This is a list of the most common and uncommon vegetables that you can grow in your garden. You can't plant them all at once but it is nice to dream.
1. Artichoke. This perennial grows primarily in the cool, moist coastal area between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. If you can't buy young plants buy some seeds and sow them.
2. Asparagus. This plant grows in an established bed that lasts for years. Save time by starting with plants rather than seeds. This plant has been around in cultivation since early Roman times.
3. Beans. This plant originated in Central America. There are many varieties including bush, pole snap, lima, horticulture, broadbeans, favas and garbanzos. Snap beans are said to be a foolproof vegetable for the beginning gardener.
4. Beets. This vegetable came from the Mediterranean. It was grown originally for the leaves. Though beets prefer cold weather they can grow in many other climates.
5. Broccoli. Sprouting broccoli, grown like cabbage, is more tolerant of heat. It can be harvested over a long period. After you've cut the center cluster of buds, side shoots will develop clusters for some time.
6. Cabbage. Cabbage is a heavy user of potash and nitrogen. Cabbage is a biennial, forming a leafy head the first and flowering the second. Cabbage comes in many colors and is also used as an ornamental plant.
7. Carrots. They originated from wild forms grown around the Mediterranean. Carrots adapt well and will tolerate mismanagement. They can supply food for a very long time. They like a deep fine textured soil for best growth.
8. Cauliflower. Is more demanding than broccoli and cabbage. It is a member of the cabbage family.
9. Celery. This is a member of the parsley family. Celery demands more time and attention than most vegetables. It takes a long time grown from seed. Celery needs lots of water and fertilizer. It is a biennial plant.
10. Chinese Cabbage. Also known as celery cabbage. Covers a number of greens that differ in character. They are cool weather crops. Grown as a fall or early winter crop.Sow seeds thinly and later thin to stand 18 inches apart in rows 24 to 30 inches apart.
11. Chives. This hardy perennial is willing to be clipped almost continually. If not clipped they produce flower heads. A half dozen plants will provide enough snippings for year round use.
12. Collards. This perennial is one of the oldest members of the cabbage family. They have been cultivated for over 2000 years. They have the same watering and fertilizing requirements as cabbage. They are a southern favorite.
13. Corn. Corn supported the early civilizations of the Americas. It has been cultivated for over 4000 years. Water and fertilizer is important. Varieties include the popular Silver Queen, Xtra sweet and Bi-color. Corn is pollinated by the wind.
14. Cucumber. This vegetable originally came from India. Because of its short growing season, cucumbers can find the warm weather needed just about anywhere. They like lots of organic matter in the soil. If space is limited you can train your plants to use a trellis. There are dozens of varieties.
15. Dandelion. This much-traveled vegetable is native to Asia and Europe. It surpasses all other vegetables and fruits in iron and vitamin A. Thrives with fertilizer and good moisture. The young leaves from the garden are most tender and best. If you were around dandelions in your childhood I'm sure you remember blowing the seeds and watching the wind take them. No wonder they spread worldwide.
16. Edible-Podded Sugar Peas. These are also known as Snow Peas. These need to be picked when very young. If you wait till the peas are formed, the pods will be too tough to eat. They are easier to pick if grown on a trellis.
17. Eggplant. This plant goes back to early China and India. Eggplant needs very hot conditions. The smaller varieties are easier to manage than the larger ones. Must be protected from the cold. These plants do especially well in five gallon containers. There are more than 30 varieties that come in many different sizes and colors.
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