Top 10 Plants For The Vegetable Garden

Everyone will have their favorite vegetables but many of us will agree with most of those on this list. Although I would have thought that basil was more of a herb than a vegetable, but it is an essential complement to the tomatoes. These ten must-grow plants are described in an article which I found on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

Make space for at least one of each of these edible 10 must-grow plants in your garden plot. Easy to grow and reliable producers of scrumptious produce from spring until fall, our top 10 edible plants will fill your plate with garden-fresh flavor.

Slicing Tomatoes

Also known as beefsteak tomatoes, this group of tomatoes produces medium to large fruits that are often sliced for topping burgers and sandwiches, and is one of the top 10 must-grow plants. Often red but also available in yellow and green varieties, slicers tend to be disease-resistant and easy to grow. Some of the most popular slicers include ‘Better Boy’ and ‘Celebrity’. Several heirloom tomatoes are also excellent slicers. ‘Brandywine’ is a pink-skin heirloom with soft flesh and full flavor. Get started with transplants from your local nursery or a mail-order source.

Small-Fruited Tomatoes

These bite-size tomatoes are packed with flavor and sweet tomato juice, making them a great top 10 must-grow plant. Available in shades of red and yellow, small-fruited tomatoes are often very prolific. One plant can produce several pounds of fruit from midsummer until frost. Try ‘Yellow Pear,’ ‘Super Sweet 100,’ and ‘Juliet.’ Get started with transplants from your local nursery or a mail-order source.

Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers come in all shapes and sizes. Bell peppers are the most popular garden variety of sweet peppers, and are an easy, top 10 must-grow plant. Left to ripen, they turn red, purple, orange, or yellow and contain various amounts of sugar depending on the variety. Green bell peppers are the most common. Try ‘California Wonder’ or ‘Purple Beauty.’
Paler green and yellow elongated sweet pepper varieties often have a more intense flavor. Because peppers require a long, hot growing season, in cool regions or areas with short growing seasons, they may never develop their ripe color. Try ‘Sweet Banana’.
Get started with transplants from your local nursery or a mail-order source.