How Do I Choose Crops For Preserving?

“I’m planning to start a backyard farm to grow crops specifically for preserving. I live in a region with a varied climate and have a decent-sized garden space. I’m also aiming for a mix of fruits and vegetables. Could you guide me on how to choose the best crops that are suitable for preserving, such as canning, drying, and freezing?” Thanks, Jessica, Vancouver, Canada.

How Do I Choose Crops For Preserving?

Hi Jessica! It’s a fantastic idea to grow crops for preserving in your backyard farm. Preserving food allows you to enjoy the fresh taste of home-grown produce all year round and reduces waste. When choosing crops for preserving, there are several factors to keep in mind. Let’s break it down to ensure you pick the best options for your needs.

1. Understanding Your Climate and Growing Conditions

The first step in selecting crops is to understand the climate in your region and what crops thrive there. Since you’re in Vancouver, Canada, your climate can vary, but generally, you’ll have a cool, wet winter and a mild summer. This kind of climate is suitable for many cool-weather crops and some warm-weather crops during the summer months.

Research Growing Seasons:

• Spring and Early Summer: Great for leafy greens, peas, and early root vegetables like carrots and radishes.
• Summer: Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. These are excellent for canning and pickling.
• Fall: Perfect for late-season vegetables like kale, beets, and squash. These crops often store well.

2. Choosing Crops with High Yield per Area

Given your garden is of a decent size, maximize usage by choosing high-yield crops. This not only gives you more bounty to preserve but also utilizes your space efficiently.

High-Yield Options:

• Tomatoes: Ideal for canning, making sauces, and drying.
• Cucumbers: Great for pickles and relish.
• Zucchini and Summer Squash: Good for freezing and making preserves.
• Beans: Can be dried, canned, or frozen.

3. Variety and Adaptability of Crops

It’s essential to choose varieties of crops that are known for their suitability for preserving. Not all varieties of a specific crop are ideal for canning or freezing.

Fruit and Vegetable Varieties for Preserving:

• Tomatoes: Look for varieties like Roma or San Marzano for sauces and canning. Cherry or grape tomatoes work well for drying.
• Peppers: Bell peppers as well as varieties like chili peppers are excellent for freezing and making salsas.
• Apples: Varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great for making applesauce and drying.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are superb for jams, jellies, and freezing.

4. Seasonality and Succession Planting

Growing crops that mature at different times prevents a glut and allows for a steady supply of produce to preserve.

Planning Your Planting Schedule:

1. Early Season: Plant cool-weather crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach in early spring.
2. Main Season: Mid-season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. These will be ready in summer.
3. Late Season: Vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

5. Space Considerations and Companion Planting

Use space wisely with companion planting to increase the yield and health of your crops.

Companion Planting Benefits:

• Tomatoes and Basil: Basil helps repel pests and can be used to make pesto, which can be frozen.
• Carrots and Onions: Onions help deter carrot flies, and both can be stored for long periods.
• Corn, Beans, and Squash: Known as the “Three Sisters,” these support each other and are all great for preserving.

6. Preservation Methods and Choosing the Right Crops

Select crops based on your preferred method of preservation. Knowing how you want to preserve your bounty helps in choosing the right crops.

For Canning:

• Tomatoes: Can be made into sauces, salsas, and canned whole or diced.
• Pickling Cucumbers: Perfect for making dill or sweet pickles.
• Peppers: Great for salsas and pickling.

For Freezing:

• Green Beans: Blanch and freeze.
• Bell Peppers: Can be chopped and frozen for later use.
• Berries: Frozen to use in smoothies, desserts, and jams.

For Drying:

• Herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme all dry well.
• Fruits: Apples, plums, and grapes can be dried for snacks.
• Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add flavor to many dishes.

7. Quality and Taste Considerations

When preserving, quality and taste are paramount. Choose crops known for their flavor and ability to hold up well through the preservation process.

A few crops known for maintaining flavor:

• Carrots: Sweet and remain crunchy when canned or frozen.
• Corn: Keeps its sweetness and texture when frozen.
• Apples: Maintain their taste and firmness when dried or canned.

Final Thoughts…

Jessica, you’ve got a wonderful plan to start a backyard farm focusing on crops for preserving. Keep in mind your climate, choose high-yield and suitable varieties, plan your planting schedule, and consider the preservation methods you prefer. This way, you’ll have a bountiful harvest that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Thanks for reaching out with your question and happy gardening!