Growing a garden is a rewarding endeavor, but not all vegetables are created equal. Some are best avoided due to their tricky nature or lack of flavor, and others offer much better results.
Here are 38 vegetables you might want to sidestep, along with some great alternatives to plant instead.
1. Avoid: Iceberg Lettuce, Grow: Arugula
Sometimes, a vegetable simply lacks pizzazz and fails to bring excitement to the table. Iceberg lettuce is one such vegetable, often criticized for being bland and watery. Instead of growing this uninspiring choice, consider switching to arugula.
Arugula brings a vibrant peppery kick to salads and dishes. Its easy growth and robust flavor make it a popular choice among gardeners. Not only does it add interest to meals, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Make your salads sing with this flavor-packed alternative.
2. Avoid: Bell Peppers, Grow: Anaheim Peppers
Some vegetables require a delicate hand and perfect conditions to thrive. Bell peppers, with their temperamental nature, often fall into this category. Instead of struggling with inconsistent yields, try cultivating Anaheim peppers.
Anaheim peppers are less fussy and offer a mild, sweet flavor that’s perfect for roasting. They require less attention and are generally more forgiving to grow. With their versatility and ease, Anaheim peppers make a delightful substitute for their more demanding cousins.
3. Avoid: Cauliflower, Grow: Romanesco
Occasionally, a vegetable may seem uninspiring in terms of both appearance and flavor. Cauliflower is often perceived as such, despite its popularity. If you’re looking for a visually striking alternative, consider Romanesco.
This fascinating vegetable is not only beautiful but also offers a delicate, nutty flavor. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate. Romanesco thrives in similar conditions to cauliflower but adds a unique twist to the garden and the dinner plate.
4. Avoid: Eggplant, Grow: Zucchini
Eggplants can be a bit temperamental, requiring a lot of attention and care to produce well. If you’re looking for a more straightforward option, think about planting zucchini.
Zucchini is known for its prolific nature and minimal fuss. It grows quickly and abundantly, providing a plentiful harvest throughout the season. It’s versatile in the kitchen, from grilling to baking, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
5. Avoid: Celery, Grow: Swiss Chard
Sometimes, the effort required to grow a vegetable outweighs the reward. Celery often falls into this category, with its high water needs and slow growth. Instead, consider switching to Swiss chard.
Swiss chard is hardy, decorative, and requires less fuss than celery. Its colorful stems brighten up any garden, and its leaves are packed with nutrients. Enjoy it in salads or as a cooked green, and relish the ease of growing this adaptable plant.
6. Avoid: Asparagus, Grow: Broccoli Rabe
Perennial vegetables can be a challenge, especially those that need a long time before harvest. Asparagus, for instance, takes years to mature. Instead, try growing broccoli rabe, a quicker alternative.
Broccoli rabe is ready to harvest in just a few weeks, offering a slightly bitter but delightful taste. It thrives in cooler temperatures and requires less patience than asparagus. This vegetable is perfect for those who crave a speedy, flavorful harvest.
7. Avoid: Brussels Sprouts, Grow: Kale
Some vegetables have a reputation for being difficult to grow and finicky. Brussels sprouts are notorious for needing specific conditions and care. Instead, consider the robust kale as a more reliable option.
Kale is tough, resilient, and easy to cultivate. It’s packed with nutrients and grows well in various climates. Whether making chips or salads, kale provides a versatile and stress-free gardening experience.
8. Avoid: Carrots, Grow: Radishes
Carrots can be tricky, often needing deeply cultivated soil and patience. For a quicker and more forgiving crop, radishes present a fantastic choice.
Radishes sprout quickly and mature in just a few weeks, offering a crunchy, peppery addition to salads. They’re perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone seeking immediate gratification. With radishes, you’ll enjoy a swift and satisfying harvest without the wait.
9. Avoid: Cabbage, Grow: Bok Choy
Sometimes, the traditional isn’t the best route. Cabbage, for instance, can be prone to pests and diseases. For a less troublesome alternative, consider growing bok choy.
