The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of life, but one silver lining has been a resurgence in home gardening. In fact, the popularity of gardening surged in 2020, with my book Starter Vegetable Gardens selling out in May. I’m currently updating it with new insights, particularly in the varieties section. Over the last decade, gardeners’ needs, preferences, and practices have evolved, and this is reflected in the availability of new vegetable and herb varieties. While some innovations have failed, others have become garden favorites. Here are some notable trends and breakthroughs in vegetable varieties from the past ten years.
Downy Mildew-Resistant Basil
Basil downy mildew, once a rare problem, has become a common challenge for gardeners. This fungal disease causes leaves to turn gray-green and then brown, and it’s difficult to manage with traditional remedies. However, new basil varieties have emerged that are resistant to downy mildew. Varieties like ‘Prospera,’ ‘Rutgers Passion,’ and ‘Amazel’ have proven effective while still offering the delicious flavor of classic Genovese basil. Adding one or two of these resistant plants to your garden can help prevent the loss of basil to this disease, ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs.
Broccoli Gets a New Look
A decade ago, miniature broccoli varieties were popular for square foot gardening, but they didn’t meet gardeners’ expectations. These smaller varieties often lacked the quality and yield that gardeners hoped for. However, newer varieties of tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, such as ‘Apollo,’ ‘Artwork,’ and ‘Aspabroc,’ have taken the gardening world by storm. These varieties thrive in gardens of all sizes, including containers, and offer a “cut-and-come-again” harvest that can last for weeks when cut regularly. They provide tender, flavorful stems and florets, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Long-Stemmed Cauliflower: A Game-Changer
Cauliflower is known for being a finicky crop, requiring perfect conditions to thrive. But the introduction of long-stemmed cauliflower varieties like ‘Fioretto’ has made growing cauliflower easier and more reliable. These varieties, which produce loose clusters of small heads on tender stems, are less prone to stress and require less attention. When grown with lightweight row covers to protect from pests, ‘Fioretto’ offers a low-maintenance cauliflower option that is both delicious and easy to grow.
Colorful Carrots
Carrots have come a long way from the traditional orange variety. Today, gardeners can choose from an array of colorful carrots, including those with purple, yellow, and red flesh. Varieties like ‘Cosmic Purple,’ ‘Dragon,’ and ‘Gold Nugget’ bring vibrant colors and nutrition to the garden. Although some of the darker varieties, such as ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Atomic Red,’ can be a bit fibrous and less sweet, they shine when cooked, especially on the grill. These colorful carrots also pair wonderfully with other root vegetables like parsnips, making for visually striking and nutritious meals.
Purple-Podded Beans
The past decade has seen the rise of purple-podded beans, which offer both beauty and improved performance. Varieties like ‘Amethyst,’ a stringless snap bean, and ‘Velour,’ a refined purple filet bean, have become popular choices. These beans not only produce abundant crops in warm summer weather but also feature attractive purple flowers and pods that turn green when cooked. Both varieties are more flavorful and productive than the older, stringy ‘Royal Burgundy,’ making them a great addition to any vegetable garden.
New Varieties to Explore
As I continue to update Starter Vegetable Gardens, I’m excited to try some newer varieties that have recently caught my attention. For example, ‘Redventure’ celery, a cross between ‘Giant Red’ and ‘Ventura,’ promises to be an excellent open-pollinated variety that has been over 20 years in the making. I’m also intrigued by the personal-sized ‘Small Wonder’ spaghetti squash, which seems perfect for smaller gardens or container growing.
Have you discovered any new vegetable varieties in the last few years that you think are worth growing? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below!
These innovations are just a few examples of the exciting developments in vegetable gardening. As gardeners continue to experiment with new varieties and techniques, the future of gardening looks bright and full of possibilities.