What Are The Most Productive Crops?

“I’m planning to start a backyard farm and want to make the most out of my small space. What are the most productive crops I can grow to ensure a good yield? I have a small yard in Portland, Oregon, and I’m eager to get started but want to make sure I choose wisely!” Thanks, Jessica, Portland, USA.

What Are The Most Productive Crops?

Glad you asked, Jessica! Starting a backyard farm is an excellent way to provide your family with fresh produce and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food. To ensure your small space is as productive as possible, you’ll want to choose crops that yield high amounts in small areas and have relatively short growing seasons. Let’s explore these productive crops and why they’re such great choices for a backyard farm.

Vegetables

• Tomatoes: These are a staple in many backyards because they provide a large yield for a small amount of space. Cherry and grape tomatoes are particularly prolific, and with just a few plants, you can get a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
  • Example: ‘Sungold’ and ‘Sweet 100’ varieties are known for their vigorous growth and high productivity.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce are all fast-growing and can be harvested multiple times. They’re also great for cooler seasons, making them perfect for early spring and fall planting.
  • Example: Try ‘Black-Seeded Simpson’ lettuce for quick growth and ‘Red Russian’ kale for vibrant color and taste.
• Beans: Both pole and bush beans are excellent choices. Pole beans grow vertically, optimizing space, while bush beans are compact and yield heavily.
  • Example: ‘Blue Lake’ pole beans are known for their productivity and taste.
• Peppers: Bell peppers and hot peppers can produce an abundance of fruits throughout the season, especially if you keep them well-watered and fertilized.
  • Example: ‘California Wonder’ bell peppers are a favorite for their size and taste.
• Carrots: These root vegetables can be densely planted, providing a good yield for small spaces. Carrots are also relatively low maintenance.
  • Example: ‘Nantes’ carrots offer sweet flavor and consistent growth.
• Radishes: One of the fastest-growing crops, radishes can be harvested in as little as 25 days from planting. They’re also great for interplanting with slower-growing crops.
  • Example: ‘Cherry Belle’ radishes are a common choice for their quick growth and crisp texture.

Fruits

• Strawberries: These are fantastic for small spaces as they can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or traditional garden beds. Some varieties also produce fruit throughout the summer.
  • Example: ‘Everbearing’ strawberries provide fruit multiple times a year.
• Raspberries: Similar to strawberries in terms of space efficiency, raspberries can yield a lot of fruit from just a few plants. They require support structures to grow vertically.
  • Example: ‘Heritage’ raspberries are known for their reliable fall harvest.
• Blueberries: These bushes can be very productive and they also make attractive additions to the garden with their spring flowers and fall foliage. Ensure you have the right soil pH for optimal growth.
  • Example: ‘Bluecrop’ blueberries are a common variety due to their high yield and hardy nature.
• Dwarf Fruit Trees: These compact trees can produce a substantial amount of fruit and are great for smaller yards. Apples, pears, and citrus are popular choices.
  • Example: ‘Honeycrisp’ apples in dwarf form can yield plenty of fruit without taking up much space.

Herbs

• Basil: Basil is easy to grow and can be harvested continuously. It’s excellent for culinary use and makes a great companion plant to tomatoes.
  • Example: ‘Genovese’ basil is a classic variety used in pesto and other dishes.
• Parsley: Parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season and is a wonderful addition to many dishes as well as a garnish.
  • Example: ‘Italian Flat-leaf’ parsley is preferred for its flavor and ease of harvest.
• Chives: These perennial herbs are easy to grow and can be cut back often to produce more stalks. They’re useful in many culinary applications.
  • Example: ‘Garlic Chives’ offer a slight garlic flavor that can enhance numerous recipes.

Cultivating Techniques for Maximized Yield

Jessica, maximizing the productivity of your backyard farm isn’t just about selecting the right crops but also implementing effective growing techniques. Here are some practices to consider:

Succession Planting

This involves planting new crops in the same area as soon as another crop is harvested, thereby ensuring continuous production throughout the season. For example, after harvesting radishes, you can plant leafy greens or bush beans in the same space.

Companion Planting

Some plants benefit from being near each other, either by deterring pests or improving growth. For instance, planting marigolds with tomatoes can help keep pests at bay, and beans alongside corn can provide mutual support.

Vertical Gardening

This is ideal for small spaces. Using trellises, cages, or stakes, you can grow vining crops like cucumbers, beans, and tomatoes vertically. This approach maximizes space and can help with pest control and air circulation.

Square Foot Gardening

This method divides your garden into square-foot sections, allowing for efficient use of space. It helps you manage planting densities and ensures that every inch of your garden is productive.

Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. Regularly add compost to enrich the soil and use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Rotate crops each season to prevent soil depletion and control pests and diseases naturally.

Irrigation Systems

Efficient watering methods, like drip irrigation or soaker hoses, ensure plants get the right amount of water without waste. These methods are especially useful in small gardens as they can be set up to cater to specific plant needs.

Why Choosing the Right Crops Matters

Your choice of crops matters a lot in ensuring you get the most out of your garden space. High-yield crops and those that grow quickly can give you a continuous supply of fresh produce, making your efforts and investment worthwhile. Additionally, by focusing on crops that are well-suited to your local climate, you can reduce the need for intensive care and increase your chances of success.

Additional Tips for a Successful Backyard Farm

Here are some extra pointers that can keep your garden thriving, Jessica:

• Season Extension: Use row covers, cold frames, or greenhouses to extend your growing season. This can allow you to start plants earlier in the spring or continue harvesting into the fall.
• Regular Harvesting: Picking produce frequently encourages plants to produce more. For example, regularly harvesting herbs like basil or mint can stimulate further growth.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Utilize natural pest control methods, such as beneficial insects or companion planting, to manage pests without harmful chemicals.
• Keep Learning: Gardening is a continuous learning process. Attend local garden workshops, join gardening clubs, and share knowledge with your neighbors.

Final Thoughts…

Jessica, launching a backyard farm in Portland, Oregon, is an admirable and rewarding endeavor. Choosing the right crops, employing smart gardening techniques, and focusing on soil health are key to making the most out of your space. Thank you for reaching out, and best of luck with your backyard farming journey!