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For those of us with a big appetite, a green thumb, and a small plot of garden space, it can be tricky to decide how to utilize that precious square of soil. With a little planning and technique, even a small 6’ x 6’ space can go a long way. Some of the easiest plants to grow are found in your favorite salad recipes. Not to mention having the ability to step out into your back yard to pick the ingredients for a garden salad is unmatched.
Sun Gold cherry tomatoes
These little golden treats are a tomato lover’s delight. Sweet and fulfilling, they are great on their own or tossed into a mozzarella and basil mix. You can either grow a starter indoors from seed, or purchase one from your local garden supply company.
Mesclun Mix lettuce
This is the all-purpose, always delicious and versatile lettuce mix, the perfect base for any basic salad. Spinach is great too, but can be a little harder to grow. Mesclun lettuce is usually ready within a few weeks from seed.
Cucumbers
There is nothing like a sweet, crunchy cucumber as a snack on a warm summer day, and the possibilities for pickles and infused spirits are endless. These are a resilient and proliferous plant—be prepared to share some with friends and neighbors.
Sweet Peppers
These are a salad staple, and make for great batches of salsa to boot. Plant 2-3 starters in mid-may for maximum production, as each plant bears around a dozen peppers over the course of the summer.
Basil
Sweet Basil is a no-brainer. It is easy to grow from seed, perfect for caprese salads (and paninis!) and doesn’t stop producing all summer long. Be sure to keep an eye on each plant – when they begin to produce flowers, it is important to pick them off to encourage new leaf growth. These are also a great plant to grow in a pot on your porch, and you can always make pesto from the leftovers.
Carrots
This classic root vegetable is a must-have for salads. Though they take a bit longer to mature, they are a simple plant to grow from seed and can be highly proliferous in the right soil. As they start to sprout, be sure to trim them back so each carrot has enough space to grow.
Cilantro
This herb is a great garnish for any Mexican dish, and is essential for all salsa-making endeavors. Cilantro is easy to start right in your garden plot from seed, just be sure to trim any flowering buds.
