Los Angeles is a great city to grow vegetables, with its mild climate and long growing season. But with so many different vegetables to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones will provide the best payback.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the 10 vegetables that thrive in Los Angeles and offer a great return on investment:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple of Los Angeles gardens, and for good reason. They are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. Tomatoes are also a versatile vegetable, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to pasta sauces and salsas.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, so you can find one that is perfect for your taste and growing conditions. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘Roma’, and ‘Early Girl’.
Planting
Tomatoes should be planted in the spring, after the last frost date. Space tomato plants 18-24 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Care
Tomatoes need regular watering and fertilizing. Water your tomato plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize your tomato plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully red and firm.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is another easy-to-grow vegetable that is perfect for the Los Angeles climate. It can be grown in containers or in the ground, and it produces a steady harvest of leafy greens. Lettuce is also a nutrient-rich vegetable, and it is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of lettuce to choose from, including leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and butterhead lettuce. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Parris Island Cos’, ‘Red Sails’, and ‘Black Seeded Simpson’.
Planting
Lettuce can be planted in the spring or fall. Space lettuce plants 12-18 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Care
Lettuce needs regular watering and fertilizing. Water your lettuce plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize your lettuce plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Lettuce is ready to harvest when the leaves are big enough to eat. You can harvest individual leaves or the entire plant.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating vegetable that is perfect for the hot Los Angeles summers. They are also easy to grow, and they can be grown in containers or in the ground. Cucumbers can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or pickled.
Varieties
There are two main types of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers are eaten fresh, while pickling cucumbers are used to make pickles. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Burpless Bush Hybrid’, ‘Marketmore 76’, and ‘Spacemaster’.
Planting
Cucumbers should be planted in the spring, after the last frost date. Space cucumber plants 12-18 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Care
Cucumbers need regular watering and fertilizing. Water your cucumber plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize your cucumber plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are 6-8 inches long and firm. You can harvest individual cucumbers or the entire plant.
4. Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to baked goods. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C. Zucchini is easy to grow in Los Angeles, and it produces a bountiful harvest.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of zucchini to choose from, including green zucchini, yellow zucchini, and pattypan squash. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Early Golden Prolific’, and ‘Gold Rush’.
Planting
Zucchini should be planted in the spring, after the last frost date. Space zucchini plants 36-48 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Care
Zucchini need regular watering and fertilizing. Water your zucchini plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize your zucchini plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Zucchini are ready to harvest when they are 6-8 inches long and firm. You can harvest individual zucchini or the entire plant.
5. Beans
Beans are a nitrogen-fixing legume, which means that they help to improve the soil fertility. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Beans are easy to grow in Los Angeles, and they can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of beans to choose from, including bush beans, pole beans, and lima beans. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Kentucky Wonder Bush’, ‘Blue Lake Pole’, and ‘Fordhook Lima’.
Planting
Beans can be planted in the spring, after the last frost date. Space bean plants according to the variety you are growing. Bush beans need about 6 inches of space, while pole beans need about 12 inches of space.
Care
Beans need regular watering, especially during hot weather. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Beans are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and the beans are fully formed. You can harvest individual pods or the entire plant.
6. Peas
Peas are another cool-season vegetable that is easy to grow in Los Angeles. They are a good source of protein and fiber. Peas can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of peas to choose from, including English peas, shelling peas, and snow peas. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Little Marvel’, ‘Early Perfection’, and ‘Sugar Snap’.
Planting
Peas can be planted in the fall or spring. Space pea plants about 2 inches apart.
Care
Peas need regular watering, especially during hot weather. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and the peas are fully formed. You can harvest individual pods or the entire plant.
7. Carrots
Carrots are a nutrient-rich vegetable that is a good source of vitamins A and C. They are also easy to grow in Los Angeles. Carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of carrots to choose from, including short carrots, long carrots, and baby carrots. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Danvers Half Long’, ‘Nantes Carrot’, and ‘Baby Carrot’.
Planting
Carrots can be planted in the spring or fall. Space carrot seeds about 1 inch apart.
Care
Carrots need well-drained soil and regular watering. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Carrots are ready to harvest when they are about 2 inches in diameter. You can harvest individual carrots or the entire plant.
8. Beets
Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C. Beets are easy to grow in Los Angeles.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of beets to choose from, including red beets, golden beets, and Chioggia beets. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Detroit Dark Red’, ‘Golden Beet’, and ‘Chioggia Beet’.
Planting
Beets can be planted in the spring or fall. Space beet seeds about 2 inches apart.
Care
Beets need well-drained soil and regular watering. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Beets are ready to harvest when the beets are about 2 inches in diameter. You can harvest individual beets or the entire plant.
9. Swiss chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is a good source of vitamins A and C. It is also easy to grow in Los Angeles. Swiss chard can be eaten raw, cooked, or stir-fried.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of Swiss chard to choose from, including ruby chard, rainbow chard, and Fordhook Giant chard. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Ruby Red’, ‘Rainbow’, and ‘Fordhook Giant’.
Planting
Swiss chard can be planted in the spring or fall. Space Swiss chard plants about 12 inches apart.
Care
Swiss chard needs well-drained soil and regular watering. It also needs to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Swiss chard can be harvested throughout the growing season. You can harvest individual leaves or the entire plant. Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for your diet.
10. Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It is also easy to grow in Los Angeles. Kale can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to smoothies.
Varieties
There are many different varieties of kale to choose from, including curly kale, dinosaur kale, and kale. Some popular varieties for Los Angeles include ‘Lacinato Kale’, ‘Red Russian Kale’, and ‘Dwarf Blue Curled Kale’.
Planting
Kale can be planted in the spring or fall. Space kale plants about 12 inches apart.
Care
Kale needs well-drained soil and regular watering. It also needs to be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting
Kale can be harvested throughout the growing season. You can harvest individual leaves or the entire plant.
Tips for growing vegetables in Los Angeles:
- Choose a sunny spot in your yard or garden for your vegetables. Most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend your soil with compost or manure before planting. This will help to improve the drainage and fertility of your soil.
- Water your vegetables regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize your vegetables every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Harvest your vegetables regularly to encourage new growth.
With a little planning and effort, you can easily grow a bountiful harvest of vegetables in your Los Angeles home backyard.
To know more ideas, you can check out Top 20 Outdoor Living Room Ideas for Al Fresco Entertaining.
