Are you a veggie? If yes, then you must be a regular visitor to your local grocery. As a vegetarian, you must stick to a strict vegetable and fruit diet. The biggest challenge is getting your vegetables fresh most of the time.

Most vegetarians prefer to grow their vegetables at home. It ensures they enjoy variety and freshness. But with limited garden space, vegetarians are always spoilt for choice on the best vegetables to grow.

Generally, fresh vegetables harvested right from your garden will taste better than those bought from a local store. Your cucumbers will be fresh and crisp while your tomatoes will be juicy.

Still, confused about the best vegetables to grow for a vegetarian? Keep reading below.

Best vegetables to grow as a vegetarian

Potatoes

Potatoes remain one of the best and easiest crops to grow at home for vegetarians. Potatoes are stable among vegetarians. They are easy to grow and will take up very little space in your garden.

You can grow potatoes even in a small plastic bin. You just need to fill the bin with half the soil, plant your tubers and cover them with soil. The remaining half of the bin can then be covered by compost and leaves as the shoots appear.

When growing in the garden, make shallow trenches 2 to 3 feet apart. Potato seeds should be planted 12 inches apart. Generally, your potatoes will be ready for harvest in 90 days.

Additionally, potatoes are easy to care for and maintain. You just need to mound them by burying the stems halfway. This ensures you get full-size tubers when ready to harvest.

Tomatoes 

Photo: Backyard Gardeners Network

Tomatoes are a staple in many vegetarian diets and are a great vegetable to grow at home. They are delicious, nutritious, and versatile. What’s more, tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes. You can use them in salads and sandwiches to sauces and soups.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They are also low in calories, making them a great option for those watching their weight.

Growing tomatoes at home are relatively easy, and they can be grown in pots or in a vegetable garden. Here are some tips for growing tomatoes at home:

1. Choose the right variety – There are many different varieties of tomatoes, so choose one that is well-suited for your growing conditions. Some varieties are determinate, meaning they produce a single crop, while others are indeterminate, meaning they produce a continuous crop throughout the growing season.
2. Provide ample sunlight – Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
3. Water regularly – Tomatoes need to be kept consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot.
4. Feed regularly – Tomatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer, and they may also need additional nutrients as they grow.
5. Support your plants – Tomatoes can get quite tall and heavy, so it’s important to provide them with adequate support, such as a stake or a tomato cage.

Bell peppers 

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, and they are a great addition to many vegetarian dishes. Growing them can be a great project for vegetarians looking to cultivate their own fresh produce. Bell peppers are nutritious and versatile vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. 

Lettuce 

Lettuce is a quick-growing, nutritious green that can be harvested in as little as 30 days. They grow and thrive in areas that receive maximum sunlight. Depending on the variety, lettuce can be grown half-inch down and spaced accordingly. They are pretty easy to grow and harvest.

Carrots 

Carrots are versatile vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Choose well-draining soils that receive a lot of sunlight. Seeds should be planted at the right time and the soil kept moist.

Zucchini 

Zucchini is a summer squash that is easy to grow and is a delicious addition to many vegetarian dishes. You can enjoy your first harvest in 45 to 55 days. Once blooms appear, fruits set in and are ready for harvest when they are six inches long.

Green beans 

Green beans are tasty and nutritious vegetables that are easy to grow, and they can be harvested throughout the growing season. They are a great choice to grow since they require little maintenance and care. Green beans fix their own nitrogen.

Herbs 

Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro are easy to grow and are a great way to add flavor to your vegetarian dishes.

Cucumbers 

Cucumbers are refreshing and hydrating vegetable that are easy to grow and are a great addition to salads and sandwiches.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the many vegetables vegetarians can grow at home. Make sure you consider your local climate, favorite vegetables, and available space when deciding which vegetables to grow.