Top 7 – Plant for a Bounty of Berries and Tasty Veggies!

Apr

Top 7 – Plant for a Bounty of Berries and Tasty Veggies!

As the vibrant colours of spring begin to emerge and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty in the garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. The prospect of growing your own fruits and vegetables is not only practical but also incredibly fulfilling. With the promise of fresh produce right at your fingertips, now is the perfect moment to start growing a thriving garden. Join us as we explore the joys and benefits of growing fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. This spring and discover how to turn your green space into a flourishing oasis of flavour and nutrition!

The options of what to plant in your edible garden are practically endless! From sweet berries, savoury herbs, and fresh potatoes – it is an boundless list of possibilities to choose what to grow! We’ve narrowed down our top 7 favourite fruits and veggies to plant in your garden this spring, so you can get started right away!

Table of Contents

Strawberries – Fragaria x ananassa

Growing strawberries can be a delightful experience, blending the satisfaction of nurturing with the joy of harvesting sweet, juicy fruits! Whether you opt for traditional garden beds, raised beds, or hanging baskets, strawberries offer versatility in their cultivation. As the plants mature, delicate white flowers give way to vibrant red berries, signalling the peak of the growing season. Finally, the reward arrives in the form of plump, sun-ripened strawberries, marking the culmination of your efforts. The ripe plump berries are ready to be savoured fresh, turned into jams, or added to smoothies, desserts and salads. Strawberries are easy to grow and benefit from well-draining soil Hardy to zone 3 or 4. Learn more about Strawberry varieties.

Canada Red Rhubarb – Rheum

Rhubarb, with its vibrant crimson stalks and large, lush leaves, is not only a visually appealing addition to the garden but also a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. To cultivate this perennial veggie plant successfully, start with rhubarb crowns or divisions, plant them in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. A few of our favourite varieties are Canada Red and Glaskin Perpetual. Rhubarb is quite resilient once established, requiring minimal maintenance beyond occasional watering and fertilization. With proper care, rhubarb plants can thrive for many years, producing abundant harvests each spring. Patience is key, as it typically takes a couple of years for rhubarb to reach its full productivity. However, the reward of harvesting crisp, tart stalks for pies, jams, and sauces makes the wait worthwhile. Whether grown in a backyard garden or a dedicated rhubarb patch, the experience of nurturing this enduring plant is both gratifying and delicious. Hardy to Zone 3. Learn more about Rhubarb types.

Tayberry – Rubus

The Tayberry is a delightful hybrid berry, born from the union of the raspberry and blackberry. Sporting a deep red color and a unique sweet-tart flavor, it’s a culinary gem cherished by fruit enthusiasts. Its versatility shines in jams, desserts, and even savory dishes, adding a burst of summer sweetness! Tayberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer a sunny spot in the garden. Planting them in spring once all chance of frost has passed, and keeping the consistently soil moist will ensure they establish well. These vigorous plants require sturdy support, such as trellises or wires, to support their sprawling growth habit. With proper care and attention, tayberries will reward gardeners for years with a plentiful harvest of flavorful berries, perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. Hardy to Zone 4.

Russian Blue Potato

Looking for something unique? Try growing Russian Blue potatoes in your garden this year! These amazing heirloom potatoes originated in South America and are full of vitamins and antioxidants. With blue-purple skin, and a deep purple flesh, these potatoes are sure to add some colour to the dinner table! Russian Blue potatoes are great for steaming, baking, French frying (air-baking) and chipping – great addition to any meal. Plant your potatoes directly in the ground, in containers, or in potato grow bags in the spring in a sunny location. This late-season gourmet potato is easy to harvest. As the foliage begins to yellow and die back, it signals that the tubers beneath the soil are ready for gathering. Using a fork or shovel, the soil is gently turned to reveal the hidden treasures beneath. With each unearthed spud comes a sense of satisfaction, knowing that months of nurturing and tending to the crop have culminated in this moment of abundance. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil and the promise of delicious meals for the months ahead.. Learn more about Potato types.

Gooseberries – Ribes hirtellum

Gooseberries, with their tart-sweet flavour and distinctive appearance, are a delightful addition to any garden. These small, round berries, often adorned with fine hairs, grow on thorny bushes that add an element of texture and interest to the landscape. Gooseberries come in various shades, from vibrant green Pixwell to deep purple Captivator, offering visual appeal and culinary versatility. Whether enjoyed fresh off the bush or incorporated into jams, jellies, pies, and sauces, gooseberries lend their unique tangy taste to a wide range of dishes. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they contribute to a healthy diet and offer a refreshing treat during the summer months. Despite their prickly demeanor, gooseberry bushes are relatively easy to cultivate, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and purpose in their outdoor spaces. With proper care and pruning, these resilient shrubs can thrive, rewarding gardeners with a plentiful harvest of flavorful berries year after year. Hardy to Zone 2.

Onions

Growing onions is a rewarding endeavour that offers both culinary delights and gardening joy. Whether cultivated in backyard gardens or on larger farms, onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and require ample sunlight to flourish. Planting onion sets in early spring allows for a bountiful harvest by late summer or early fall. As the onions grow, their green shoots emerge, which can be lightly harvested and utilized as spring onions or scallions. Regular watering and occasional weeding ensure healthy growth and robust bulbs. From the earthy aroma of the soil to the satisfying sight of plump bulbs ready for harvest, the journey of growing onions is a testament to nature’s resilience and the joys of cultivating one’s own food. Learn more about Onion types.

Elderberry – Sambucus

Elderberries, with their delicate clusters of dark purple berries, add both beauty and bounty to any garden landscape. Beyond their ornamental value, elderberry bushes are prized for their culinary and medicinal uses. These hardy shrubs thrive in various climates, offering a resilient addition to any garden. Their clusters of fragrant flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem. As summer fades into autumn, the berries ripen, offering a bountiful harvest rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The berries can be cooked to make juice, jams, pies, herbal teas and wines or boiled with sugar to make syrups. Please note the berries need to be cooked before eating and not eaten raw. Elderberries provide a versatile ingredient for culinary creations. Moreover, their medicinal properties, have been recognized for centuries, making cooked elderberries a staple in natural remedies. With proper care and attention, elderberry bushes can flourish, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits to any garden space. Hardy to zone 3.

So, get out in the garden and embark on the journey of growing berries and veggies. You will benefit from the satisfaction of nurturing plants to the joy of harvesting fresh, flavorful fruits and produce from the garden. Keep in mind the harvesting times, space requirements, and care needed to maximize your success. Remember to share your bumper crops with family and friends and encourage them to try their hand at growing too.