13 Edible Plants You Need to Grow

[@annsfrench]

Yes! I want a video about must-grow perennials and one about cool weather plants!

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Love it! Thank you Ann =) Genuinely appreciate the input - it's so nice to know what folks would like to hear about!

[@WhiteWolfeHU]

You’ve got summer covered very well. I always have to grow some giant sunflowers. Seeing them 10+ feet up and dinner plate heads, makes a really nice background.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

My toddler and I planted some Russian mammoth sunflowers next to the main patch of malabar. I LOVE using them as living trellises. What a cool plant =)

[@tracyyarga695]

I just happened to stumble across you this morning and I am so grateful. I am pretty new to home gardening and unfortunately I can’t commit all of my time to it yet. I love your knowledge, the way you present and your sunny disposition. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

You are so welcome. Thank *you* for sharing such a lovely comment - totally just made my morning =)

[@Wendy-xe4gk]

I love that you're so happy. Plants grow better for happy people. :)

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hahaha it's pretty hard to not be happy when things are growing. Hope yours is making you happy too!

[@andreagunn6895]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. I love it!

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Thank you! Hard not to be =)

[@bt3869]

I had a purple vine growing in my garden and had no idea what it was (planted by previous owners). It had started to grow like a wildfire and I was prepared to pull it but decided to redirect it and wait. I’m glad I did because you identified it. Thank you!

[@warrior5890]

We are growing tomatillos for the first time this year and we have 5 plants. They are insanely productive and one of the biggest surprises was the pollinators. There are bees on those tomatillos all day skipping right over all the over veggies and flowers in the garden. The honey bees here seem to really love these

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I really noticed the same thing the first year we grew them! They're clearly more enticing than the tomato flowers anyhow =)

[@gryphonrampant24]

So good seeing Malabar Spinach get some love! Little sad to see ground cherries not sneak onto the list. Maybe once tomatillos catch on a bit more the rest of the genus physalis will get a chance to shine as well. My other summer must-grows not on your list are a couple crops that grow themselves: lamb's quarter and purslane.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Did you see the ground cherries behind them? I feel like I need more experience with them before recommending! This list was legitimately made for myself as a "what do I refuse to stop growing next year knowing things are going to be super busy in life?" =) I love purslane! And your now the second person already to vote for lamb's quarter - I would not have guessed it gets that kind of love. Maybe I need to revisit it.

[@Estella0707]

Love how you started this video. 😂😂 I just got a seed box in the mail today. Can’t stop buying seeds. Is this an addiction? 🤓 Goodness… I don’t have anymore space in the garden beds, but I’m sure I can find a place to stick in more plants!! 🤪 Or, maybe use extra containers that I have.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I feel you.... we're slowly adding beds to our super shady side yard garden because it's just about the only unclaimed space left =)

[@marcuspowell2510]

I’ve fallen in love with going pumpkins and Sweet Meat has quickly become my favorite.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I've never tried it, but it sure does look like kabocha! Even a maxima like Kabocha. I'm sure they're unrelated but makes me want to try it out =)

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

I'm surprised (and I guess, hopeful?) that you included parsley on this list. I figured parsley would bolt long before we hit triple digits. I do love the stuff, and the longer I can grow it, the happier I'll be. I'm in Houston Tx. I started it it last July but that was indoors, and the fungus gnats invaded so I banished the parsley outside in mid November when the heat finally broke. It's flourishing right now.

[@lisajoy9588]

Your enthusiasm for gardening has fired me up! I have a few plants but I have never tried several of the things you have suggested here. I’m going to add them to my garden this year!

[@NextdoorHomestead]

YES! Haha that is the ultimate compliment and I really appreciate you sharing! Happy planting =)

[@PlantObsessed]

I need a 12 step program for seed buying. I have 50 types of peppers. I love the genovese variety of Basil. I will try the tip to grow it on the shade.🎉🎉

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Right?! I just decided to skip tallying up how much we spent on seeds this year. It was out of control though. But the garden has been extra fun this year so there's that!

[@charlesschweickert9319]

In my climate in Minnesota, radishes, spinach( not Malabar) sugar beets, cabbage, and peas are absolute must...

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Thank you for sharing Charles! Do you grow those during the summer months too? I have very little practical experience with more northern climates =)

[@jo-annjewett198]

I grew eggplant on a whim and have picked so many. Made a big eggplant Parmesan night before last. I pickled some zucchini.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

That sounds like a blast! I wish we were harvesting already! At least the zucchini are juuuuust about ready =)

[@bobcaldwell5810]

Great recommendations! For variety in the peppers I'd throw in poblano and serrano. Poblano has great flavor with mild heat. Great for stuffing, or you can half them lengthwise, roast under the broiler and freeze. I've come to prefer serranos to jalapeños. The flavor of serrano is better imo, and the heat seems to be more consistent than jalapeños, which can be all over the place

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Thanks Bob! 1000% agree on Jalapenos being inconsistent. I was just looking at the jalafuego variety last night actually as I'd like to incorporate a more productive salsa pepper into my garden next year and they're supposed to be pretty hot. Maybe more consistently hot, too? Who knows! I'm trying pasilla peppers this year but have found them to be frustratingly fragile thus far.

