Most plants and vegetables need to be started indoors, and then transplanted outdoors, but these 14 crops you can drop & grow from seed! Simply choose a good site with full sun, drop the seeds, and voila! These 14 vegetables don't need to be started indoors at all, which makes for easy planting and growing!
14 Crops You Can Drops & Grow From Seed – A DIY Gardening Guide
Warm Season Crops
#1. Herbs
Most herbs can usually be grown directly into the garden as long as the soil temperature is at least 70F. You can grow herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro, and dill.
Dig a little trench about half an inch deep and sprinkle seeds in rows or squares. Cover with compost and keep watered.
#2. Squash & Zucchini
Plant squash and zucchini at least 18 inches apart. Drag out rows about two inches deep, drop the seeds, and then cover with dirt or compost. Fertilize once or twice as needed.
#3. Cucumbers
Space them apart just like squash and zucchini, and make sure they have a trellis to grow up on. Simply drop the seeds into one inch holes, water, and keep and eye on them!
#4. Watermelon
Plant watermelon seeds in sunny areas and space them about 6 feet apart. Give them 3-4 months to mature, but within 4 months, you'll have delicious, juicy watermelon!
#5. Okra
If you're a fan of okra, you'll be happy to know that it's super easy to grow! Check the seed pack before planting as some varieties are 10 feet tall while others are only 3! Okra plants love the heat, so make sure to place them in a sunny spot.
#6. Beans
You can drop and grow beans simply and easily, no matter if you're growing bush beans or pole beans! Bush beans will grow in a bushy-like shape, while pole beans will grow up and will need a trellis.
#7. Corn
Make sure to have an area that's at least 8 X 8 feet in size in order to grow corn. Plant at least 16 corn stalks to ensure adequate pollination, and make sure they have plenty of sun!
Cool Season Crops
#8. Carrots
Carrots will need to be planted about a month before the last frost, and they'll actually grow bigger and healthier if they do get a later of frost. Grow them in raised beds to be able to control the soil.
#9. Beets
Start planting beets as soon as the soil is workable, and give them phosphorous fertilizer to grow bigger bulbs.
#10. Turnips
Plant turnips close together, but thin them out to about 4 inches in between each plant once they develop a few true leaves.
#11. Radishes
Radishes are very fast growing, and are a true pleasure to grow! Just drop the seeds into the ground and within a month or two, they should be ready for harvest!
#12. Chard
Chard is a cool season crop that can be grown in early spring and again in fall. Place them about 1/2 inch into the soil and water.
#13. Lettuce
Lettuce is super easy to grow and will also tolerate some shade. Scatter seeds in a desired area, and cover with half an inch of soil and keep moist.
#14. Spinach
Spinach, like lettuce, is also easy to grow and prefers a little bit of shade. Start a new crop every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.
So now that you know these 14 crops you can drop and grow from seed, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Happy Planting!
Can these be grown in shade