Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Virginia
If you are looking for the best vegetables to grow in Virginia, then you are at the right place because that’s what this post is all about.
Due to Virginia’s varying geography, temperatures in this state can vary as much as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit each season.
However, overall, this state is known for its hot summers and cold winters. Normal summer temperatures range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with winter temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the mid 40s.
Keep in mind that due to the fact that the last frost date each spring can vary a great deal it is impossible to give you a set firm planting date for your vegetables.
However, it is usually safe to plant your vegetable seeds or starter plants outdoor in your garden 2 weeks after the last frost. On average the growing season in Virginia is about 200 days long.
Here is a list of some of the best vegetables to grow in Virginia whether you are an experienced gardener or simply want to try your hand at growing one or two containers of your favorite vegetable.
Related Articles:
- 8 Good Vegetables to Grow in Florida
- 8 Good Vegetables to Grow in Indiana
- 23 Best Veggies to Grow in SoCal
- 9 Best Ornamental Plants and Vegetables to Grow in Arizona
13 Best Vegetables to Grow in Virginia
#1. Cabbage
Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that can be used in a variety of different dishes such as stuffed cabbage, corned beef and cabbage, cabbage soup, coleslaw and so much more.
This vegetable thrives in the cooler weather of the spring and fall of Virginia. For the tastiest cabbage you will want to harvest this vegetable before the heat of summer sets in.
Since it takes 60 to 100 days for your cabbage plants to mature it is best to plant this vegetable in late summer so that you can harvest it in the fall hopefully before the first frost.
#2. Asparagus
Asparagus is a great vegetable to grow in Virginia. Both white and green varieties of this vegetable can easily be grown in this area.
Best of all, Asparagus is a perennial plant that will produce year after year and doesn’t require a great deal of water. So it can withstand even drier weather that can occur from time to time.
Asparagus is normally enjoyed as a side dish and can be sautéed, oven roasted, grilled and even wrapped in bacon or prosciutto. It is best to harvest this vegetable when it is smaller since it will be more tender and less “woody.”
Since it takes between 100 and 120 days for this vegetable to grow and be ready to harvest it is best to plant it between mid and late April.
#3. Kale
Kale is an extremely hardy cool weather vegetable that is not only packed with nutrients and good for your health, but is also considered to be ornamental. Hence it can add interest to any garden.
Best of all, this leafy green veggie is low maintenance as long as the plants are spaced properly.
Kale takes 60 to 80 days to mature so plant this vegetable in either March or June for the best results.
#4. Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas are common, some would say basic vegetables that appear on most family’s dinner table several times a year.
Growing your own sweet peas can be a fun and rewarding experience while providing you with healthy tasty vegetables. In addition, since sweet peas can be grown vertically they are the perfect vegetable for smaller gardens.
(Here are the best edible vine plants you can grow vertically.)
Sweet Peas need to be grown in cooler temperatures since hot summer temperatures can prevent your sweet peas from maturing.
You will need to plant your pea crop in early spring as soon as the threat of frost has past. Your peas should mature in 40 to 50 days.
#5. Squash
Squash is a great vegetable to grow in Virginia gardens and can be grown in both warm and cold weather. There are a wide variety of squash for you to choose from.
It is possible for you to plant both summer and winter squash at the same time since summer squash is ready to harvest in 60 days while winter squash is ready to harvest between 80 and 120 days.
Summer squash is best when harvested when they are small since the vegetable is tastier and tenderer.
Squash can be enjoyed raw, steamed, sautéed, and even in soups, stews and casseroles.
#6. Carrots
Carrots are a great garden vegetable that can easily be grown in containers making them suitable for both urban and rural gardens. This colorful vegetable is a good source of Vitamin A, Potassium and Magnesium.
Carrots don’t tolerate cold weather very well. So it is best to plant this tasty vegetable in the late spring or early summer since they take about 75 days to reach maturity.
The best types of carrots to plant in Virginia are Gold Kings or Danvers. However, if you would like to try other varieties of carrots in your garden then speak to an expert at your local gardening center for some suggestions.
#7. Peppers
Peppers are the perfect vegetables to grow during Virginia’s hot weather season since these plants love both sun and heat. The longer and hotter the weather the more and better tasting peppers you can grow.
Virginia gardens can grow colorful bell peppers, spicy Jalapeno or Habanero or the less known Italian peppers. Best of all peppers tend to be insect resistant.
Plant your peppers in late April or early May as soon as the soil warms up and they should be ready to harvest in 60 to 90 days.
#8. Cucumbers
As long as you make sure that they get plenty of water cucumbers are great vegetables to grow in Virginia. Some varieties of cucumbers grow best in warm weather while others fair better when grown in cool weather.
You just need to decide whether you want to grow slicing or pickling cucumbers. Plant your cucumbers outside between mid April and mid-May in order to harvest in late summer or very early fall.
Other Vegetables You Can Grow in Virginia
Some other vegetables that are grown in Virginia gardens include;
#9. Green beans
#10. Tomatoes
#11. Broccoli
#12. Potatoes
#13. Radishes and more.
Final Thoughts on the Best Vegetables to Grow in Virginia
If you are new to gardening take the time to talk to experts and get advice as well as read everything you can find on gardening in your area and state. Start with just a few plants so you get some experience in gardening and increase your chances of success.