5 Crops I Won't Be Growing Next Year

Summary

In this gardening video, the speaker reflects on five crops they will not be planting next year, citing issues with space, time, and difficulty. While they love crops like lettuce and cantaloupe, inconsistent growth and high maintenance have led them to pause these varieties. Other crops, such as summer squash and corn, have become too prolific or space-consuming. The speaker also highlights struggles with Brussels sprouts due to pests and erratic production. This honest reflection encourages viewers to reconsider their gardening choices for a more successful season ahead.

Takeaways

• 😀 Never say 'never' when it comes to gardening; some crops just require patience and the right conditions to thrive.
• 😀 Gardening can be a balancing act between what crops work well and what doesn't, requiring compromises on space, time, and difficulty.
• 😀 Space is crucial for gardening; some crops, like peppers, take up more space and may not yield as much as smaller crops like carrots.
• 😀 Time is another key consideration; fast-growing crops like spinach can be harvested in weeks, while crops like garlic take up to 10 months to mature.
• 😀 Difficulty varies for each gardener; what's hard for one may be easy for another, and climate plays a significant role in determining crop success.
• 😀 Crops must be worth growing in terms of taste, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness compared to store-bought options.
• 😀 Lettuce varieties vary greatly; upright Roma types are more consistent and hardy in the garden compared to leaf or butterhead varieties, which can struggle in the heat.
• 😀 Cantaloupes are flavorful but difficult to grow, especially in climates where early warmth and space constraints make them a less viable option.
• 😀 Summer squash (zucchini) can become overwhelming to grow, as it’s too prolific and space-consuming, often leading to a surplus of produce.
• 😀 Corn requires significant space and care for proper pollination, making it a challenging crop for gardeners, though fresh local corn can be a good alternative.
• 😀 Brussels sprouts are notoriously difficult, with issues like pests and inconsistent production, leading to frustration, though they remain a favorite for some gardeners.

Q & A

Why is it important to never say 'never' when it comes to gardening?

It's important because gardening often requires adaptability. Some crops that might be challenging today could become easier to grow with improved techniques or different environmental conditions. So, saying 'never' could close off potential future success.

What are the three main reasons gardeners might choose not to plant certain crops?

The three main reasons are space, time, and difficulty. Space refers to how much room a plant needs; time involves the length of the growing season for that crop; and difficulty is about how challenging the crop is to grow in certain conditions.

How does space affect crop selection in gardening?

Different plants have different space requirements. Crops like peppers need more room to thrive, while smaller herbs like basil need less space. If space is limited, gardeners may prioritize crops that yield higher value or require less area, like carrots or beets over potatoes.

How does the time it takes for crops to mature influence planting decisions?

Crops that take longer to mature, like garlic and onions, require more patience but can store well for long periods. Shorter-growing crops, like spinach and chives, offer quicker rewards but may not provide long-term storage. The gardener's available time and needs will influence this choice.

What role does the difficulty of growing a crop play in a gardener's decision to plant it?

Difficulty can vary greatly depending on the plant and the gardener's skill set. Some crops are easier for some gardeners but may be more difficult for others due to climate, soil conditions, or pests. Difficult crops might not be worth the effort if they don't yield a good harvest or require constant attention.

Why is the author taking a break from growing lettuce next year?

The author is taking a break from growing lettuce because certain varieties, especially leaf and buttercrunch types, struggle with heat and bolt quickly. These types take up valuable space and time without yielding a consistent, worthwhile harvest. However, the author will still grow upright Roma types, which perform better.

What makes garden-grown cantaloupes so special compared to store-bought ones?

Garden-grown cantaloupes taste much better than store-bought ones, with a richer, more flavorful profile. However, they are difficult to grow and require more effort, especially in terms of germination and early growth. The author is taking a break from them due to the challenges involved.

What problems does the author face with growing cantaloupe in their garden?

Cantaloupes are finicky and underperform in the author's garden, especially during the germination and early growth stages. The weather doesn't always warm up enough for successful growth, and growing them vertically to save space is still a work in progress.

Why is the author taking a break from growing zucchini (summer squash)?

Zucchini is very prolific and easy to grow, but it becomes overwhelming because the family tires of them quickly. Additionally, zucchini takes up a lot of space and is prone to powdery mildew, so the author is taking a break from this abundant crop to reduce the burden.

What makes corn a challenging crop to grow, and why is the author stepping away from it?

Corn requires a lot of space for proper pollination, and the effort to grow it can be significant. Despite the delicious taste, the author is stepping away from growing corn because local sources provide fresh, organic corn, which makes the personal effort less necessary.

What issues has the author faced when trying to grow Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts have been difficult for the author to grow, with frequent pest outbreaks, stunted growth, and inconsistent production. Although there have been occasional successes, the overall experience has been frustrating, leading the author to take a break from them.

Why does the author recommend taking breaks from certain crops rather than quitting them entirely?

Taking breaks allows gardeners to avoid burnout from difficult crops while still keeping the door open for future attempts. Sometimes, a break can help gardeners rethink their approach and come back with new strategies or better conditions for success.