I’ve been getting organized, doing research, and getting my cool-season veggies underway. I’ve also been working on my 3-year plan for my veggies (always subject to change, of course). In doing so, I realized that it was hard to find a decent list of veggie families — many sources only listed a few types or had out-of-date information, and after awhile the editor in me got frustrated enough to do something about it. So I gathered more information, checked the facts, and then compiled a more complete list. This list will be available on my sidebar for easy access at any time. I will also be adding a list of companion plants, and my current garden plan is there, too. I’m taking my time on the 3-year plan, as there is much to be learned, young grasshopper that I am. Wait, I’m no grasshopper (they are evil gluttons) — I’d rather be a young padawan.
Vegetable Families
Asteraceae/Compositae/Daisy family – Asteraceae (Compositae)
- Lettuce
- Chicory/Endive
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Globe Artichoke
- Dandelion
- Sunflower
- Safflower
- Tarragon
- Artemisia
- Salsify/Scorzonera
- Chamomile
- (Marigolds and Chrysanthemums are also in this family)
Allium family – Alliaceae
- Onion
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Chives
- Leek
Crucifer/Cabbage/Mustard family – Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Collard Greens
- Horseradish
- Mustard
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Radish
- Cress
- Rutabaga
- Bok choy
- Chinese Cabbage
- Watercress
- Turnip
- Wasabi
Cucurbit/Marrow family – Cucurbitaceae
- Cucumber
- Honeydew melon
- Cantaloupe/Muskmelon
- Watermelon
- Pumpkin
- Squash/Marrow
- Zucchini/Courgette
- Luffa
Potato/Nightshade family – Solanaceae
- Eggplant (Aubergine)
- Pepper
- Potato
- Tomato, tomatillo
- Paprika
- Chile pepper
Pea and Bean family – Fabaceae (Leguminosae) (restore nitrogen to soil)
- Alfalfa
- Lentil
- Peanut
- Bean
- Soybean
- Clover
- Lupin
- Pea
Umbellifers – Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- Carrot
- Celery
- Fennel (always plant ALONE)
- Dill (don’t plant with carrots or tomatoes)
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Cumin
- Coriander/Cilantro
- Caraway
- Queen Anne’s Lace
Goosefoot/Beetroot family – Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae)
- Beetroot
- Quinoa
- Spinach
- Goosefoot
- Swiss Chard (Spinach Beet)
- Amaranth
- Sugar beet
- (also Lamb’s Quarters)
Poaceae/Grasses family (Poaceae or Gramineae)
- Corn/Maize (grow after carrots)
- Oats
- Rice
- Rye
- Sorghum
- Barley
- Wheat
- Mallet
- Sugarcane
Miscellaneous
- Lamb’s Lettuce/Corn Salad (Valerianaceae)
- New Zealand Spinach (Aizoaceae)
- Purslane, Portulaca, Miner’s Lettuce (Portulacaceae)
- Rhubarb, Buckwheat (Polgonaceae)
- Okra (Mallow family, Malvaceae; cacao is also in this family)
This is seriously impressive, Meredith!
Speaking of companion planting, you’re probably familiar with the symbiotic relationship between maize, squash and beans (the Native American Three Sisters).
From Wikipedia.. “…The maize provides a structure for the beans to climb, eliminating the need for poles. The beans provide the nitrogen to the soil that the other plants utilize and the squash spreads along the ground, monopolizing the sunlight to prevent weeds. The squash leaves act as a “living mulch,” creating a micro-climate to retain moisture in the soil, and the prickly hairs of the vine deter pests. Maize lacks the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, which the body needs to make proteins and niacin, but beans contain both and therefore together they provide a balanced diet…”
Thanks for a really informative post!
Ren, thank you so much. I’m so glad you like the list — it sure is going to make crop rotation planning much easier (at least I hope!).
That’s a great idea to include mention of the Three Sisters on the page I’m working on for companion plants. I love the idea of creating a very traditional Three Sisters bed next year. It occurs to me that one of my current raised beds is basically a three-sisters bed (has sugar pumpkin, pole beans, and sweet corn). I did read that sweet corn is less able to support the pole beans than regular “sturdy” corn, so I didn’t plant the pole beans in the same area of the bed, but right by the edge of the trellis to use the trellis as support. I laughed at the part of the description “the prickly hairs of the vine deter pests” — maybe it deters some, but I have yet to see it!
Wow Meredith, you’ve been busy. Thanks for sharing the results of all your hard work with the rest of us.
I seriously wished I lived near you so I could garden by your side and have you teach me your skills and knowledge. You’ve got a great plan in place and in progress. Do you guys get snow your way? While you are winding up with your garden plans, we are winding down in preparation for winter.
You are so sweet, Miss Daisy, but I need to learn from you!
We get snow on occasion, but it goes away within a day, usually. We’d love to see some more, that’s for sure. But not too much, mind you!
This is great! Thanks for taking the time creating and sharing this resource 🙂
OOOhhhh great i am glade to see your hard work.that very informative specially the student like me….thnxxxxx
I hope your veggie garden is growing well!
I am finally trying to sort through 5 years worth of seeds! Hubby brings me his new favourites every spring. It is always hit or miss on seed stability. I try to rotate the old seeds out and keep accurate notes on what germinated, and when but store has finally been a addressed properly and your comprehensive lists make a ton of sense! Thank you SO MUCH!