Vegetables
This is by no means a definitive list of the vegetables that can be grown in a home garden; it takes a
while to gather and add the information so I am starting with the vegetables that we have, or are, growing.
 | Compatible with tomatoes, parsley and basil. |  | High in potassium and folic acid, moderate source of beta carotene and vitamin E. Low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. |  | Asparagus is used to treat rheumatism, gout and cystitis. |  | The berries are poisonous |
2009 May 2nd saw the first harvest of the year. 2008 We ‘inherited’ a well established asparagus patch that is about 15ft by 9ft. This is more than enough asparagus to feed a small army. Asparagus is one of the earliest spring crops to emerge in a spring garden. It starts in early May and ends in late June, and in ideal conditions an asparagus spear can grow up to 10inches in a 24 hour period. During the season, as we discovered, asparagus must be harvested every day.
Asparagus is best eaten fresh, it makes good soup and can be frozen.
| Beets flourish in the company of kohlrabi, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, onions, brassicas and most beans (not string beans). Dill or fennel planted nearby attracts predators. They are good for intercropping and catch-crops. | | Slightly higher in carbohydrate than most vegetables, good source of folic acid and potassium. | | Used in folk medicine as a blood tonic for gastritis, piles and constipation; mildly cardio-tonic. Recent research has shown that drinking at least one glass of raw beet juice a day helps control cancer. In the news: Beetroot 'may cut blood pressure' |
| Plant with rosemary, thyme, sage, onions, garlic, beets and chards. | | High in beta carotene, vitamin C, folic acid and iron; moderate levels of calcium. |
| Benefits from the root residues and firm soil of maturing onions. | | Excellent source of vitamin C, rich in beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin E and potassium. |
| Thrive in the company of herbs like dill, mints, rosemary, sage, thyme and chamomile; grows well with many other vegetables including onions, garlic, peas, celery, potatoes, fava beans and beets. Benefits from nitrogen left in the soil after legumes have been grown. There is a belief stemming from classical times that they do not grow well with vines, oregano and cyclamen. | | Rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, especially green varieties and outer leaves; outer leaves contain vitamin E. | | Said to reduce the risk of colonic cancer, stimulate the immune system and kill bacteria. Drinking the juice is alleged to prevent and heal ulcers. Cabbage is much more nutritious eaten raw. Folklore says that placing heated cabbage leaves on the soles of the feet reduces fever and placed on a septic wound draws out pus or a splinter. |
| Intercropping with onions reduces carrot fly attacks, leeks and salsify have also been used with some success, as has mixing with seeds of annual flowers. Carrots grow well with lettuce, radishes and tomatoes, and encourage peas to grow. Dislikes anise and dill. If left to flower carrots attract hoverflies and other beneficial predatory insects. | | Extremely rich in beta carotene, small amounts of vitamin E. | | Reputed to be therapeutic against asthma, general nervousness, dropsy and skin disorders. Recent research suggests that high intake of beta carotene slows cancerous growths. Beet and carrot juice is reputed to prevent diarrhea. |
| Plant with rosemary, thyme, sage, onions, garlic, beets and chards. | | Good source of vitamin C, traces of most other vitamins. | | Reputedly good for reducing the risk of cancer, especially of the colon and stomach. |
| Celeriac grows well where legumes have been planted the year before, and benefits from being placed alongside beans, brassicas, leeks, tomatoes and onions. | | Rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus; moderate amounts of vitamin C. | | Celeriac oil has a calming effect and is a traditional remedy for skin complaints and rheumatism. It is also said to restore sexual potency after illness. |
| Celery helps brassicas by deterring damaging butterflies; grows well with beans, tomatoes and particularly leeks. If left to flower it attracts beneficial insects. | | Low in carbohydrate and calories, high in potassium | | Cultivated varieties are said to be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism and as a diuretic. |
| High in carbohydrates and fibre; moderate protein, and vitamin B content. | | Corn is said to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and dental cavities. Corn oil is reported to lower cholesterol levels more successfully than other polyunsaturated oils. In parts of Mexico it is used to treat dysentery. It is also known in American folk medicine as a diuretic and mild stimulant. |  | Maize, Corn on the Cob, Indian Corn, Baby Maize, Sweetcorn |