Bok choy is low-maintenance and quicker to harvest. Its tender leaves and crisp stalks add delightful texture to dishes. This versatile vegetable is a staple in many cuisines, making it a worthy addition to your garden.
10. Avoid: Kale, Grow: Collard Greens
Even popular vegetables can become tiresome. Kale, despite its fame, can sometimes feel overhyped. For a change of pace, collard greens offer a great alternative.
Collard greens are flavorful and hardy, with a slightly milder taste than kale. They thrive in various climates and conditions, making them a reliable choice for any garden. Enjoy them as a hearty side dish or incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
11. Avoid: Onions, Grow: Leeks
Some vegetables require a lot of patience and space. Onions, with their lengthy growing season, can be demanding. If you’re looking for a flavorful substitute, leeks are a fantastic option.
Leeks offer a mild, sweet onion-like flavor and are easier to cultivate. They add depth to soups and stews, providing a rich taste without the wait. Leeks are a reliable and delicious alternative to traditional onions.
12. Avoid: Spinach, Grow: Beet Greens
Spinach is a staple in many gardens but can be finicky with its need for cool temperatures. If you’re looking for a more heat-tolerant option, beet greens are an excellent choice.
Beet greens are resilient and offer a similar taste to spinach. They’re packed with nutrients and grow well in various conditions. With beet greens, you’ll enjoy the benefits of easy cultivation and a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
13. Avoid: Sweet Corn, Grow: Popcorn
Corn is a classic garden favorite but can be space-consuming and susceptible to pests. For a fun and less demanding alternative, consider growing popcorn.
Popcorn requires similar growing conditions but is often hardier and more pest-resistant. Plus, you’ll have the joy of making your own popcorn from scratch. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a homegrown snack and adds variety to your garden.
14. Avoid: Turnips, Grow: Rutabagas
Root vegetables can be satisfying to grow, but not all are created equal. Turnips, with their tendency to become woody, can be disappointing. Instead, rutabagas offer a more rewarding experience.
Rutabagas are larger and sweeter, making them a versatile addition to soups and stews. They store well and are less prone to pests and diseases. With rutabagas, you’ll enjoy a hearty, flavorful harvest with less hassle.
15. Avoid: Radicchio, Grow: Endive
Some leafy greens can be challenging to grow and incorporate into meals. Radicchio, with its bitter taste, often fits this description. For a milder alternative, try endive.
Endive offers a subtle bitterness with a crisp texture, making it a delightful addition to salads. It’s easier to grow than radicchio and isn’t as demanding about soil conditions. Endive provides a refreshing change of pace in both the garden and kitchen.
16. Avoid: Artichokes, Grow: Cardoons
Some vegetables are more decorative than practical. Artichokes, while beautiful, require patience and space. If you’re seeking an easier option, cardoons are worth considering.
Cardoons look similar to artichokes but are grown for their stalks. They add a unique flavor to dishes and are more straightforward to cultivate. Cardoons can be a striking ornamental and culinary addition to your garden.
17. Avoid: Chicory, Grow: Spinach
Bitterness isn’t for everyone, and chicory often proves too much for some palates. For a more universally appealing option, spinach is a great choice.
Spinach is mild, versatile, and packed with nutrients. It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Whether in salads, smoothies, or as a cooked green, spinach proves to be a perennial favorite.
18. Avoid: Rhubarb, Grow: Swiss Chard
Perennial plants can sometimes be more trouble than they’re worth. Rhubarb, with its tart taste and specific growing needs, often falls into this category. For a hassle-free alternative, look to Swiss chard.
Swiss chard is colorful, nutritious, and requires less maintenance. Its vibrant stems and leaves brighten any garden while offering a mild taste. Swiss chard makes for a delicious side dish or salad addition.
19. Avoid: Okra, Grow: Green Beans
Some vegetables have a texture that isn’t to everyone’s liking. Okra, with its slimy consistency, can be off-putting. If you’re seeking a more universally accepted option, green beans are a fantastic choice.
