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Curious About Easy Gardening? Discover the Top 10 Direct Sow Vegetables For Home Gardens

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Living in New England we can’t wait for the ground to warm up enough to start our vegetable gardens. If you are a beginner gardener and would like to start out with the easiest vegetables to grow here is our top ten list!

Lettuce

Lettuce. Photo Credit: khawanchi via Canva.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is quick and easy to grow from seeds. It prefers cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting in the North East USA. Plant lettuce seeds directly in well-draining soil, spacing them according to the package instructions. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size for salads or sandwiches.

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Radish

a hand holding radishes picked fresh from the garden.
Radishes. Photo credit: skitterphoto via pexels.

Radish (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are root vegetables that grow quickly and are ready for harvest in as little as 30 days. They prefer cool weather and can be planted directly in the ground in early spring or late summer in the North East USA. Sow radish seeds in well-draining soil and thin them to allow proper spacing. Water consistently and evenly to prevent the roots from becoming too pungent. Harvest when the roots are crisp and firm.

Click here for Ravishing Radish Recipes!

Beans

A colander of green beans. Photo credit: snapwire from pexels.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): Beans are a warm-weather vegetable that can be directly sown in the North East USA after the danger of frost has passed. There are many types of beans, including bush beans and pole beans. Plant bean seeds in fertile, well-draining soil and provide support for pole beans to climb. Keep the soil evenly moist and harvest beans when they are young and tender.

Our favorite String Bean Recipes and All About String Beans.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers. Photo Credit: Maria Kraynova via Canva.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): Cucumbers are vining vegetables that require warm weather and plenty of sun. They can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA after the last frost date. Plant cucumber seeds in well-draining soil and provide a trellis or support for them to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest cucumbers when they are firm and green.

We love cucumbers! Click here for Crispy Cuke Recipes!

Carrots

multi colored carrots all lined up
Carrots. Photo credit: Shireshy via Canva.

Carrot (Daucus carota): Carrots are root vegetables that can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate cool weather. Plant carrot seeds in loose soil and keep them consistently moist until they germinate. Thin the seedlings to allow proper spacing and harvest when the roots are mature and sweet.

Soups, sides, cakes, muffins, and more! The Mighty Carrot Recipe Collection Here!

Spinach

freshly picked spinach
Spinach. Photo Credit: Shingo_no from Pexels.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in nutrients and can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA in early spring or late summer. Plant spinach seeds in fertile, well-draining soil and space them according to the package instructions. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest the leaves when they are young and tender.

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Zucchini

two hands holding three zucchini
Zucchini. Photo Credit: Pexels from Pixabay.

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo): Zucchini is a popular summer squash that can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA after the danger of frost has passed. Plant zucchini seeds in well-draining soil and provide ample space for the plants to spread out. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide support for the heavy fruit to prevent them from touching the ground. Harvest zucchini when they are small and tender for the best flavor.

Zounds! We have a Zillion Zucchini Recipes For You!

Beets

close up of beets fresh from the garden
Beets. Photo credit: nagygyongyi from pixabay.

Beets (Beta vulgaris): Beets are root vegetables that can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate cool weather. Plant beet seeds in loose soil and keep them consistently moist until they germinate. Thin the seedlings to allow proper spacing and harvest the roots when they are mature and tender. The beet greens can also be harvested and used as a leafy green vegetable.

The Beautiful Beet – 4 Recipes We Love With Beets.

Peas

close up of sugar snap peas
Peas. Photo Credit: kristiinaradenO from pixabay.

Peas (Pisum sativum): Peas are cool-weather legumes that can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA in early spring. Plant pea seeds in well-draining soil and provide support for them to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest the peas when they are young and sweet. Pea plants can also be grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility.

The Perfect Pea Recipe Collection.

Swiss Chard

close up of swiss chard
Swiss Chard. Photo Credit: Rupprich from Pixabay.

Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla): Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that can be directly sown in the ground in the North East USA. It is a cool-season crop that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Plant Swiss chard seeds in fertile, well-draining soil and provide ample spacing for the plants to grow. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest the leaves when they are young and tender. Swiss chard leaves come in various colors, making it a visually appealing addition to any garden.

Baked Ziti with Sausage & Swiss Chard!

Happy Gardening!

A vista view of a vegetable garden.
My Garden in New England. Photo Credit: Robin Jaffin.

When planting any vegetable from seeds, it’s important to follow the recommended planting guidelines on the seed packet and provide appropriate care, including watering, fertilizing, and pest management, to ensure successful growth.

Happy gardening!

36 Dishes You Didn’t Know You Could Make With Rice Noodles

main image of Low FODMAP Asian Tofu Noodle Papaya Salad on a gray plate against dark background
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but that isn’t the only reason to cook with them. They are delicious unto themselves, come in a variety of shapes, and are the noodle of choice in so many Asian-inspired recipes. But it doesn’t stop there! There are rice-based lasagna noodles, shells, manicotti, elbows…From soups to main dishes, casseroles, salads and summer rolls, we have 36 recipes for you to get you slurping with joy. Click for 36 Dishes You Didn’t Know You Could Make With Rice Noodles

30 Quick & Easy Recipes For A Happy Gut: Low FODMAP and Flavor Packed

closeup Low FODMAP Cream of Tomato Soupin white bowl; teal napkin
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

At FODMAP Everyday® we define “Quick” as a dish that can be on the table, ready to eat, in 30 minutes or less. “Easy” recipes have 15 minutes or less of prep time. All of these recipes are low FODMAP and free of gluten so they can be served to tender tummies too! Click for 30 Quick & Easy Recipes For A Happy Gut: Low FODMAP and Flavor Packed

Grab A Rotisserie Chicken On Your Way Home And Make Any Of These 18 Delicious Meals In Minutes

Low FODMAP Chicken Papaya Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing on oval platter; marble surface

Grabbing a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket is not “cheating” by any stretch of the imagination. Having cooked chicken ready to use is a great jump-start to all sorts of creative recipes – from salads to main dishes, lunches and dinners – and is a brilliant move, in our book. Click for Grab A Rotisserie Chicken On Your Way Home And Make Any Of These 18 Delicious Meals In Minutes

Easy and Tasty: 34 Sides to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken for a Stress-Free Meal

overhead image of low FODMAP grilled corn with garlic herb butter
Garlic Herb Corn on the Cob. Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson.

We buy a rotisserie chicken every week – and enjoy the bounty for days. But we like to mix it up; potatoes, veggies (hot and cold), pasta – there are many ways to enjoy that chicken and to turn it into a meal. Here are our 34 community favorites. Click here for Easy and Tasty: 34 Sides to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken for a Stress-Free Meal

9 Insanely Delicious Easy Homemade Chicken Wing Recipes

Low FODMAP Hot Honey Chicken Wings in cast iron pan set on rack

Entire restaurants build their menu around chicken wings, but we’re going to show you how to make the best chicken wings at home – and they’re easier than you think. Most of these recipes are baked, not fried, so you will not only save on calories, but also have less mess and spend less time in the kitchen. Click here for 9 Insanely Delicious Easy Homemade Chicken Wing Recipes

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