| Row cucumbers thrive in the shade of corn or sunflowers, and grow well with peas and beans, beets or carrots. Climbing cucumbers flourish scrambling over corn and beans. | | Moderate potassium and small amounts of beta carotene. |  | Cucumbers were used by the Romans against scorpion bites, bad eyesight and to scare away mice. Wives wishing for children wore cucumbers tied around their waists, and they were carried by midwives and thrown away once the child was born. |
| Eggplants flourish alongside thyme, tarragon and peas. | | Small amounts of most vitamins and minerals; very low in calories, with 3% carbohydrate and 1% protein. | | In Indian herbal medicine white varieties are used to treat diabetes and as a carminative. | | Always remove the fruits bitter taste, as it irritates the mucous membrane. |
| Garlic is especially beneficial to lettuce, beet, summer savory, swiss chard, cabbage and strawberries. As well as protecting other crops it can improve their flavour, beets and cabbage in particular. It does not appear to cooperate with beans, peas or potatoes. | | Contains small quantities of vitamins and minerals. | | Garlic has powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is effective for digestive complaints, bowel disorders and insect stings. Modern herbalists believe a cold will be cured by rubbing Garlic on the soles of the feet. Research indicates that Garlic has the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels and the chance of heart attack. There is also a lower incidence of colonic and other types of cancer where it is part of the daily diet. |
| 85% water; half carbohydrate indigestible inulin, turning into fructose in storage; moderate iodine and iron content. | | Highly nutritious and especially good for the liver, aiding detoxification and regeneration; reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, stimulating the gallbladder and helping the metabolism of fat. It is also a diuretic and is used to treat hepatitis and jaundice. In folk medicine it was used as a contraceptive and aphrodisiac, although its potency is not recorded. | | French Artichoke, Green Artichoke |
| Can be planted with corn and peas. | | Collards, Borecole, Colewort, Sprouts |
| Grow well with celery. When planted with onions and carrots they discourage onion and carrot fly. Grown at 12in. spacing they are ideal for intercropping with lettuce. | | Good source of potassium and iron, smaller amounts of beta carotene, and vitamin C, particularly in green leaves |
| Grows well with cucumbers, onions, radishes and carrots; dill and chervil protect from aphids. | | Rich in beta carotene, particularly the outer leaves. | | Lettuce is used as a mild sedative and narcotic; lettuce soup is reported to be effective in treating nervous tension and insomnia. Lettuce sap dissolved in wine is said to make a good painkiller; lettuce soothes inflammation – lotions for the treatment of sunburn and rough skin are made from its extracts. |
| Parsley is said to keep onion fly away; leeks can also discourage onion fly. | | Small amounts of most vitamins and minerals | | Used as an antiseptic and diuretic, the juice is good for coughs and colds. The bulbs and stems were applied as poultices to carbuncles. |
| Sow rapidly germinating radish and lettuces between rows; grows well alongside peas and lettuce, providing they are not in the shade. Leave a few to flower the following year as they attract beneficial insects. | | Some carbohydrate, moderate vitamin E, smaller amounts of vitamins C and B. | | In Roman times, parsnip seeds and roots were regarded as an aphrodisiac. |
| Peas grow well with other legumes, root crops, potatoes, cucurbits and corn. | | Good source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, iron and vitamin C. | | Peas are said to reduce fertility, prevent appendicitis, lower blood cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. |
| The capsicum family grows well with basil, okra and tomatoes. | | Very rich in vitamin C and beta carotene | | Capsaicin increases the blood flow and is used in muscle liniments. It is said to help the body metabolize alcohol, acts as an expectorant, and prevents and alleviates bronchitis and emphysema. Red-hot chilli sauce in water daily, or hot spicy meals 3 times a week can keep airways free of congestion, preventing or treating chronic bronchitis and colds. It stimulates endorphins, killing pain and inducing a sense of well-being. | | Ventilate the kitchen when using chillies, wear rubber gloves to handle them and always avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas after handling. | | Bell pepper, Capsicum, Pimento, Chili pepper |
| Growing horseradish in large sunken pots nearby controls some diseases. Plant with corn, cabbage, beans and marigolds; grow with eggplants which are a greater attraction to Colorado potato beetle. Protect against scab by putting grass clippings and comfrey leaves in the planting hole or trench. | | Rich in carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium; moderate amounts of vitamins B and C. | | Said to be good for rheumatism. A traditional cure for sciatica and lumbago is to carry a potato in your pocket. The juice from a raw potato or the water potatoes were boiled in is said to relieve gout, rheumatism, lumbago, sprains and bruises. Uncooked, peeled and pounded potatoes are said to make a soothing plaster to scalds or burns when applied cold. | | Green potatoes contain the toxic alkaloid solanine, which can cause vomiting and upset stomach. Do NOT eat green potatoes. Beware that the tomato-like fruits are also poisonous. | | Potatoes contain little fat and provide more potassium pro rata than bananas, while the average potato contains as many calories as most apples or a glass of orange juice and can be eaten by those on a diet. | | Common Potato, Irish Potato |
