What To Grow?

In this article, Lillie Olson will outline which plants will do well when planted in Grants Pass this month and what should be planted in a few months, in order to have a full harvest.

What plants will grow in GP right now?

Written by Lillie Olson

Many people have their own little garden on their property, whether it may be a fun pastime or for food production. Getting started too early can be detrimental to harvest production, but some plants need to be put in the ground soon or they will not produce at all. In The Garden Continuum Blog, Lifescape expert Monique Allen states that benefits from tending to an individual's own garden include a reduction in carbon emissions from large farms, less pesticide ingestion, saving money on fresh food, better taste and nutrition, improved stress levels and mood, and body strength. The three main types of personal gardening provide something for everyone; popular options include in-ground gardening, container gardens and raised bed gardens. Gardens can also have different focuses to be a better fit for each person. Options include food for personal use, food to sell, and flowers. Let's look at what is good for planting in Grants Pass right now.

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Root Vegetables

Root veggies that will thrive when planted now include carrots, potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes and parsnips. People usually only eat the parts of these plants that are fully submerged in the ground. According to WebMD editorial contributor Dan Brennan, this food category is high in fiber and antioxidants. Dishes like stews, salads and roasts are good places to use these foods. To grow, they need damp soil and three to four hours of bright sun each day.

Starchy Vegetables

Options from this vegetable group that will grow well when planted now include corn, peas, beans, and potatoes. These plants grow in various ways, unlike root vegetables, which grow similarly to each other. Diabetes News, a UK-based health organization, says that starchy vegetables are good for potassium and vitamins C and B. They are good as sides for main meals, in burritos, bowl dishes, and salads. In order to grow these well, they need damp soil with good drainage and six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

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Leafy Greens

Spinach, lettuce, cabbages, and kale grow well when planted this month. Leafy vegetables grow in bunches out of the ground. These veggies are packed full of minerals and fiber, and are good for healthy stomach bacteria and vitamins, according to functional medicine physician Amy Myers. They make good bases for salads, taco toppings, and sandwiches. For the best result from these plants, they need an open area, loose drainable soil, and a balance of shade-to-sun ratio.

Other Odd ones

Vegetables that grow well but are in numerous different classification groups include broccoli, asparagus, peppers, and tomatoes. Alex Correia, of Long Wood Gardens, an organization that works with college horticulture programs, states that these plants give good balance, support the immune system, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure. These foods are good for stir-fries and as sides for bigger meals.

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Flowers

Dobies Corporate, an international seed supply company, says that French Marigolds, Cosmos, Nemesia, and Rudbeckia are good flowers to start indoors and move outside when the sun becomes a constant factor. Flowers like Oxalis and Clarkia and other harder seeds are good to start sowing straight into the ground.

Herbs

Herbs grow well year-round, as long as the temperatures do not rise or fall too drastically. Normally, they are pretty resistant as-is, meaning that they tend to be easy plants to grow. Basil, thyme, mint, oregano, bay leaves, and dill are common herbs used for cooking, soapmaking, and scents. Better Health, a medical and health informational organization, explains how herbs are full of antioxidants and help to lower cholesterol. These plants tend to grow in bunches with strong stems. Without careful care and attention, they may take over large ground quickly.

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Fruits

Limes, oranges, strawberries, papayas, apples and pears are good fruits to start growing in the spring. They grow on trees and need plenty of room to spread out their branches. Fruits contain folate, fiber, potassium, and vitamins, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fruits make good snacks; mix well to make salads and desserts.

Food is something everybody needs in their daily lives. Growing it can make a good hobby, be a good economical decision, and create a beautiful sanctuary. Producing personal food and keeping up a garden can be something that takes a few tries but, with practice and knowledge, it is a simple activity most people can do. It is said that the food you tend to not only has better nutritional values but also tastes better because you worked hard for it.