Victory gardens are back and seem to be here for the foreseeable future. "Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States during World War I and World War II. In wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale."
With food shortages and rising prices, we find it's the perfect time to always have something available to eat in your garden. These 6 easy-to-grow crops thrive in tropical climates and aim to set you on the path to self-sustainability. Note: *They require a minimum of a 10' by 10' space under full sun.
Cassava
Cassava is a nutty-flavored, starchy root vegetable or tuber, a great source of calories and carbs. This crop is easy to cultivate and its trees are excellent wind breakers to protect smaller crops.
Papaya
Papaya grows like a weed here in Florida. Unripe, the fruit can be enjoyed as a vegetable in stews and salad. Ripe, the fruit tastes slightly sweet with a musky tang. The papaya tree will bare fruits many times throughout the year and is quite nutrient dense. This is an excellent crop to have in your garden!
Moringa
Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant, nutrient rich tree. Every part of the plant can be consumed and it is packed with many vitamins and minerals. It also provides great shade in any yard.
Chaya
Chaya is richer in iron than spinach, and a powerful source of potassium and calcium. The leaves are edible only after being cooked, otherwise they can be toxic. Chaya trees are fast growing and also provide great shade.
Banana
A banana is an elongated, edible fruit. Banana trees grow vary tall and shoot out new "pups" growth a few times a year. These trees really set off the tropical vibes in your garden - they are a must have. Once a year, they produce a rack of bananas that can carry up to 120 bananas each!
Pigeon Pea
Pigeon pea is a legume crop resilient to climate change due to its tolerance to drought. It is a great source of protein that can be enjoyed raw or dried. Pigeon peas can grow into bushy tress quickly and can produce plenty of peas to feed your family.
Learn more about edible landscapes, recipes that feature these crops by following us on social!