| Grow alongside corn for support and shade, and with legumes, which provide essential nitrogen. | | High in beta carotene, moderate amounts of vitamin C and folic acid. | | In Ethiopia seeds from squashes are used as laxatives and purgatives; they are used worldwide to expel intestinal worms. Eating winter squash and pumpkin is said to reduce the risk of cancer. | | Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Zucchini, Marrow, Potiron, Courgette |
| Grows well with chervil, peas and lettuce; thrives with nasturtium and mustard. They make an excellent indicator or cash crop when sown in the same rows as slow-germinating crops such as parsnips or parsley. | | Low in calories, moderate vitamin C, small amounts of iron and protein. | | Can be eaten to relieve indigestion and flatulence; can be taken as a tonic herb and an expectorant. |
| Reported to control red spider mite; a traditional remedy suggests putting rhubarb in planting holes to control clubroot. An infusion of leaves is effective as an aphicide and to check blackspot on roses. | | Very low in calories, contains small amounts of vitamins. | | Rhubarb is an astringent, stomachic and potent laxative. Dioscorides recommend it for chest, stomach and liver complaints and ringworm. By the 16th century in Europe it was taken as an infusion with parsley as a cure for venereal disease. | | Do NOT eat the leaves which are extremely poisonous. |
| Compatible with all but the Allium family. Grow with corn to protect from corn army worms. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the roots improve soil fertility; after harvesting, cut off tops, leave roots in the soil or add to compost piles. They thrive with brassicas; Brussels sprout transplants are sheltered and grown on once beans die back. Late in season their shade can benefit celery and salad crops, if enough water is available. | | Moderate levels of iron, vitamin C and beta carotene. | | Scarlet runner |
| Grows well with peas. | | Small amounts of vitamin B and vitamin C, low in calories and carbohydrate. | | Used in folk medicine for the treatment of coughs, kidney stones and whooping cough, although their efficacy has not been recorded. | | Swede, Swedish turnip |
| Rich in potassium, protein, fibre, vitamin E, vitamin B and iron; seed sprouts are rich in vitamin C. | | Said to control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, regulate the bowels and relieve constipation. | | Soybeans should be cooked before drying; they can cause stomach upset. | | Soya bean |
| Good with beans, peas, corn and strawberries. | | High in iron, beta carotene and folic acid; rich in vitamins A and C. | | Good for anemia, problems of the heart and kidney, and in low vitality and general debility. Iron is in a soluble form so water left after cooking can be cooled and drunk. Research shows that those who eat spinach daily are less likely to develop lung cancer. Of all the vegetables juices spinach juice is said to be the most potent for the prevention of cancer cell formation. |
| String beans do well with celery, corn, cucurbits and melons. Intercrop with brassicas. | | One cup of beans a day is said to lower cholesterol by about 12%. | | Moderate potassium, folic acid and beta carotene. Very high in Protein. | | Common, Kidney, Bush, Pole, Snap, French, Green, Wax Bean; Haricot; Baked Bean; Flageolet; Haricot Vert. |
| Swiss chard grows will with beans, except string beans, and flourishes with brassicas, onions and lettuce. Herbs like sage, thyme, mint, dill, hyssop, rosemary and garlic are also compatible. | | High in sodium, potassium, iron, and an exceptional source of beta carotene. | | Leaves are vitamin and mineral rich with high levels of iron and magnesium. In folk medicine the juice is used as a decongestant; the leaves are said to neutralize acid and have a purgative effect. Beware of eating it in large quantities. | | Silver Chard, Silver Beet, Seakale Beet. |
| Grow with French Marigolds to deter whitefly; grows well with basil, parsley, alliums, nasturtiums and asparagus. | | Rich in beta carotene and vitamin C; some vitamin B. | | Believed to reduce the risk of cancer and appendicitis. In American herbal medicine they have been used to treat dyspepsia and liver and kidney complaints, and are also said to cure constipation. | | Some doctors believe that tomatoes aggravate arthritis and may be responsible for food allergies. The leaves and stems are poisonous. | | Love apple |
| Low in calories and carbohydrate; small amounts of vitamins and minerals. | | The liquor from turnips sprinkled with brown sugar was used in folk medicine to cure colds. |
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