What are the most cost-efficient vegetables to grow in a home garden in zone 4b?
I'm almost ready to prepare my hobby vegetable garden, but I'm not sure what to plant. It's only 6'x8' so space is at a premium and I'd like to get the most bang for my buck. Single-harvest veggies like carrots are fun, but they're cheaper to buy at the store and take up space all summer long. I've had moderate success with green beans and yardlong beans in my small space, but is this the best way to save money? Which vegetable crop will save a little money while surviving in a small area?
Answers ( 1 )
Great question Sarah,
I would recommend two things. One, pick vegetables with a short lifecycle. Two, pick vegetables that have a good cold tolerance. A few recommendations below:
Radish - Most radish plants go from seeds to fully grown in only 30-45 days! They can also be planted very early and are fairly frost tolerant.
Kale - Lacinato or "dinosaur" Kale can stand the cold, will produce continuouly all season, and will produce bundles and bundles of leaves. This indeterminate is a great addition to any garden.
Lettuces, cabbages, bok choi etc. - These can all stand the cold, and can be utilized in a few different ways. I like to grow lettuce and napa cabbage and simply harvest the outer leavs as I need them. This makes them productive for months. Alternatively, you can plant them ever few days so there is always a fresh plant to harvest. As you harvest, plant another type of vegetable behind them.
Good luck gardening!