23 Vegetables That Just Aren’t Worth It – Here’s What to Grow Instead

garden enthusiast often face the dilemma of choose the right crop to plant . Some veg , despite their popularity , demand more than they give back .

In this article , we explore 23 vegetables that might not be worth the effort and indicate better alternatives to cultivate .

1. Celery

Celery might seem like a staple , but its finicky nature makes it a challenge . With a need for constant watering and rich soil , celery often yields disappointment . Instead , consider growing Swiss chard . Swiss chard offer up vivacious color and a similar crush without the spat . It ’s more forgiving of less - than - ideal conditions and provide a continuous harvest . Plus , its nutritional visibility rival that of celery , make it a smarter choice for your garden .

2. Cauliflower

Cauliflower , though delicious , is a demanding guest in the garden . prostrate to pests and necessitate precise rise conditions , it may not repay your efforts . Consider broccoli as a substitute . Brassica oleracea italica shares a alike taste with fewer challenge . It ’s live , easy to grow , and still packs a nutritional punch . Plus , its vibrant green chromaticity adds beauty to any garden while offering a more reliable yield .

3. Asparagus

Asparagus engage longanimity , with a harvest wait period of three long time . This investment of meter and space may not attract to every nurseryman . Opt for rhubarb instead . Rhubarb plants produce robustly and loan a sharp , unique flavor to dish aerial . They boom with less attending and reward you time of year after season . With its vibrant scarlet stalks , rhubarb is both ornamental and pragmatic for culinary role .

4. Artichokes

artichoke plant are finicky , needing accurate land and mood to expand . This makes them less compatible with many home gardens . For a simple choice , try grow cardoons . Cardoons are cousins of the artichoke , swash similar savour but are more adaptable to varying conditions . They do n’t demand as much aid , making them a more rewarding and virtual alternative for your secret plan .

5. Eggplant

Eggplants require quick temperatures and are susceptible to a salmagundi of pests . These demand can frustrate gardener hoping for a bountiful yield . Consider grow zucchini alternatively . Zucchini grows prolifically , even in less - than - ideal weather , offer a continuous harvesting . Its versatility in the kitchen have it a favourite among home Captain James Cook , and it requires far less maintenance than eggplant .

6. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels pullulate need a longsighted growing time of year and are prone to plague , make them a tough choice for habitation gardens . Swap them out for cole . Kale is sturdy , grows quickly , and provides multiple harvests . Its nutritional welfare are well - known , and it can withstand a variety of stipulation . Plus , its lush leave-taking tally sweetheart to any garden setting , making it a worthwhile replacement .

7. Lettuce

Lettuce can be challenge to grow due to its taste for coolheaded atmospheric condition and susceptibleness to bolting . or else , essay Spinacia oleracea . spinach plant is more rut - large-minded and offer continual harvest . It flourish in various climates and is packed with nutrients , seduce it a satisfying , low-pitched - maintenance backup man . This leafy leafy vegetable is as versatile in the kitchen as it is leisurely to rise in the garden .

8. Carrots

carrot involve idle , arenaceous soil to develop properly . They often disappoint with misshapen roots in compacted stain . Turn to radishes for a better experience . radish plant prosper in a variety of soil types and grow chop-chop , offering speedy satisfaction . Their peppery crunch adds zest to dishes , and they ’re less demanding than carrots , make up them a nurseryman ’s delight .

9. Onions

Onions postulate long growing seasons and are sensitive to stain experimental condition , often leading to underwhelming results . choose for immature onion instead . dark-green onions maturate faster and are more forgiving of soil variances . They summate a fresh , mild look to looker and need less infinite . Their adaptability and ease of growth make them an splendid alternative to traditional onion .

10. Corn

Corn demands ample space , rich soil , and consistent watering , which can be taxing for home gardeners . try out growing bean or else . noggin enrich the grime through atomic number 7 fixation and require less care while deliver high yields . They ’re various in the kitchen and can boom even in smaller garden spaces , making them a more practical and rewarding choice .

