A small group of brown and white speckled beans over a dark gray wood surface

Growing Guide: Cowpeas

Although cowpea is a well known garden plant in the South, this crop deserves more attention across the country. Its long, slender pods are filled with a prolific number of seeds.

A pile of whole green cucumbers with short green stems, and a few round cucumber slices

Growing Guides

Growing Guide: Cucumber

Cucumbers grow well in many regions of the United States, producing prolific quantities of fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved as pickles.

A pile of leafy greens on a dirt surface

Growing Guides

Growing Guide: Collards

While collard greens have traditionally been enjoyed in the American South, this hearty Brassica oleracea plant grows well in many regions around the United States.

A group of orange carrots with green stems and some dirt

Growing Guides

Growing Guide: Carrots

When planting carrots, be aware that they can be finicky in the early part of the season. Carrots are biennials, producing seed after two years of growth, but the reward is well worth the effort.

A pile of multi-colored potatoes ranging from small to large and from light yellow to deep red

Growing Guides

Growing Guide: Potatoes

This versatile crop originated in South America centuries ago and today ranks as the most popular vegetable in the United States. Cool-season vegetables, potatoes come in a great range of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures and are grown from small tubers known as “seed potatoes”.

Growing Guides

Growing Guide: Arugula

Arugula grows well in the spring and fall but tends to bolt in hot weather. Its prolific flowers attract many pollinators before plants go to seed. Gardeners enjoy this cool-weather crop for its nutty and peppery bite.