Green beans are crisp, sweet, and straightforward to grow. They’re a garden staple, loved by many for their versatility and ease. Green beans can be enjoyed fresh, steamed, or in a variety of dishes.
20. Avoid: Mustard Greens, Grow: Collard Greens
Pungency isn’t always a desirable trait in leafy greens. Mustard greens, with their intense flavor, might not be for everyone. For a milder alternative, collard greens are a wonderful choice.
Collard greens are nutritious, easy to grow, and have a pleasingly mild taste. They thrive in various climates and conditions, making them a reliable addition to any garden. Enjoy them as a substantial side dish or in your favorite recipes.
21. Avoid: Broccoli, Grow: Cabbage
Some vegetables require more maintenance than they may seem worth. Broccoli, with its susceptibility to pests, often falls into this category. Instead, consider growing cabbage.
Cabbage is hearty, less pest-prone, and offers a versatile base for many dishes. It’s easier to cultivate than broccoli and provides a bountiful harvest. Cabbage is a resilient choice for any gardener seeking simplicity and productivity.
22. Avoid: Peas, Grow: Edamame
Some crops may not yield as much as you’d like for the effort involved. Peas, often requiring trellising and prone to pests, can be one such crop. If you’re looking for something more rewarding, try growing edamame.
Edamame is delicious and nutritious, perfect steamed or in salads. It’s easier to grow and offers a unique addition to your garden. With edamame, you’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest that’s both fun and flavorful.
23. Avoid: Parsnips, Grow: Carrots
Root vegetables can be tricky, with some taking longer to mature than others. Parsnips, with their lengthy growing time, often test a gardener’s patience. For a quicker harvest, carrots are an excellent alternative.
Carrots are sweet, crunchy, and versatile, adding color and flavor to many dishes. They grow relatively quickly and store well, making them a staple in many gardens. Enjoy the satisfaction of a bountiful carrot harvest without the wait.
24. Avoid: Fennel, Grow: Anise
Some flavors can be divisive, and fennel’s licorice taste isn’t for everyone. For those seeking a similar but distinct option, anise is worth considering.
Anise offers a milder licorice flavor and is easier to grow than fennel. Its seeds are used in many culinary traditions, adding a sweet, aromatic touch to dishes. With anise, you can enjoy a unique and versatile addition to your garden.
25. Avoid: Garlic, Grow: Shallots
Some crops demand patience and space, like garlic, which requires a long growing season. For a quicker and more rewarding alternative, try shallots.
Shallots are flavorful and mature faster than garlic, offering a delicate onion-garlic flavor. They’re versatile in the kitchen and easier to grow, making them a practical choice for gardeners of all levels. Enjoy the subtle, rich taste of shallots in your culinary creations.
26. Avoid: Watercress, Grow: Spinach
Water-loving plants can be challenging to cultivate, especially if conditions aren’t ideal. Watercress often fits this description, requiring specific environments to thrive. For a more adaptable alternative, consider growing spinach.
Spinach is resilient, nutrient-rich, and grows in a variety of conditions. It’s a versatile green that adds flavor to salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes. With spinach, you’ll enjoy a reliable and nutritious addition to your garden.
27. Avoid: Kohlrabi, Grow: Broccoli
Unusual vegetables can intrigue but may not always deliver in terms of taste or ease of growing. Kohlrabi, with its unique appearance, often falls into this category. For a more rewarding experience, broccoli is a fantastic alternative.
Broccoli is a garden staple, known for its flavor and versatility. It’s packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Broccoli offers a more straightforward and rewarding gardening experience for both novice and experienced gardeners.
28. Avoid: Horseradish, Grow: Radishes
Some roots offer more bite than you might want. Horseradish, with its intense heat, isn’t for everyone. For a milder alternative, consider growing radishes.
Radishes provide a satisfying crunch and a peppery flavor that’s easy to enjoy. They grow quickly and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Radishes are a versatile addition to salads and meals, offering instant gratification from garden to table.
