One of the best things about deciding to go vegan is that it is easy to grow so much of your own food in a backyard garden or pea patch. Choosing a wide variety of vegan foods to grow will ensure that you are taking in a myriad of nutrients. Here are four vegan foods that you can easily grow yourself.
1- Pumpkins
Who does not want a garden full of pumpkins each fall? Not only do pumpkins make great fall decorations, but you can also use the flesh of these gourds in soups, pies, bread, and muffins. Be sure to roast the seeds for a delicious snack that is packed with an abundance of protein. When you are all done leveraging the power of the inside of this vegetable, have fun with them by carving them for your Halloween porch decorations.
Pumpkins should be planted during the early summer. For best results, plant these gourds near the edge of your garden with plenty of space in between them, knowing that the vines will grow aggressively.
2- Mushrooms
There are endless mushroom varieties, making this an extremely versatile vegetable. Toss mushrooms with greens for a delicious salad, use them as a pizza topping, add them to your favorite soup or casserole recipe, and more. Portobello mushrooms make a great substitute for meat on your grill.
With dozens of mushroom varieties, it is easy to find the right type for your personal tastes and dietary needs. When searching for the type of mushroom to grow, you should think about which type will do best in your geographic area and which type you will be more likely to eat.
3- Green Peas
Green peas are one of the easiest foods to master growing in your garden, making them a good starter. Because peas thrive in cool and wet weather, you should plant them in the early spring for best results. You can either use a trellis or go without one. However, the peas will be easier to pick if they are growing upright.
There are a number of varieties to choose from, including traditional English peas that grow inside the pod. This will require a bit of effort to remove the peas from the pod prior to eating. You can skip this step altogether by planting the snow pea, a good choice if you make a lot of Asian cuisine. Or go with the crunchy and delicious snap peas. One of the best characteristics of this variety is that you can freeze the snap pea pods directly after harvesting to keep them on hand for later.
4- Kale
Looking for the best bang for your buck when it comes to growing your vegan garden? Kale stands up very well to cool weather, making it an ideal crop to plant in the early spring or late summer. This trendy leafy green delivers a host of nutrients, including vitamins A, K, B6, and C, as well as calcium and potassium.
You can grow kale in classic garden beds, raised beds, or in smaller containers. Use it in a salad, as a healthy addition to soups and stir fry dishes, and much more.
You will not regret making the effort to grow your own vegan-friendly food at home.
