Spring is officially here, which means it is time to rejoice and grow some edible plants! April is truly the best time of year for plants. There is more light, more warmth, and the nights are a little cooler. If you want to grow more veggies then April is the month to start! The list below includes 10 of my favourites and I hope you enjoy growing them this April. In no particular order, here are the 10 plants I’ve picked for you to try this spring!
1. Cabbage
Cabbage is a perfect annual to grow in springtime. It grows well in a wide range of soil conditions and does well with container growing. It is one of the best vegetables you can eat, considering the fact that it has some extraordinary health benefits, including being an excellent source of soluble fiber. It’s a great way to get a lot of nutrients in one small package. Cabbage is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Its health benefits make it the number one choice for those looking to improve their cardiovascular health. It also helps lower bad cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, helps maintain a healthy digestive tract, and speeds up your metabolism.
2. Kale
There are. so many reasons to add kale to your garden this season! It is good for your heart, boosts your brain power, helps control weight loss, and provides numerous other health benefits. Adding more kale to your diet could help keep the doctor away. Kale is loaded with cancer-fighting superpowers and helps you to live a longer, healthier life. The compounds in kale called flavonoids and phytonutrients are extremely powerful anti-cancer agents. The health benefits of kale are endless. It is high in Vitamin A, C, and K. It is a great source of dietary fiber, which means that eating kale can help you feel full, for longer. Kale has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with seasonal allergies.
3. Spinach
Spinach is an amazing food, yet many people still aren’t aware of its magical powers, and how it can help almost any recipe you put it in. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet because it contains such a high amount of soil-bound vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The green leafy vegetable contains vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C. In addition, it has anti-oxidant properties which can help you to reduce cancer risk. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K and folic acid.
4. Lettuce
It’s easy to grow your own lettuce at home. It doesn’t require much in the way of equipment and you can grow your own fresh, healthy lettuce anywhere. It tastes great and is great for you. There are many reasons to grow lettuce. It has many health benefits which are worth mentioning. The nutritious and beautiful leaves of lettuce contain more minerals, vitamins, and amino acids than most other sources. It can be used as a low-carb, high-fat food and is typically rich in vitamins A and C.
5. BEETS
Beets are an amazing superfood. Homegrown beets taste better and are cheaper than getting them from a grocery store. They grow quickly, requiring minimal attention. Not only can you eat the beet root, but the leaves contain essential nutrients like Vitamin C, iron, magnesium and folate. Beets’ ability to support the immune system is another reason why to start growing them in April.
6. PEAS
There are many reasons why people choose to grow their own peas. Growing your own peas is not only great for the environment but also an excellent source of protein. That’s because peas contain all 10 essential amino acids required by our body for protein synthesis. Eating peas is associated with good heart health, digestion, and weight loss. Eating more peas can help reduce hypertension and high blood pressure. Having peas regularly should be encouraged as a way to keep your cholesterol in check.
7. BROCCOLI
Rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables around!. Broccoli contains high amounts of fiber, iron, vitamin C, folate, vitamin K and magnesium. Broccoli is great for detoxification because it boosts healthy enzymes in the cells. Eating more broccoli can lead to weight loss if eaten regularly. Its vitamin C content reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), and its vitamin K and folate content prevents anemia from occurring.
8. CILANTRO
Cilantro is loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been proven to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also acts as an antacid that can help you get over a stomachache. Many people don’t realize how versatile cilantro can be and can be taken internally to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients, eye health, and hair growth. It helps support brain health as well as heart health if eaten daily.
9. NASTURTIUMS
Nasturtiums are good for your health and heart. They aren’t just pretty flowers. The entire plant is edible! Nasturtium leaves and flowers contain high quantities of essential nutrients and dietary fiber as well as immune-boosting flavonoids, vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. They have amazing antioxidant properties which make them an excellent addition to your diet. The unsaturated fats in nasturtiums reduce your risk of heart disease.
10. KOHLRABI
Kohlrabi is an incredibly healthy and nutritional food that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a low carbohydrate, high fiber vegetable. It contains Vitamin A, iron, calcium, selenium, and phosphorous. It also contains a significant amount of folate, which prevents homocysteine from forming an evil protein called cystatin and stopping inflammation of the arteries. That means fewer negative effects on your system when you get older.