With the FDA stepping back from a major food service program, more families are turning to their backyards for fresh, reliable food. Growing your own produce is not only cost-effective but also gives you control over what you eat — and there’s nothing like the flavor of a homegrown tomato! Whether you’ve got raised beds, containers, or just a sunny patch of dirt, here are the best fruits and veggies to grow instead of buy.
🥕 Top Vegetables to Grow at Home
1. Tomatoes
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Store-bought tomatoes often lack flavor and texture. Homegrown varieties thrive in containers or garden beds. UMN Extension
2. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Lettuce)
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These fast-growing crops are perfect for small spaces and can be harvested repeatedly. Almanac
3. Peppers
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High-value and productive, peppers are easy to grow and preserve. PSU Extension
4. Zucchini & Summer Squash
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Fast-growing and highly productive, even in a small garden. Oregon State Extension
5. Green Beans
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Easy to grow and great for fresh eating or preserving. Clemson HGIC
6. Potatoes
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Ideal for raised beds or containers and store well through the winter. UMN Extension
7. Garlic & Onions
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Staple crops with long shelf lives and simple growing requirements. UMaine Extension
🍓 Fruits Worth Growing at Home
1. Strawberries
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Great in containers and much tastier than store-bought. UMN Extension
2. Raspberries & Blackberries
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Low maintenance, perennial, and high-yielding. WVU Extension
3. Dwarf Fruit Trees (Apple, Peach, Plum)
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Space-saving and productive with a little patience. PSU Extension
4. Rhubarb
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A productive perennial perfect for jams, pies, and sauces. UMN Extension
Final Thoughts Even a small backyard garden can help you skip the grocery store more often. Whether you’re growing on a patio or in a large plot, starting with these reliable crops gives you a head start toward food security and delicious meals.
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