[@jeas4980]

I can't do the Malabar spinach... I'm afraid it will become invasive... but I have bed space dedicated to lambs quarter (aka: goosefoot, wild spinach, fat hen... Chenopodium album) for a summer prolific green that tastes so much like spinach when it's cooked and I just love it. Yes.. it's also potentially "invasive" but there's invasive vining and invasive edible ground cover. High in protein, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A and calcium... you can even make flour out of the seed (Which I haven't done because I chop it so frequently that it never gets the chance). It's my favorite.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Love this comment 😁 It's all so context dependent, right? I'm a bit more concerned with lambs quarter volunteers than malabar ones but that's just the reality of my soil and my garden. I love malabar but it isn't the easiest plant where I live! Thank you for recommending an alternative! I think we're all better off when we share our favorite summer-friendly greens options loudly and often 😁 Hopefully some of them will become more mainstream (in the States anyhow) one day soon.

[@gryphonrampant24]

Can a native plant truly be considered invasive? Love lamb's quarter. My only disagreement with you is that I feel it's taste is not only like spinach, but solidly BETTER. And not only will it grow in the summer heat, but will thrive in even the toughest, driest places in the yard as it does so. Fun fact-There's a closely related species that's domesticated in Mexico: huauzontle (Chernopodium nuttaliae).

[@gryphonrampant1]

Cannot recommend the Queen of Malinalco tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa) enough. Sweet and mild, with a flavor profile between tomato and sweet peppers, it's so useful in all sorts of dishes.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Strongly considering adding this to the row next year... 😁

[@christiensgarden3325]

Great video..love the noodle beans

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Thank you! Me too =) So excited for them to start putting on size!

[@Jay-c6m7z]

That really helped 😊

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Awesome, glad to hear it! Hope some of these are making it into your garden this year =)

[@joannerap]

Hello again! I watched, re-watched, and liked the video to support! I agree with you on the Tomatillos (and Physalis varieties too). 💪🏻 Maybe in the future... Can you create a video on Heirloom Tomatoes, seeds, types, or uses? Would be a great help. Thanks as always on your awesome uploads! 🥳

[@NextdoorHomestead]

THANK YOU JOANNE!!! I've actually got a video idea on my list around "types" of tomatoes. It wouldn't necessarily be heirloom specific but I'd really love to go through the different categories (and even species!) of tomatoes. It's WAY more interesting than it gets credit for. Anyhow, what I mean to say is that's a lovely idea for a video!

[@joannerap]

@@NextdoorHomestead you're most welcome. And yes, definitely! I feel like most videos just state which ones are Determinates or Indeterminates, and videos on which varieties are sweet or great for snacking etc. But the "types", not so. I'm looking forward to your upload on that! 🍅 P.S. I hope you soon get affiliations from seed suppliers. Greetings again from the Philippines! 😄

[@imeskie2233]

Dragon tail radish. My new obsession.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I'M SORRY WHAT IS THIS? How have I never heard of aerial radishes. I absolutely must grow one ASAP. Presumably, they can grow in warmer weather as you're actively encouraging them to go to seed? Or am I totally off base? I'm 100% serious about wanting to order some right away =)

[@mrsseasea]

Potatoes & carrots……In All colors!

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I *definitely* want to do more carrots this Fall! Our dog looooooves them.

[@fuzzytale]

I love tomatillos, and I tried growing them 2 years ago with absolutely no luck. I had 4 plants and they just didn't do squat. Even the volunteers I got last year from some of the few, TINY fruit I got the year before that fell didn't do anything to write home about. I'd love to hear if you have any tricks to improve that.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Were the plants otherwise healthy appearing? Do other nightshade plants grow well in the same area? If yes to both of those, one issue might be lack of pollination from insects.

[@fuzzytale]

@@NextdoorHomestead Yeah, I had eggplants and peppers in the same plot that went nuts that year, as well as tomatoes one plot over that also produced heavily. We definitely didn't seem to have that many pollinators that year, especially compared to the huge population this year. Too late now, but maybe I'll give them a try again next year, I'm sure verde sauce with home grown tomatillos would be way better than storebought Also, for the record, I'd love to see a video on all the tomatoes you grow--varieties and why. Unless I've missed that on the vids you already have out

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I've been looking for this comment!!! I wanted to ask a question about your suggestion - would it still be interesting if I couldn't actually show you all the varieties and just talked about them? I keep notes on varieties we grow and it's probably my biggest passion in gardening but I haven't made videos talking about them (well, we did one on cukes) because I don't know how to make it interesting to watch!

