Vegetable Garden.

10 Unusual Items to Grow in Your Garden

There’s nothing like fresh vegetables from your own garden. All the hard work is rewarded when you take the first bite. The freshness you get from the garden to your table can’t be bought in a store. When most people think about vegetable gardens, they think of tomatoes or corn on the cob. Here’s some less common, but fun things you can grow.

1. Scarlet runner beans – These pole beans are both decorative and delicious. Make sure they have something to climb on and watch them go. The profusion of bright red blossoms is gorgeous and very attractive to hummingbirds. They produce 9-10” flat, wide beans that can be cooked while they’re green and tender or left to mature as a shelled or dry beans. The unusual back and purple dry beans are great for soups or can be used for decorative crafts. Since they’re an heirloom seed, save some of the seeds and plant them again next year.
2. Kohlrabi – This unusual vegetable is easy to grow and delicious. The plant forms a bulb just above ground with leaves sprouting from the sides and top. To harvest, cut just beneath the bulb and discard the leaves. After peeling off the outer skin, enjoy the mild turnip flavor either raw or cooked. Don’t let them get over-mature in the garden or the flesh will turn woody.
3. Spaghetti squash – The flesh of this unusual variety of squash really does look like spaghetti. Poke some holes through the hard outer shell and cook them whole in the oven or microwave. After splitting them open, scoop out and discard the seeds. Remove the noodle-like flesh with a fork and serve with sauce or butter and Parmesan cheese.
4. Ground cherries – This unusual fruit is actually a berry, not a cherry. Growing on tomato-like plants, the ½ inch fruits are golden-yellow with a papery husk. Remove the husk and they can be eaten raw or cooked and have a flavor similar to strawberries. The abundant harvest of fruits can be used in pies, preserves or jams.
5. Red Peter peppers – Most peppers are hybrids, but this rare heirloom pepper is quite unusual. Most people grow them to shock their prudish neighbors by the self-described shape, but they’re great for making chili powder.
6. Gourds – Not an edible vegetable, gourds are grown for their decorative properties. Great for fall decorations, they come in just about any size or shape you can think of in a variety of colors. People like to use the larger sizes for bird houses.
7. Purple beans – This variety of green bean was developed to make them easier to see when harvesting. The dark purple color is a stark contrast to the green foliage. If you’re not comfortable with eating purple beans, don’t worry. They turn green as soon as they’re cooked and are quite delicious.
8. Romanesco – A hybrid form of cauliflower with an unusual look, this veggie is sure to attract attention. Light green in color, the florets are spiral spikes instead of the billowy shape of the normal cauliflower. You’ll love the mild nutty, sweet taste and your vegetable tray never looked so elegant.
9. Oregano – Most people don’t think of growing their own herbs, but why not have the freshest spices along with your fresh vegetables. Oregano is a perennial that if not contained, will spread everywhere. Cut the leaves in spring or early summer when young and tender to be used fresh, frozen or dried. The plants will continue growing and produce a profusion of tiny light purple flowers that honey bees love.
10. Hops – This fast growing vine is great for ornamental screens and can grow up to 20 feet high in one year. The fragrant blossoms look like light green pine cones and are used in making beer. The vines die back each winter, but sprout from the crowns at the ground again in spring.

Gardening is considered one of the most healthy hobbies you can have. Even though it can be a lot of hard work, it can also be very relaxing and a great way to enjoy the outdoors on a lovely summer day. Enjoy the fruits of your labors with beautiful, colorful flowers and tasty vegetables, but have a little fun with it too.

(source:lawncareservice.net)

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