Generally, there is a broad spectrum of crops you can grow in your garden. Some crops are difficult to grow, while others are simple to grow.
As a beginner, gardening professionals often advise choosing the simplest crops to grow. This way, you are more likely to reap an abundant harvest.
Plants that can be a challenge to grow
Let’s look at some of the most difficult crops to grow.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower plants often consume a lot of time and effort during planting. This is because you need to monitor them from time to time. Typically, cauliflower does not thrive in cool or hot temperatures.
The ideal temperature for cauliflower to grow well is below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, you have to ensure you sow the seeds and water before the first frost during the fall for best results.
Cauliflower crops are also susceptible to bugs and worms. So, do everything possible to keep these pests away. Consider using preventive pesticides and keeping the plants in good condition.
This plant also has to grow in soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Another reason why cauliflower is difficult to grow is that it takes a lot of work to keep the head of the plant in good condition.
The cauliflower head should be white; exposing this section to excess sunlight leads to discoloration. Therefore, you have to regulate the amount of light received by cauliflower plants.
Celery
One of the main reasons celery is difficult to grow is because of its long maturation period. Very few farmers enjoy planting one crop for a long time. So, this plant is not an ideal option if you are looking for a quick harvest.
Note that the celery plant may need more watering than usual. Otherwise, its stocks will become wilted.
Additionally, you need to plant celery in quality soil with excellent water retention properties. Celery grows best in cooler temperatures.
Melons
Melons can grow up to 12 to 18 inches in height. Therefore, you need to have a big garden space if you want your melons to thrive. Another disadvantage of growing melons is that fluctuating temperatures can lead to bitter fruit.
When growing melons, you also need to water them constantly. Failure to do so might affect the quality of the melon fruits, affecting your sales and revenues if you are a commercial farmer.
Melon fruits usually grow well in dry regions and on sandy soils. So, if you live in the southwest region, consider growing this fruit.
Wasabi
Wasabi is one of the most difficult crops to grow. This is because this plant grows best in rocky areas. It is indisputably challenging to find a rocky area in your garden where you can grow the wasabi plant.
According to previous statistics, gardening experts report that the wasabi plant is difficult to grow. Wasabi cannot survive in areas with excess humidity. Also, the plant is very prone to pests and diseases.
It can also take a long time before this plant matures completely. Nonetheless, the wasabi plant can help you gain substantial profits in the long run if you are a commercial farmer. One kilogram of wasabi goes for approximately $160.
Head Lettuce
The next most difficult crop to grow is head lettuce. Head lettuce is primarily affected by fluctuations in temperature. If the temperatures in your region tend to change from time to time, your head lettuce will taste sour or bitter.
The best time to grow this crop is when the weather is relatively cool. Otherwise, head lettuce tends to bolt when exposed to high temperatures. It would be best to water head lettuce frequently to obtain a quality harvest.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is popular for its incredible taste. However, very few people talk about how sweet corn consumes a lot of time and effort during the growing process.
There is a wide variety of sweet corn. Be selective when choosing the ones to grow. Some types of sweet corn may not be tasty. Keep in mind that you’ll need a lot of space when growing corn.
You’ll also need to grow sweet corn squarely to facilitate wind pollination.
Eggplant
The main problem with growing eggplants is that they are susceptible to temperature changes and bugs. When attacked by pests, eggplant leaves develop holes and appear weak.
Nonetheless, you can fight this problem by using the right pesticides. If you are an organic farmer, you’ll have a lot of trouble growing this plant. Eggplants attract a lot of bugs.
Subsequently, you’ll have to use stronger pesticides frequently to keep them in good shape.
Carrots
Carrot plants usually require a lot of maintenance. You need to grow carrots in quality soil with sufficient space. The soil should be loose since carrots are root plants.
Moreover, you have to ensure that the soil is free from impurities like microbes pests and pebbles. It is close to impossible to grow carrots in clay soil. It would be best to plant carrots in a raised garden bed if you suspect you don’t have the right soil in your garden.
Muskmelon
Like melons, these plants need a lot of space to grow not forgetting to dig the recommended seed depth. Muskmelons can grow up to 1.8 meters long. Also, they only thrive in specific climatic conditions. More often than not, these plants do well in warmer climates.
So, if you live in the northern region, it may be challenging to grow muskmelons. When growing these plants, you need to monitor them from time to time. This is because they are prone to diseases and pests.
Onions
In case you didn’t know, growing onions is not a walk in the park. You have to possess the correct information regarding how to grow your onions. Otherwise, you might end up frustrated. Typically, you need to regulate the amount of light onions receive.
Nevertheless, note that it depends on the variety you grow. Some onion varieties need light for approximately 12 hours a day, while some require less exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right onion crop to grow.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes grow best in warmer areas. Therefore, they grow well in southern climates. When growing this plant, ensure you do not expose it to cold soil. You can do this by planting it in a raised garden bed. Although difficult to grow, sweet potatoes are high in nutrients and boost overall health.
Artichoke
Due to its needs, the artichoke plant is challenging to grow, especially for beginner gardeners. This plant requires moderate climatic conditions. Also, artichoke plants are highly vulnerable to pests and diseases.
It would be best if you kept monitoring them from time to time. The best thing to do is to use preventive pesticides on this plant. Watch out for aphids if you have this plant in your garden.
Plants that need expertise to grow
Ultimately, it is safe to conclude that some crops are easier to grow than others. Some of the most challenging plants to grow are sweet potatoes, melons, carrots, and artichokes.
Difficult-growing plants often need special requirements and keen monitoring. For example, melons need ample planting space, while sweet potatoes need warm soil to grow well.
As a gardener, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the requirements of a plant before growing it. This way, it will be easier to obtain a plentiful harvest.