National Gardening Day, observed on April 14th, is dedicated to celebrating the joys of gardening as both a fun and healthy pastime and a means of producing food. Gardening allows you to grow your own fresh and flavorful produce, as well as promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and fostering a deeper connection with the earth and the natural world.  

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, cultivating your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your garden can be hugely rewarding. In honor of National Gardening Day, here are six delicious and healthy foods that are easier to grow in your garden than you might think. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens due to their versatility, vibrant flavor, and nutritional profile. They are rich in vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants such as lycopene. And, from juicy beefsteak tomatoes to sweet cherry tomatoes and the tangy heirloom varieties, there are numerous different kinds of tomatoes to choose from. 

From fresh salads and sandwiches to homemade pasta sauces and salsas, homegrown tomatoes are a delicious addition to numerous dishes.

Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow and thrive best in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. You can start them from seeds indoors or buy young plants to nurture in your garden. 

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are nutrient-dense powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a great source of iron, particularly for those who are vegetarian or vegan. 

Harvest greens when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture. You can enjoy them in salads and stir-fries, as an accompaniment to meat or fish, or added to smoothies and soups for a powerful nutritional boost.

Leafy greens are also easy to grow and harvest at home. Whether you're growing them in raised beds, containers, or traditional garden rows, leafy greens thrive in moist soil with plenty of sunlight.

Herbs

Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors and aromas to a wide variety of dishes. You can use them to season savory dishes, make your own herb and spice blends, infuse them into oils and vinegars, or use them to make dressings and marinades. Many herbs offer health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, and rosemary are just some of the herbs that are easy to cultivate in a home garden and require minimal space and maintenance. 

Plant your herbs in containers on your patio or in a dedicated herb garden bed, and enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the season. 

Berries

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are not only delicious, but are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Berries require a bit more space and patience to grow than some of the other foods we have mentioned in this post, but the reward of harvesting sweet and juicy berries straight from the plant is well worth the effort. You can enjoy them as a snack fresh off the plant, add them to your breakfast cereal, blend them into smoothies, or bake them into pies and muffins.

Plant berry bushes or vines in a sunny location with well-drained soil. You’ll also need to provide plenty of water and fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production. 

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious addition to your garden. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, bell peppers provide numerous health benefits including immune support and improved skin health. 

Whether you prefer green, red, yellow, or orange varieties, bell peppers offer a sweet and crunchy flavor. Harvest them when they reach full size and color for the best flavor and texture and enjoy them raw in salads, roasted in vegetable medleys, or stuffed with savory fillings for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Bell peppers are fairly easy to grow in well-drained soil and should be planted in spots that get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific and versatile vegetable that thrives in home gardens. Low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, zucchini is a healthy addition to your diet and offers health benefits including improved digestion and heart health. 

Harvest your zucchini when they're young and enjoy them raw, grilled, sautéed, baked, or spiralized into noodles.

Zucchini seeds can be sown indoors in spring or outdoors in early summer. Plant your zucchini seeds or seedlings in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny location, and remember to leave plenty of space for these large plants to grow and thrive. 

What will you be planting this National Gardening Day?