We’ve rounded up some high-yield vegetables, herbs, nuts, and fruits for you.
If you want to eat from your own garden while still having enough of your harvest to share with family and friends, make sure these high-yield crops are on your list.
1. Tomatoes
For many farmers, tomato plants are a must-have in their garden. Tomatoes offer superior flavor, texture, and overall quality when homegrown instead of purchased at the grocery store.
Great for small gardens, tomatoes are one of the most popular crops [1]. You can expect 10 to 15 pounds of fruit per plant.
Moreover, from cherry to beefsteak to brandywine, there are plenty of varieties of tomatoes to choose from.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are also cash crops, but keep in mind that it’s essential to make sure you have the right space for them to climb or spread out.
If you have two healthy cucumber plants, you can expect an incredible 30 to 40 cukes per harvest period.
That’s more than enough to give away or donate to those in need! But it’s best to grow vining varieties over bush varieties, as they’ll produce a lot more fruits.
Also, plant a few onions nearby, as they’ll help keep insects away.
3. Peanuts
Peanuts require adequate water as well as lots of hot weather to produce their maximum amount and/or quality.
Although peanut plants tend to be somewhat drought-tolerant, they need to receive water in a timely manner throughout the entire season.
They tend to grow best in warm climates, but if you’re able to plant them, you can end up with as many as 50 peanuts per plant.
That’s a lot of peanuts to enjoy and share. If you don’t particularly enjoy peanuts as they are, you can always use them to make your own peanut butter.
4. Squash
There’s a reason squash is a longtime favorite crop among many gardeners.
They grow quite quickly and produce a large amount. But be careful—if you don’t pay attention, they can overtake your entire garden!
All types of squash, regardless of whether it’s summer or winter squash, love the sun and the heat. So, try to plant squash in full sun for the biggest possible harvest.
You’ll also want to grow them vertically to avoid them taking over your garden, but you’re sure to have plenty of squash to show for your efforts!
5. Beans
It’s a common myth that beans aren’t worth growing because they produce a small amount, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, bush beans can yield up to 5 pounds from every 10-foot row. Pole beans, on the other hand, can produce up to 10 pounds per 10-foot row.
Spring works best for planting most types of beans. They’ll start sprouting within a few weeks, and when they’re ready to harvest, you’ll be shocked at the amount you have.
Make sure you’re ready to preserve or give them away!
6. Potatoes
Potatoes are also a great choice when you’re looking to invest in crops that yield an abundance of harvest for your small farm.
A potato plant can give you up to 5 pounds of potatoes with the right care.
For the best results and quality, try planting in loose, fluffy soil so the roots can really reach through. Also, keep your soil nicely watered (moist but not overwatered).
7. Okra
Okras are commonly overlooked, but they are quite delicious. The immature pods are great for soups, stews, or fried snacks.
If you plant okra during the summer months, you’ll be able to harvest your crop early and often. This crop is known for its incredible harvest, giving you 30 or more pods per plant.
8. Hot Peppers
Is there anything better than hot peppers grown in your backyard?
They tend to be much more spicy and flavorful than sweet peppers. And as a bonus, hot peppers produce a lot, no matter what type you choose.
Whether it’s serrano, jalapeño, or something else, you can expect a great return on your time and investment.
They grow best in warm climates. Peppers are great vegetables for small gardens.
9. Almond
Growing almond trees is another profitable investment that you can think about.
Nuts as a whole are cash crops, and almonds are no exception. With proper planning, you can reap the benefits of this high-value crop.
10. Basil
If you’re going into herb gardening, basil is one of the best high-yielding herbs to grow.
It’s great for making pesto, and there are so many ways to preserve basil if you can’t give enough of it away.
If you plant six basil plants, you can reap roughly 3 cups of leaves per week. You really can’t go wrong with this fantastic herb when it comes to planting something that grows in abundance.
11. Blackberries
Blackberries are a tasty treat that almost everyone enjoys. They don’t take up much space and produce a huge amount of fruit, so it’s well worth it to take the time to cultivate your blackberries.
Plus, blackberries are often expensive when bought at the grocery store, so you can’t go wrong with growing your own. Expect up to 2 gallons of berries from one healthy blackberry plant per season.
12. Thyme
Thyme is a great herb that can be used in many ways. And fortunately, when you plant it, you’ll end up with quite a bit of it when it’s time to harvest.
Make sure you plant thyme in an area with plenty of sunlight.
You can still plant it indoors, but make sure it’s near a sunny window. Thyme is quite a low-maintenance herb, as long as the soil is well-drained.
13. Chives
Chives are hardy perennials that are easy to grow. The entire plant is edible, which makes it extremely versatile and great for sharing your harvest with friends and family.
You can pick the flowers and use them as garnishes or eat the leaves and bulbs.
Simply plant them in the ground or in a pot, and make sure they get up to 5 hours of sunlight per day.
14. Dill
Plant dill in moist soil wherever the plant can receive a lot of warmth. It’s a short-lived annual, but it creates an abundance of herbs for you to harvest and share.
It’s also versatile, allowing you to use it in various dishes.
15. Mint
Mint is another high-yield herb deserving a spot on this list, and as an added benefit, it’s quite easy to grow.
Moreover, most mint plants will tolerate some shade without any issues. Read: Vegetables and Herbs That Grow in Shade.
If you’re growing mint outdoors, plant two or three plants 18 to 24 inches apart and make sure the soil is well-drained. They’ll easily spread all over your garden, and the plants can reach up to 2 feet tall!
16. Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce is often grown as a leaf vegetable but sometimes for its seeds and stems as well. This is best grown in areas that don’t get too hot.
From red to green to oak leaf lettuce, all varieties are delicious.
However, when harvesting, don’t cut the crown. Instead, harvest the leaves only, and more will grow back!
High-Yielding Fruits
Below are 10 high-yielding fruit trees and bushes:
- Apple
- Raspberries
- Figs
- Cherries
- Pear
- Papayas
- Apricot
- Currant Bushes
- Bananas
- Mulberries
Where to Buy Seeds
You can purchase high-quality herb, fruit, and vegetable seeds from your local gardening store or from reputable online retailers such as SeedsNow.
See also: How to Preserve Vegetables and Fruits.
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