Introduction
In a world of genetically modified crops and grocery store produce that can last for months after being picked, it’s nice to know that there are still some things out there that stay fresh and tasty long after they’re harvested. If you want to grow your own food, or simply eat healthier without breaking the bank, heirloom vegetables are the way to go. The good news is that these aren’t difficult plants to grow—just find a sunny spot in your yard (or in pots on your balcony) and start planting!
Heirloom Tomatoes
What makes heirloom tomatoes so great? Heirloom tomatoes are the best tomatoes to grow because they are beautiful, tasty and easy to grow. They have a variety of shapes, sizes and colors that range from purple to red to yellow. Many heirlooms have wonderful flavor as well.
Do you remember the tomatoes your grandparents used to grow? They were probably some kind of heirloom tomato! Heirlooms are often referred to as “heirloom” simply because they are old varieties that were grown before industrial agriculture took over our food supply. If you grew up eating gourmet-tasting tomatoes from your grandmother’s garden, chances are she grew some type of heirloom tomato!
If you want high quality delicious fruit in your garden this year, then planting an assortment of different heirloom tomatoes is a great way to go!
Heirloom Squash
Heirloom squash is a great vegetable to grow in your garden. It has a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors making it perfect for your garden as well as on your table. There are many heirloom varieties that can be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvest. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance once established.
If you want to grow heirloom squash in your garden this year, here is what you need to know:
Heirloom Carrots
Heirloom carrots are easy to grow and delicious. They come in a wide variety of colors, including purple, yellow, white and orange. Heirloom carrots are great for salads and snacking.
Heirloom Eggplant
- Eggplant is an excellent source of vitamin C, a good source of dietary fiber, provides potassium and folate (folic acid), and has moderate amounts of magnesium.
- Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that helps your body form collagen for healthy skin, gums, and blood vessels; maintain cartilage; heal wounds; protect against colds and infections; absorb iron from plant foods; synthesize hormones involved in tissue repair; protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells); support the immune system during physical exertion such as exercise or exposure to pollutants like smog or cigarette smoke
Heirloom Cucumbers
Heirloom cucumbers are a great vegetable for beginners. They’re an excellent choice for growing in containers, small gardens, and large gardens. They’re an easy-to-grow plant that will provide you with lots of tasty cukes throughout the summer.
Cucumbers grow best in full sun and sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter but well drained. Plant your seeds about 3 inches apart, spacing rows 12 to 18 inches apart depending on how much space you have available for growing these cool vegetables!
Heirloom Broccoli
Heirloom broccoli is a great choice for a beginner gardener because it is hardy and easy to grow. It is a cool-season crop and is relatively easy to grow. Heirloom broccoli can be harvested in early spring before the heat of summer sets in.
According to the University of California Cooperative Extension, heirloom broccoli typically has smaller heads than hybrid varieties, but they are sweeter with a more delicate texture than most commercial varieties.
Heirloom Broccoli Is Easy To Grow In Your Garden
Heirloom Corn
Heirloom corn is often more colorful and flavorful than the varieties found in grocery stores.
Heirloom corn is often more nutritious than modern hybridized versions.
Heirloom corn is often more tolerant of adverse weather conditions, which allows it to thrive when other types may fail.
Heirloom varieties are also less susceptible to pests and disease because they have not been selectively bred for monocultures (although they are still vulnerable).
Heirloom Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that is grown for its succulent leaves and crisp texture. Lettuce is also a great source of vitamins A, C and K. Heirloom varieties can be grown to make salads or sandwiches, in salads or on sandwiches!
Heirloom Green Beans
Heirloom green beans are another great vegetable to grow in your garden. Heirloom green beans are easy to grow and produce a large harvest that can be enjoyed fresh or frozen. If you have kids, heirloom green beans are also fun to pick from the garden and eat right out of hand!
Heirloom green beans are also known as shell beans. They’re a cool-weather crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer, depending on your climate zone. If you live in an area where frost is possible during the growing season, consider planting them indoors under lights until it’s safe to plant outside.
Heirloom Zucchini
Heirloom zucchini is a type of summer squash that produces round fruits with a light green skin and cream or pale yellow flesh. The size can range from small to large, depending on the variety and growing conditions. It has been around since at least 1894, when it was listed in an annual seed catalog as “Yellow Crookneck Squash.”
Heirloom zucchini grows best in warm weather, so it’s recommended that you direct sow your seeds outdoors when soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C). You can also start them indoors three weeks before transplanting into your garden. Zucchinis require plenty of space; plant them 1 foot apart in rows 3 feet apart for best results.
With so many heirlooms to choose from, you can enjoy a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables from your garden throughout the growing season.
There are many reasons to grow heirloom vegetables. Here are a few:
- Heirlooms are not genetically modified, so you can be sure your food is free of genetically modified organisms (GMO).
- Many heirlooms have more flavor and nutrition than modern varieties.
- Many heirlooms are more disease resistant than modern varieties, and require less pesticide use.
- Heirlooms often have colorful fruits and vegetables that look beautiful in your garden!
Heirloom seeds will usually be listed as “OP” or “open pollinated” on seed packets, which means they can be planted again year after year without cross-pollination from other plants.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to expand your garden and enjoy a variety of heirloom vegetables, these ten varieties are the best ones to grow. They’re easy to grow, produce flavorful and colorful fruits and vegetables, and are sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table!