When growing vegetables, the earth’s surface is your playground. Some vegetables love to grow above the ground, clinging to trellises or sprawling across your garden beds. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 vegetables that grow above the ground.
Vegetables grow above ground
Here is the list of 15 vegetables that grow above the ground.
Leafy Greens
Lettuce
How to Plant
Sow lettuce seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors if you wish to transplant them later. Place the seeds about 1/4-inch deep and 1-inch apart in rows.
How to Grow
Water the lettuce regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil. A well-drained soil enriched with organic matter is ideal.
How to Care
Harvest lettuce by cutting the outer leaves, allowing the plant to continue producing. It’s best to harvest in the morning when the leaves are most crisp.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 30-60 days
- Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, high in water content
Spinach
How to Plant
Plant spinach seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 2–3 inches apart in rows.
How to Grow
Spinach prefers cooler weather, so make sure it gets plenty of shade if the weather turns warm. Water moderately.
How to Care
Begin harvesting when leaves reach your desired size. Smaller leaves are generally more tender. Cut individual leaves to allow the plant to continue growing.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, rich soil
- Time to harvest: 37-45 days
- Nutritional benefits: Rich in iron, fiber, and Vitamin A
Kale
How to Plant
Plant kale seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them 12–18 inches apart.
How to Grow
Kale is a hardy plant that tolerates some frost. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
How to Care
Harvest the outer leaves, and let the center leaves continue growing. The leaves are sweeter if harvested after the first frost.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, fertile soil
- Time to harvest: 55-60 days
- Nutritional benefits: High in antioxidants, Vitamins K, A, and C
Nightshades
Tomatoes
How to Plant
Transplant young tomato plants about 18–24 inches apart in a sunny location.
How to Grow
Tomatoes need a lot of sunlight, so place them where they can receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
How to Care
Regular watering and fertilization are crucial. Use tomato cages or stakes to support growing plants and fruit.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 50-85 days
- Nutritional benefits: Source of lycopene, Vitamins A and C
Bell Peppers
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1/4-inch deep in well-drained soil.
How to Grow
Bell peppers require plenty of sun and warm temperatures. Space the plants 18–24 inches apart.
How to Care
Keep the soil consistently moist. Use mulch to prevent soil moisture loss. Harvest when the fruit reaches your desired color and size.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 60-90 days
- Nutritional benefits: High in Vitamin C, antioxidants
Vining Vegetables
Cucumbers
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1 inch deep and space them about 28–36 inches apart.
How to Grow
Cucumbers like warm, humid conditions and full sun. They grow well on trellises, which can save space and keep the fruit clean.
How to Care
Keep the soil moist and be on the lookout for pests like cucumber beetles.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 50-70 days
- Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, high in water content
Zucchini
How to Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills, spacing them about 36 inches apart.
How to Grow
Zucchini needs full sun and prefers warm conditions. Make sure the soil is rich and well-drained.
How to Care
Water consistently and mulch to maintain soil moisture. Harvest while the fruit is still young and tender for the best flavor.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, fertile soil
- Time to harvest: 40-50 days
- Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, source of fiber
Cruciferous Veggies
Broccoli
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep or transplant young plants, spacing them 18–24 inches apart.
How to Grow
Broccoli prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist.
How to Care
Harvest the main head while the buds are still tight, and smaller side shoots will continue to develop.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, fertile soil
- Time to harvest: 85-100 days
- Nutritional benefits: High in fiber, Vitamins C and K
Cauliflower
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep or transplant seedlings, spacing them 18–24 inches apart.
How to Grow
Like broccoli, cauliflower prefers full sun and consistently moist soil.
How to Care
Blanch the cauliflower head by tying the leaves over it when it is about the size of a golf ball. Harvest when the head is fully developed but before the florets begin to separate.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, fertile soil
- Time to harvest: 85-100 days
- Nutritional benefits: Source of antioxidants, Vitamin C
Legumes
Green Beans
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2–4 inches apart in rows.
How to Grow
Green beans need full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to grow and are good for beginner gardeners.
How to Care
Water consistently and be prepared to harvest within about two months. Harvest while the pods are still young and tender.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 50-60 days
- Nutritional benefits: Source of protein, Vitamins A, C, and K
Snow Peas
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 2–3 inches apart.
How to Grow
Snow peas need full sun to partial shade and cooler temperatures.
How to Care
Use a trellis for support as the plants grow. Harvest when the pods are still flat.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 60-70 days
- Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber
Gourds
Pumpkins
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, spacing them 4–8 feet apart.
How to Grow
Pumpkins require a lot of space and full sun. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil.
How to Care
Water the plants deeply but infrequently. Be on the lookout for pests and diseases.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 90-120 days
- Nutritional benefits: High in Vitamin A, fiber
Squash
How to Plant
Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills, spacing them 3–4 feet apart.
How to Grow
Squash also requires a lot of space and full sun. The soil should be well-drained.
How to Care
Like pumpkins, water deeply but not too frequently. Harvest while the skin is still tender.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 50-85 days
- Nutritional benefits: Source of Vitamin A, fiber
Herbs
Basil
How to Plant
Plant seeds about 1/4-inch deep, spacing them 10–12 inches apart.
How to Grow
Basil needs full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Care
Harvest the leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.
- Ideal growing conditions: Warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 50-75 days
- Nutritional benefits: Source of antioxidants, Vitamin K
Mint
How to Plant
Plant mint cuttings or seeds, spacing them 18–24 inches apart.
How to Grow
Mint prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It can grow in a variety of soil types.
How to Care
Mint can be invasive, so you may want to keep it in pots. Harvest leaves as needed.
- Ideal growing conditions: Cool to warm weather, well-drained soil
- Time to harvest: 70-90 days
- Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, high in antioxidants
Conclusion
Growing vegetables above the ground can be a rewarding endeavor, offering a wide range of choices from leafy greens to nightshades and vining vegetables to cruciferous options. The benefits are not just culinary but also nutritional, giving you a healthy, homegrown addition to your meals. Whether you are in the United States or anywhere else with suitable growing conditions, these above-ground vegetables are a great addition to any garden.
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I’m Elsa, and I love gardening. I started GardeningElsa.com as a resource for other gardeners, and I offer expert advice on gardening topics such as plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetable gardening. On my website, I share my latest tips and tricks for creating beautiful gardens. When I’m not working on my website, you can find me in my own garden, tending to my plants and flowers. Read more about me.