People choose to purchase and own rural property for a number of reasons. If one of your top reasons for owning beautiful rural property in East Texas is growing your own food, give these crop ideas some thought. You may enjoy the many benefits they can bring you and your family!
The Joy Of Growing Your Own Food
There are many reasons to grow your own food, from the joy the activity itself can bring, to the nutrition you will be able to bring to the table. When you grow your own food, you know what goes into the process. You may opt for organic farming, thus eliminating pesticides and other harmful chemicals from entering your and your family’s diet.
In addition, you may be able to partner with nearby restaurants to sell them your locally grown produce, which they can then share with patrons in their signature dishes.
Whether for yourself and your loved ones, to share with neighbors, or to sell to local restaurants, here are five great crops you may want to grow on your rural property.
A Variety Of Herbs
- Herbs add a great deal of flavor to dishes, whether they’re savory or sweet. Some restaurants regularly look for local sources of fresh herbs to purchase from. Types of herbs to consider growing in this region include basil, parsley, chives, thyme, and mint. Herbs are delicious fresh, or they can be dried and stored.
Melons And Watermelons
- The East Texas climate lends itself well to growing a variety of watermelon and melon strains. Possible cantaloupe varieties include Ambrosia, Mission, and Perlita. For honeydew melons, give Dew a try. Watermelon varieties that do well here include Allsweet, Jubilee, and Prince Charles, to name just a few.
Leafy Greens
- Packed with vitamins, leafy greens are much more than just iceberg lettuce! Excellent types of greens that are nutrient-filled and in-demand at restaurants that serve health-conscious patrons include Tom Thumb butterhead lettuce, Red Sails loose-leaf lettuce, Blue Max collards, Malabar spinach, and Green Curled kale.
Root Crops
- There are so many delicious root crops to choose from, and being underground, these vegetables are somewhat more protected against environmental elements than their above-ground relatives. Though, you’ll still need to take precautions to protect your crops from hail or underground bugs. Possible root crops to plant include a wide variety of beets, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, and turnips. Varieties come in many different colors to surprise and delight family members and local restaurant patrons alike.
Exotic Produce
- Why not try growing some more unusual, exotic produce for fun and nutrition, and possibly for profit as well? Ideas include Jade Pagoda cabbage, Candy Super Star onion, Bright Lights swiss chard, Carnival tomatoes, Purple Viking potatoes, and Munchkin pumpkins. For more crop ideas, check the Texas A&M Vegetable Variety Selector for our region.
To Learn More About Acreage For Sale In East Texas
Ready to see what rural properties are available in East Texas? Get in touch with Texas Acres! We will show you beautiful rural land for sale suitable for small farming enterprises. Reach out to us today!