Easy To Grow Crops That Can Help Feed Your Family

Are you looking to be more sustainable? As a small homesteader finding crops that help to provide my family with plenty of calories that can be stored for a long time to help fight winter food costs is essential to me. The good news is there are many great crops that grow well and can be used to feed our families.

Not only is it a rewarding and satisfying experience, but it can also save you money and provide fresh, healthy produce for your loved ones.

With the right knowledge and tools, anyone can grow their own crops.

From fast-growing herbs for fresh flavors to hearty root vegetables for satisfying meals, we’ve got you covered.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to start growing!

The Benefits of Growing Your Own Crops

You’ll love the benefits of growing your own crops, like having fresh and nutritious produce at your fingertips every day! Especially during quarantine, when grocery store trips are limited and we all want to stay healthy.

By starting your own garden, you can ensure that your family has access to a variety of fruits and vegetables without leaving the safety of home.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Gardening is also a fantastic way to bond with your kids. Involve them in planting, watering, and harvesting tasks so they can learn about where their food comes from while spending quality time outside.

Not only will they develop important life skills, but they’ll feel proud knowing that they helped contribute to the family’s meals.

So don’t hesitate – grab some seeds and start reaping all the incredible rewards that come with growing your own crops!

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden

Picking the correct plants for your garden can make all the difference in ensuring a bountiful harvest. When choosing crops, consider your climate and soil type. Not all plants will thrive in every location, so do some research or ask a local gardening center for advice.

If you have limited space, container gardening is an excellent option. Many vegetables and herbs grow well in pots, making them ideal for small gardens or balconies. However, be sure to choose containers that are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide adequate drainage.

Additionally, proper soil preparation is crucial for successful container gardening. Choose a potting mix specifically designed for container plants as it’ll provide essential nutrients and retain moisture better than regular garden soil.

With careful planning and preparation, you can enjoy fresh produce from your own backyard!

Fast-Growing Herbs for Fresh Flavors

Fast-growing herbs can be a great addition to your indoor garden and can add a burst of fresh flavor to your meals in no time. If you’re a beginner gardener, there are some herbs that are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

Some of the best herbs for beginner gardeners include basil, parsley, chives, mint, and cilantro. Basil is one of the most popular herbs for indoor gardening as it grows quickly and easily. It’s perfect for adding fresh flavor to pasta dishes or pizzas.

Parsley is another herb that’s easy to grow and can be used in soups, salads, or as a garnish. Chives are great for adding mild onion-like flavor to dishes while mint adds refreshing notes to drinks or desserts. Cilantro is known for its pungent aroma and is commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

By planting these fast-growing herbs in your indoor garden, you’ll have access to fresh flavors all year round!

Leafy Greens for Nutrient-Rich Salads

Leafy greens are a great addition to any indoor garden as they provide nutrient-rich options for delicious salads. Salad greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with vitamins and minerals that support your overall health and wellbeing. Not only that, but they can also help you create creative salad recipes that everyone in the family will love.

When it comes to serving leafy greens to kids, there are plenty of kid-friendly options available. You can create fun and colorful salads with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and other fresh veggies. Or you can add some sweetness by including fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges in your salads.

One of the best ways to do this is to plant your greens in shady areas so that they will stay cooler and grow longer before they bolt.

Juicy Tomatoes for Versatile Cooking

Tomatoes bursting with juicy flavor are a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish, from homemade pasta sauces to fresh salsa. Not only do they add vibrant color and taste to your meals, but they also offer a range of health benefits.

Growing tomatoes at home is an easy way to ensure that you have access to fresh produce all year round. With so many easy tomato recipes available online, you’ll never run out of ways to incorporate this delicious fruit into your cooking.

Whether you’re making a classic Caprese salad or trying your hand at roasted tomato soup, there’s something for everyone. By growing your own tomatoes, you’ll save money on groceries and reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions.

Colorful Bell Peppers for a Vibrant Harvest

Adding colorful bell peppers to your garden is a great way to add some vibrancy and nutrition to your meals. These easy-to-grow crops come in a variety of colors, from bright reds to vivid yellows, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Growing techniques for these vegetables are fairly straightforward – they prefer well-draining soil with plenty of sun exposure. You can plant them directly in the ground or in pots if you have limited space.

Once you’ve harvested your bell peppers, there are countless recipe ideas that you can try out. They’re perfect for stuffing with rice and ground meat, slicing up for salads, or sautéing with other vegetables for stir-fries. You can even roast them on the grill or in the oven for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with meats like steak or chicken.

No matter how you choose to prepare them, adding bell peppers to your garden will give you an abundance of fresh produce that will help feed your family all year round.

Sweet Berries for a Delicious Dessert

Indulge in a scrumptious dessert by incorporating some sweet berries into your recipe. They’re not only delicious, but they’re also easy to grow and preserve for later use. Try freezing or making jams and jellies to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.

We grow mulberries that make great mulberry syrup, mulberry sugar, and mulberry jam as well as a large strawberry patch to make strawberry jam. We have some potted blueberry bushes as well. these produce food for us year after year with little to no work on our part.

Onions, Garlic, And Potatoes

there are a few things that every gardener looking to feed their family should grow. Onions and garlic are great for boosting the immune system and will help to improve the overall flavor of your food.

Potatoes are calorie dense and will last for months in your pantry allowing you to feed your family well into the winter. while you can stockpile these when they go on sale at the grocery store you can grow them yourself in containers in the summer to lower your food costs.

We grow russet potatoes, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes in baskets from my dad’s old ice cream truck int he back yard. Next Year I want to use pallet wood to build some potato boxes.

All three of these are staples in many meals and are very versatile when stored for a long period of time. I like to grow as much as I can in the garden and still buy them on sale to help ensure that we never run out.

Hearty Root Vegetables for Satisfying Meals

If you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal, look no further than hearty root vegetables. These veggies are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them the perfect addition to any dish. Plus, they’re easy to grow and store well for extended periods of time.

To make the most out of your root vegetables, try roasting them with some olive oil and herbs for a crispy texture and delicious taste. Some popular options include sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips. These veggies can also be mashed or pureed for a creamy side dish or soup base.

When it comes to storage methods, keep your root vegetables in a cool and dry place like a cellar or pantry. This will ensure that they stay fresh for as long as possible so you can enjoy them throughout the year.

Along with the before-mentioned onions, garlic, and potatoes, we also grow carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips in our garden allowing us to feed our family and our animals.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your homegrown bounty all year round while reducing unnecessary waste and promoting long term sustainability.