11. Watercress

Watercress needs invariant moisture and a specific pH rest , demanding for most gardeners . Consider rocket as a replacing . rocket grows with ease , even in less - than - ideal conditions , and bring a peppery punch to the board . Its rapid emergence and minimal H2O essential make it a impertinent alternative , secure a flavorful and fuss - free harvest .

12. Peas

pea choose cool , damp environment , making them less suited for tender climates . stress originate bush bean instead . Bush bean thrive in warmth and offer extended harvesting . They require less backup and are resistant to many rough-cut pesterer , providing a more reliable and bountiful harvest , perfect for gardener seeking ease and productiveness .

13. Cabbage

Cabbage is a attraction for pests and require specific growing conditions , presenting challenges to gardener . swop it with collard greens . Collard greens are unfearing , blighter - resistant , and easy to develop . They deliver a standardised perceptiveness and nutritionary value with less fuss . Their hardiness and adaptability make them ideal for a dogfight - free gardening experience .

14. Beets

Beets require specific soil conditions and can be fussy about tearing . Opt for turnips rather . Turnips are easier to originate and adapt well to dissimilar dirt . They suppurate chop-chop and offer both edible roots and greens . Their versatility and lower maintenance indigence make them a more sympathetic choice for gardeners seeking reliability and flavor .

15. Radicchio

Radicchio demand precise conditions , often bolting in the heat . Consider growing chicory escarole alternatively . Endive shares a like bitterness but is more patient of of motley climate . It grows robustly and provide a singular flavor profile , making it a smart and hearty choice for those seeking a dependable leafy light-green with less hassle .

16. Fennel

Fennel requires well - drained land and specific conditions , make it tricky to domesticate . try out dill as a replacement . Dill percentage fennel ’s anise - like flavor but grows with relaxation in various soils and climates . It declare oneself culinary diversity and requires minimum care , all while attract good insects to the garden , enhancing both its public utility company and appeal .

17. Turnips

Turnips , though sturdy , can draw pests and take specific tending . choose for parsnips rather . Parsnips are hardy and less prone to pest issues . They offer a sweet , nutty flavor that complement a variety of dishes , and their resiliency makes them easier for gardeners to grow successfully . Parsnips supply a rewarding choice with less effort required .

18. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi requires careful soil direction and is susceptible to pest . trade it for radish . Radishes are quick to get on , exact less attending , and adapt well to various stain types . Their peppery feeling add zest to meal , and their fast growth make them a favorite for gardener looking for a quick and easy harvest time .

19. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Solanum tuberosum demand affectionate soil and lengthy growing period , which can be tax . hear produce squash rackets or else . Squash thrives in various conditions and postulate less upkeep . Its versatility in the kitchen and prolific yields make it a valuable addition to any garden , offering both contrivance and culinary pleasure without the lengthy wait .

20. Okra

Okra postulate ample heating system and can be briary to handle , deterring some gardeners . prefer for growing cucumbers instead . Cucumis sativus flourish in warm climate and offer a novel crunch . They ’re easy to foot and handle , render abundant harvest home with less hassle . A basic in many culinary cup of tea , cucumbers are both pragmatic and rewarding to grow .

21. Pumpkins

pumpkin demand a lot of space and a prolonged growing time of year , which can overpower pocket-size garden . render gourds instead . gourd put up standardized esthetical appeal and are easier to grow in throttle spaces . They command less clock time to ripen and can serve various ornamental and practical purposes , making them an excellent choice for nurseryman with limited elbow room .

22. Squash

Squash can fall dupe to plague like squash vine borer , causing frustration for gardeners . regard zucchini as an alternative . Zucchini is more pest - resistant and grows prolifically , even in less - than - perfect conditions . Its versatility in the kitchen and easiness of polish make it a democratic choice , offering uninterrupted harvests with minimum effort .

23. Cucumbers

Cucumbers can shinny with diseases and require trellis , posing challenges to gardeners . Try mature melons rather . melon vine thrive in like conditions but offer a sweeter reward . They ask less morphological support and provide a refreshing taste , arrant for those look to diversify their garden with minimal hassle and maximal enjoyment .