideal choice for repeated harvesting throughout its growing season [1]. Other vegetables suitable for extended or repeated harvests include Chantenay carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, beets, green onions, and garlic [2][5].
For those seeking perennial options, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes), and Egyptian walking onions are excellent choices. Asparagus, planted in fall and harvested in spring for multiple years, is a favourite among gardeners [3]. Jerusalem artichokes and Egyptian walking onions, being perennial onions, reseed themselves and produce continuously [3].
Fruit enthusiasts can also join in the year-round gardening fun. Day-neutral strawberries, for instance, produce continuous crops from summer into fall and can be overwintered for spring yield next year [1]. Cucumbers, when grown in a greenhouse with plenty of warmth, water, and light, can also be harvested all year round [4].
Grapes, while requiring careful attention, can also be harvested nearly any time of year. They need to be trained on a trellis and pruned annually for good airflow to prevent mildew and fungal diseases [6]. Oranges, lemons, avocados, and peaches, although not perennials, are available year-round, with the types that are in season depending on the specific variety [7].
Radishes, a staple in many gardens, can be grown year-round in gardens, greenhouses, or containers in many climates. There are even specific varieties for wintertime, such as watermelon radishes, black Spanish radishes, Japanese long scarlet radishes, and Chinese Shawo fruit radishes [8].
Strawberries can be grown year-round, especially indoors or in greenhouses to protect them from outside elements. Cucumbers also thrive in greenhouses, providing a bountiful harvest all year round [4].
To create a tailored, comprehensive list based on local climate and growing conditions, consulting expert gardening guides, seed catalogs specializing in perennial or multi-harvest crops, and resources like Nature’s Path’s organic gardening advice will be helpful [1][3][5].
So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, remember that with the right planning and the right varieties, a year-round harvest is within reach. Happy gardening!
References:
[1] Nature's Path Organic Foods. (n.d.). Organic Gardening: Growing Your Own Food. Retrieved from https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/organic-gardening-growing-your-own-food
[2] The Spruce. (2021, February 17). Succession Planting: How to Succession Plant Vegetables. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/succession-planting-vegetables-3027486
[3] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021, March 2). Perennial Vegetables: What They Are and How to Grow Them. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/perennial-vegetables
[4] The Spruce. (2021, February 17). Growing Cucumbers in a Greenhouse. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/grow-cucumbers-in-a-greenhouse-2050567
[5] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021, February 24). How to Plant a Fall Garden. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/garden/how-plant-fall-garden
[6] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021, March 16). Grape Growing: How to Grow Grapes. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/grape-growing
[7] The Spruce. (2021, February 17). How to Grow Oranges in a Greenhouse. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/grow-oranges-in-a-greenhouse-2050572
[8] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021, March 16). How to Grow Radishes. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/how-grow-radishes
- Kale, Chantenay carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, beets, green onions, garlic, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes), and Egyptian walking onions are some vegetables that can be planted for multiple harvests throughout the year.
- Day-neutral strawberries and cucumbers, when grown in greenhouses, can produce continuous crops all year round, even during winter months.
- Grapes, with proper care and training on a trellis, can be harvested nearly any time of the year, provided they receive good airflow to prevent mildew and fungal diseases.
- Oranges, lemons, avocados, and peaches are fruits that are available year-round, with the specific varieties depending on climate conditions.
- Radishes can be grown year-round in various climates, including winter, with specific varieties such as watermelon radishes, black Spanish radishes, Japanese long scarlet radishes, and Chinese Shawo fruit radishes being suitable for colder months.
- For a comprehensive list of vegetables suitable for year-round gardening, consult expert gardening guides, seed catalogs specializing in perennial or multi-harvest crops, and resources like Nature’s Path’s organic gardening advice.
