One of the essential plants to have for your garden is herbs and vegetables. No more struggling to head to the grocery and buying a pack of herbs or veggies when you can easily grow them in the garden.
Anyone can easily plant herbs in containers indoors or even outside by your window. They shouldn’t grow in a garden as they tend to take over other plants. On the other hand, vegetables can quickly grow in pots, in the garden, and containers.
Imagine needing rosemary or veggies for a meal you’re cooking for family dinner. When you have greens growing outside, you can immediately harvest a few, and it’s so convenient. Read through this article to learn more about what edible plants you should have for your garden.
1. Chocolate Mint
A close relative to the famous peppermint is the chocolate mint. Its name came from the sweet aroma that the plant gives off that reminds you of the dessert. However, once used for cooking as a seasoning, the taste resembles a minty citrus flavor.
The plant grows around two feet tall and spreads through rhizomes into its ground cover. The rounded leaves of the mint produce a darker shade of green compared to other species of mint plants.
Expert gardeners would advise rookie gardeners to grow chocolate mint in colder regions or climates. The plant spreads as far as possible, and it’s not that difficult to control its growth within its boundaries.
2. Eggplant
You wouldn’t have to worry about pests or wild animals munching on this plant because eggplants produce leaves that are thorny and scratchy for it to be called a snack for some animals.
Eggplants come in different varieties, but the most common one is the standard purple kind. Nowadays, farmers and gardeners discovered and grew other types of eggplant such as striped, speckled, and even in rainbow colors.
A little fun fact, did you know that Americans are the only ones who call the plant “eggplant”. This is why the most common variety grown in the country is called the “American Large Purple,” which was produced during the 19th century by traditional farmers and the growth of its other variants.
3. Chamomile
Another unique type of herb is Chamomile, which holds both beauty and utility. Not many gardeners may have an idea that the herb has two types: Roman and German. Native to Europe, the plant is mainly used for medicinal and herbal remedies.
Whatever type of chamomile you plan on growing in your garden, they’re both fast growers. Within ten weeks, gardeners are expected to see the herb in full bloom. Moreover, for beginners, it is advisable to plant the herbs in the early spring season. Seeds or premature plants are fine either way.
German chamomile is the common herb that is used for making tea; while gardeners often use the Roman chamomile as a ground cover, the Roman type of chamomile can be seen creeping among stone walls and fences.
4. Artichokes
Artichokes are in the same family group as sunflowers, dandelions, and thistles; this means that these plants are recommended for planting in regions that have warmer climates. Once fully grown, the plant’s flower buds are edible and are ready for harvest before its flower blooms.
These plants are famously grown in the Mediterranean region, while the most extensive commercial artichoke company is found in California in the U.S. The peak season for artichokes starts in March and lasts until May.
Moreover, artichokes can be grown during different seasons, depending on the region’s climate. Most places grow artichokes as annuals and are planted during spring. When planted as perennials, these plants are planted during the late summer season.
5. Peppers
A popular pick for gardeners to grow in their vegetable garden is peppers, especially the sweet kinds. These plants are on the same family branch as potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes. However, compared to potatoes and tomatoes, growing peppers tend to be a little challenging.
Gardeners advice beginners to plant peppers in warmer climates, and sometimes, harvest can take a while since the plant waits for proper conditions to grow. Moreover, there are many peppers, such as sweet peppers that are round, boxy, long, and thin.
Peppers also come in different shades of red, green, yellow, purple, and orange. Whatever the variety, sweet peppers are always the best type for producedan additional ingredient for your next meal or barbeque.
Takeaway
Gardening is always a wonderful hobby, no matter what season. It’s essential to take notes of the type of plants you’d want to grow in your garden, and one example would be edible plants. With proper practice and patience, you can easily become a natural gardener in no time. There is no need to worry about the next grocery shopping when you can just harvest some herbs or veggies planted in the garden, gather some seeds, and start growing!