29. Avoid: Leeks, Grow: Scallions
Some alliums take longer to mature than you might like. Leeks, with their lengthy growing season, can be a test of patience. For a quicker harvest, scallions are a delightful choice.
Scallions are easy to grow and offer a mild, onion-like flavor. They’re perfect for salads, soups, and garnishes, adding a fresh touch to any dish. Enjoy the ease and speed of growing scallions in your home garden.
30. Avoid: Pumpkins, Grow: Butternut Squash
Space-hogging plants can dominate a garden, and pumpkins are known for their sprawling nature. For a more compact and manageable option, think about butternut squash.
Butternut squash is sweet, versatile, and perfect for roasting or soups. It requires less space and is easier to manage in a home garden. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and flavor of butternut squash without the need for sprawling vines.
31. Avoid: Beets, Grow: Turnips
Root vegetables come in many forms, and some can be more demanding than others. Beets, with their specific soil needs, often require extra attention. For a less demanding alternative, try growing turnips.
Turnips are hearty, grow quickly, and store well. They offer a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes. With turnips, you enjoy a reliable and straightforward gardening experience, along with a satisfying harvest.
32. Avoid: Summer Squash, Grow: Winter Squash
Some vegetables may have a short shelf life or limited uses. Summer squash, while tasty, doesn’t store well. For a longer-lasting option, consider winter squash.
Winter squash is robust, with a hard rind that stores for months. It’s versatile in the kitchen and provides a sweet, nutty flavor. Enjoy the extended enjoyment and diverse culinary possibilities that winter squash offers.
33. Avoid: Rutabagas, Grow: Sweet Potatoes
Some roots are more palatable than others. Rutabagas, while nutritious, can have a strong taste not everyone enjoys. For a sweeter alternative, sweet potatoes are a delicious choice.
Sweet potatoes are versatile, nutrient-rich, and easy to grow. They offer a sweet, creamy texture that complements a variety of dishes. Enjoy the delightful taste and health benefits of sweet potatoes, whether baked, mashed, or roasted.
34. Avoid: Endive, Grow: Romaine Lettuce
Bitter greens aren’t to everyone’s liking, and endive often falls into this category. For a more universally appealing option, romaine lettuce is a fantastic choice.
Romaine is crisp, refreshing, and easy to grow. It’s a favorite for salads and sandwiches, offering a sweet crunch. With romaine lettuce, you enjoy a reliable and satisfying addition to your garden.
35. Avoid: Peppers, Grow: Tomatoes
Some plants demand a specific climate to thrive. Peppers, for instance, often require warm conditions that aren’t always feasible. For a more adaptable choice, consider growing tomatoes.
Tomatoes are versatile, flavorful, and love the sun. They grow in a range of climates and offer a bounty of fruits. With tomatoes, you enjoy a productive and rewarding gardening experience.
36. Avoid: Peppermint, Grow: Spearmint
Mint can be an invasive plant, growing beyond its bounds if not controlled. Peppermint, with its intense flavor, may not be for everyone. For a more balanced taste, spearmint is an excellent alternative.
Spearmint offers a sweet, refreshing flavor without overpowering dishes. It’s versatile and easy to grow, thriving in pots or garden beds. With spearmint, enjoy the pleasant aroma and taste in teas, desserts, and more.
37. Avoid: Oregano, Grow: Thyme
Strong flavors can dominate dishes, and oregano, with its potent taste, is no exception. For a more subtle herb, thyme offers a delightful alternative.
Thyme is aromatic, versatile, and adds a gentle, savory touch to meals. It’s easy to grow and thrives in many environments. With thyme, you’ll enhance your culinary creations with a delicate flavor profile.
38. Avoid: Sage, Grow: Lemon Balm
Some herbs have a distinctive flavor that might not appeal to all. Sage, with its earthy taste, can be divisive. For a brighter alternative, consider lemon balm.
Lemon balm offers a refreshing, citrusy flavor and a delightful aroma. It’s easy to grow and perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes. Enjoy the uplifting scent and taste of lemon balm in your culinary adventures.