Tennessee is a landlocked state in the Southeastern U.S. The state has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, allowing for growing many vegetables.
Tennessee gets plenty of sunshine, which means vegetables can be grown in the state year-round. The climate is perfect for growing leafy green vegetables, root vegetables, and even a few types of fruit. The following is a list of vegetables to grow in Tennessee.
Best Vegetables to Grow in TN
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be grown throughout Tennessee. Lettuce is low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, vitamin C, and folate. There are many different types of lettuce that can be grown, including leaf and butterhead lettuces, romaine, and stem lettuce. Lettuce is easily grown in a home garden. The seeds can be started indoors and then transplanted outside after the last chance of frost has passed.
2. Spinach
Spinach is also a vegetable that can be grown throughout the state. Spinach is extremely nutritious, even more so than lettuce. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron. It is also low in calories and contains no saturated fat or cholesterol. Spinach has a robust flavor that works well in salads and as a sautéed side dish.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-weather vegetable that should be planted in Tennessee in mid-April to early May. Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which means it contains cancer-fighting agents known as phytochemicals. Broccoli also contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, folate, potassium, and fiber. So don’t wait until the broccoli is in full bloom to harvest the vegetable for consumption. Broccoli can be harvested when it is still relatively small and firm before the flower buds have opened.
4. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another vegetable that can be grown in Tennessee all year round, making it a great garden planting in the colder months of the year. Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous family, which means it also contains cancer-fighting agents. Cauliflower is known for containing anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been said to be helpful in preventing heart disease and some types of cancers. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus may seem like an unusual vegetable to grow in Tennessee, but it can yield a large crop in a small space. The shoots of the asparagus plant are eaten and enjoyed throughout the world. The shoots are usually harvested in the mid-spring, but some varieties are known to produce shoots every year. The asparagus plant is easy to grow, making it a popular vegetable for home gardeners.
6. Kale
Kale is a cool-weather vegetable that can be grown throughout Tennessee. It belongs to the cruciferous family, which means it is filled with anti-cancer properties. The leaves are tough and can be harvested throughout the winter months after the first frost has turned them sweet and tender.
7. Collards
Like kale, collards are also part of the cruciferous family. Collard plants can be harvested throughout the winter months in Tennessee. The leaves can be harvested after the first frost and will taste much sweeter than they do beforehand. Collards are a great source of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.
8. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are also part of the cruciferous family. They are usually planted during spring and will continue to produce greens throughout the late spring, summer, and early fall. Mustard greens are also known for containing anti-cancer properties. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
9. Pickling Cucumbers
Many people enjoy pickles but are unaware that they are fairly easy to grow in Tennessee. If you have a favorite pickling recipe, why not plant the ingredients in your garden. Pickling cucumbers are smaller than regular cucumbers and can be eaten whole, right out of the garden. They are also known for containing high levels of vitamin C and potassium.
10. Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. These versatile plants can be harvested when they are still small, or the outer leaves can be harvested off of the plant as it grows. Chinese cabbage is also known for containing anti-inflammatory properties. In Tennessee, Chinese cabbage is planted during the mid-summer3.
Best Vegetables to Grow in Tennessee: Conclusion
If you live in Tennessee, you don’t have to stop at these best vegetables to grow in this state. There are many other vegetables that can be planted and harvested throughout the year.
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