When planning the best vegetables for homestead life, there are several factors you should consider. These factors include, ease of growing, time to maturation, and ability to preserve. After living on an off-grid homestead for 3 years now, we’ve learned a few things about the best vegetables for the home garden. Read on to learn more.
The Best Vegetables for Homestead Living
Before jumping in, it’s worth noting that your growing zone will play a part in the best vegetables. That said, I live at 8,000 feet elevation in zone 4b and have found a way to successfully grow most every vegetable. You simply may have to adjust your timing and methodology.
Let’s jump into the list of the best vegetables for homestead life.
Radishes
Radishes are an often underappreciated, yet prolific veggie. They grow quickly, can be direct seeded and require little care. We have found that radishes grow in just about any soil and can withstand periods of slight drought.
Snap Peas
Peas taste great and since they grow vertically, you can maximize your space by co-growing them with other vegetables.
Kale & Chard
Most people either love or hate hardy greens like Kale and Chard. Once you know how to cook them, I think you’ll become a fan.
Carrots
These classics are super tasty and relatively easy to grow. Direct seed according to your seed packet, water, and watch grow. Carrots do best in loose soil. For best success choose two varieties – one for quick-growing, fresh-eating and one for storage.
Beets
Beets are an absolute all-star. They grow quickly, can be direct-seeded, and you can eat the entire thing! That’s right, enjoy the root fresh, cooked, or pickled and don’t forget to use the greens, too. We enjoy them sauteed in a little butter and garlic.
Kohlrabi
Honestly, I didn’t know much about this veggie until my husband’s grandpa insisted we try some while visiting. It was crispy, fresh, and delicious uncooked with a little salt. We’ve found they grow well and store for several weeks.
Spinach & Lettuce Greens
If you’re looking for the quickest growing vegetables, it’s hard to beat spinach and lettuce greens. Simply spread the seeds over soil, cover lightly, and water. In just 20-24 days you’ll have a bunch of leafy deliciousness on your hands.
Cabbage
Cabbage store well and are super versatile. They do well being started and transplanted or direct-seeded.
Winter Squash & Pumpkins
The ultimate in winter storage, pumpkins and winter squash (acorn, spaghetti, etc.,) are a great addition to the homestead garden. The downside is they can take up a lot of room and take a long time to mature. So only plant these if you have the space and time to allow for it.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are certainly tasty and can be prolific. That said, they take anywhere from 60-100 days to mature and can be a bit finicky. If you’re growing a high elevation vegetable garden you’ll need to cover them and choose varieties that mature quickly (hello cherry tomatoes!).
FAQ: The Best Vegetables for Homestead Living
What is the best vegetable for survival?
For a survival garden, you want vegetables that will grow quickly and reliably. Bonus points if they’re nutrient dense and store well. These are the top survival garden picks:
1. Leafy Greens
2. Radishes
3. Carrots
4. Beets
5. Peas
6. Bush Beans
7. Pumpkins and Squash
8. Cabbage
9. Potatoes
What is the easiest vegetable to grow at home?
Carrots, beets, greens, and peas grow quickly and grow well. They are some of the easiest vegetables to grow at home, which is why they make our list of the best vegetables for homestead living.
What is the quickest growing vegetable?
Six Fastest Growing Veggies
1. Salad Leaves – 21 Days
2. Radishes – 25 Days
3. Spinach – 30 Days
4. Beets – 40 Days
5. Carrots – 50 Days
6. Snap Peas – 60 Days
Conclusion: Homestead Vegetables
As you can see there are a lot of choices when choosing the best vegetables for a homestead. Consider your zone, weather, soil, and water. Plant a mix of fast-growing and long-storing vegetables to maximize your harvest.
And if it all seems overwhelming, just start planting a few things. Throw out some seeds, water them regularly, and see what grows. The best way to see what thrives in your area is to start gardening now. We would’ve never thought we’d have so much success growing strawberries in Colorado, but they’ve become one of our favorite and most prolific garden plants.
So don’t overthink it. Seeds are cheap and experimentation is the best way to learn. Get out there and get growing.