[@fuzzytale]

@@NextdoorHomestead I mean, it would to *me*, though I can't really speak for other people, I'm the kind of nerd who read Lehoullier's epic tomatoes and loved it. I'd be happy to watch a vid of you sitting at your desk or in your garden just talking about the whats and whys and hows of the tomatoes you grow, and the tomatoes you tried and decided weren't worth growing again... I mean, maybe cut in images of the representative fruits from them? Or voiceover on shots of the tomatoes growing in your garden? I don't know squat about video production/editing/what makes people enjoy watching them, I'm just a gardening nerd, and especially a tomato nerd. We're only doing about 12 or 13 varieties and 26 plants this year, clearly I need to up my game.

[@fuzzytale]

@@NextdoorHomestead Oh man, I also meant to ask if you've ever tried the aspirin spray for nightshades, any of the JADAM fermented fertilizers, or making lactobacillus. You seem to be the most scientifically grounded garden channel I've found so far, so I'm very interested in your take on some of these latest fads if they ever work into your ideas for videos

[@jelly.1899]

You look just like me 😂 0 out of 100 people would argue that we are not related. Amazing - right down to the hair and beard ✌️ do you have relatives in Germany/Sweden?

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hahaha when we visited parts of northern Europe it was fun realizing there are areas where I don't stick out like a sore thumb! ;)

[@nagasraka7290]

This is my first year gardening and I am growing a lot of the things on your list. Your videos are great. I have watched so many of them! They have armed me with great information and the confidence to get out there and try some things. So thank you! I was really excited to see savory on your list. I LOVE savory! It's honestly my favorite herb. I am growing winter (perennial) and summer (annual) savory and they are both delicious. I would love to see a video like this for perennials. 👍🌱

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Thank you for such a lovely comment! Nothing could make me happier than hearing our videos have helped encourage you to get out there and garden. Truly. Savory is awesome!!! And if folks end up digging this video I will definitely do one for perennials!

[@Kelly-np2tg]

I don't know if it's the atmosphere of my semi but for some reason I keep killing my hot pepper plants and I don't know why. I had bell peppers and hot peppers and the only thing that grew out was a spearmint plant. And I can't even get that one to go properly because every time a new leaf grows in the old one dies out and it only keeps two at a time.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hmmmm that's a really interesting use case! Peppers are a bit tricky because they need to be above 55 degrees at all times (so might be rough if you're stopped overnight somewhere cold) and they need a lot of light. It's possible to grow 'em in a window but definitely more of an uphill battle. Fruiting plants in general are harder indoors compared to herbs and leafy plants as their energy requirements are so hard. I sincerely hope you can get it to work though!

[@Kelly-np2tg]

@@NextdoorHomestead I don't think it was the colds that killed them because I have an Apu in my truck and always keep my heat on. I'm from Arizona. I don't like the cold either.

[@Kelly-np2tg]

@@NextdoorHomestead I discovered that gnats were burrowing in the soil and that's what killed them. It seemed to kill my whole garden and I don't know how to get rid of them.

[@victoriatraylor5634]

Help. I am getting hit hard with squash bugs here in Eastern Washington, zone 6A. Any suggestions to get rid of them?

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Heya! Are you dealing with damage to the plants or disease issues from the squash bugs?

[@victoriatraylor5634]

@@NextdoorHomestead hi, I'm dealing with damage to the plants. Didn't know they carried disease.

[@veraw2121]

I have most of them, except for parsley because i do not use it. I have grown it and i sometimes get it in my toogoodtogo bag, but I literally never think about it when I'm cooking 🙃🤔 Is it normal that the first flowera of tomatillo don't get pollinated? I have 2 plants...

[@NextdoorHomestead]

I was never that into parsley until we started growing it. Now I love using it! And that is pretty normal in my experience. But you should start seeing (feeling, rather - gotta check the husks with your fingers) pretty soon. Do you have some good pollinator activity in the area?

[@veraw2121]

@@NextdoorHomestead oh yes, heaps of strawberries, mangetouts, raspberries and some tomatoes are growing too so that is not an issue. But since you said three tomatillo plants I started doubting

[@NextdoorHomestead]

@@veraw2121 Two should work! I just like to have a failsafe - tomatillo plants (at least the varieties i've grown) are pretty variable in size and vigor. I'm not sure why, but perhaps they just haven't been bred to produce the same levels of consistency I'm used to in other plants.

[@veraw2121]

@@NextdoorHomestead I planted the 2nd a few days later and the leaviare still lighter green than the other. But same height, same amount of flowers... And I gave 4 plants away that were sown later but kept the same growing rate. I have pruned the lower suckers since I'm growing them on tomatohooks: not a lot of surface so I'm using the height wherever I can 🤭

[@pawel9450]

💖

[@KaijuKahos]

I am in zone 9a and green beans don’t seem to like the heat?

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hey Katharine - they definitely can get a little forlorn. I've got a video on how we approach growing in hot climates more generally, but one tip for beans is to look at the Asian yard long bean varieties as they tend to be a bit more heat tolerant than the classic American northeast green bean varieties =)

[@r.h.8220]

I feel like this will be a silly question🙈 but I’m also a gardening newbie… do you mean “grow in summer” for everyone (all zones) or a specific zone, for example Zone 9A?🤷🏻‍♀️ I really want to plant these heirloom organic mini white cucumber seeds, but I’m definitely not confident if they will be make it or be successful during 9A’s hottttttttt summers.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hey Renae - great question! I mean summer generically; I'm using it as the catchall term for any area's primary growing season. You can definitely grow cucumbers in hot areas but it's true that some varieties do much better than others. I tried to share my favorite tips for super hot climates (we're in zone 9 too!) in a video a couple weeks ago for what it's worth. And don't underestimate how much water cucumber plants need! =)

[@maryrose6229]

Suyo likes the heat…a long Asian cucumber 🥒

[@DCEventphoto]

Is it too early to direct sow seeds for the fall. We are experiencing 90+ degree temperatures.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

What sorts of crops are you looking at? Are you open to starting them indoors in containers?

[@robotica6089]

Hello to all! Thnx for great videos. Plz spread the word to all that compost poisoning in dogs is common. I just found out the hard way. Dog is OK now after vet/hospital care. But, it was touch and go for a bit. I can't believe I didn't know about compost being deadly poor dogs! I'm sure most of you knew that already. But. If there are others out there like me; BEWARE! Best wishes to all. ❤

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Hi Rob - first off, I'm very, very sorry to hear about your pup's scary incident. We've gone through some very tough vet visits with ours after eating something bad. But I wanted to clarify - was there something in this video that made you feel I needed to clarify this risk? Or was this more of a general PSA? Hope your pup recovers quickly.

[@robotica6089]

@NextdoorHomestead Just a general PSA . Sorry. Your channel is terrific.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

@@robotica6089 Thanks Rob. This is a topic (too) near to my heart so I just wanted to make sure I hadn't been encouraging anything dangerous. We've actually removed some content from videos because of the risk of certain plants / garden ingredients to dogs. To be honest, I *didn't* realize compost was that dangerous and am glad you prompted me to look it up. It's so tough to keep overly mouthy/inquisitive dogs safe. Constant battle over here.

[@Itsgettingcrazy.]

Thanks for the heads up! I just got my puppy back from a 2 night hospital stay. Now I'm wondering if it was compost related. They are outside with me all the time and into EVERYTHING! I had never heard that before.

[@bobcaldwell5810]

​@@robotica6089 Sorry about your dog, but what does this have to do with anything in this video? Humans shouldn't eat compost, so why would a dog be any different? It's decomposing (rotting) organic matter. Usually with all kinds of food scraps not fit for dogs, as well as all kinds of bugs. Our compost bin is four non treated shipping pallets tied together with chicken wire stapled to each individual side. Keeps the compost in, and the dogs out. Best of luck

[@rachaelcox7298]

Okra

[@NextdoorHomestead]

Ooooh that's a good one. I've got some germinating in trays right now actually =) Thanks for watching!

[@rachaelcox7298]

@@NextdoorHomestead I live in south Texas and it’s one of the only things that thrive during our brutal Summers! Well that and Malabar spinach lol!

[@chocalatekid8024]

At least you're not in denial about your addiction

[@NextdoorHomestead]

;)

[@austintrees]

Eggplants are trash... Tomatillos ARE KING in my garden, They Last on the Shelf FOREVER. Most will last months and months. I have 6 varieties this year. I still don't get people's love for fresh tomatoes... I think they are fine. Watermelon and zucchini, can't get enough.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

hahah so much to agree and disagree with here! My kinda comment =) What's your go to recommendation for tomatillo variety?

[@austintrees]

@@NextdoorHomesteadthe large yellows 'Queen of Malinalco' or 'Chupon De Malinalco'... The purples I've found to be hit or miss, but the standard greens, 'Verde' & 'Rio Verde Grande' last the longest on the shelf.

[@NextdoorHomestead]

@@austintrees Thank you! My plan for next year is to try the Pancho or Super Verde variety (alongside the toma verde =)

[@Firevine]

I'll grow all of those nightshades....except for eggplant 🤮

[@NextdoorHomestead]

What?! Does that mean you don't like to eat them? I'm so confused!

[@Firevine]

@@NextdoorHomestead I am no fan of eggplant. The wife loves them though.