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As the gardening season approaches, the excitement of planning next year’s crops is palpable. With seed catalogs stacked and dreams of lush gardens forming, it’s time to get inspired. From vibrant flowers that attract pollinators to unique edibles like peanuts and loofahs, there’s something for every gardener to grow in 2025.
The team behind this year’s picks shares their favorite plants to cultivate, offering tips and insights to help you choose your own must-grow crops.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Plant Options: From flowers to grains, vegetables to herbs, there’s a variety to suit every gardener’s needs and space.
- Purposeful Gardening: Many crops offer dual benefits, such as attracting pollinators or improving soil health.
- Adaptability: Even challenging plants like peanuts and tomatoes can thrive with proper planning, regardless of climate.
The Must-Grow Crops for 2025
1. Hummingbird Haven Seed Mix
- What It Is: A blend of 18 seed varieties designed to attract hummingbirds.
- Why It’s Great: Bright, tubular flowers like myum and coral bells ensure a haven for pollinators while adding beauty to your garden.
- Tip: Simply shake out the seeds over prepared soil, add compost, and let nature take its course.
2. Sweet and Paprika Peppers
- What They Are: Sweet banana peppers and Hungarian paprika varieties like Alma.
- Why They’re Great: Perfect for pickling, cooking, or making flavorful paprika.
- Tip: Grow overwintered peppers to expand your garden’s variety and save money on grocery bills.
3. Loofah Gourds
- What They Are: Vigorous gourds that mature into natural sponges.
- Why They’re Great: Dual-purpose plants that can be used for cleaning or as edible young gourds in curries.
- Tip: Grow on a sturdy trellis and harvest early for culinary use or let them dry for sponges.
4. Naked Seeded Pumpkins
- What They Are: Pumpkins with seeds that lack the hard outer shell, making them easy to eat.
- Why They’re Great: Dual-purpose plants for eating and decorative use, producing a high seed yield.
- Tip: Grow hybrid varieties like Naked Bear for pest resistance, or heirlooms for a traditional touch.
5. Acorn Squash
- What It Is: A compact white acorn squash variety called Mashed Potatoes.
- Why It’s Great: Produces 3–5 squash per plant and can be used as a healthier substitute for mashed potatoes.
- Tip: Ideal for container gardening or small spaces.
6. Homegrown Grains: Wheat and Oats
- What They Are: Hard spring wheat and hull-less oats for bread and culinary use.
- Why They’re Great: Grains like wheat and oats are easy to grow and process for homemade breads and oatmeal.
- Tip: Choose grains suited to your climate—hard spring wheat for warm regions and hull-less oats for easier processing.
7. Lemongrass
- What It Is: A tropical herb used in cooking and as a medicinal tea.
- Why It’s Great: Easy to grow, fragrant, and versatile in culinary and herbal uses.
- Tip: For colder climates, propagate and bring plants indoors during winter.
8. Lettuce and Greens
- What They Are: An assortment of 30+ lettuce varieties to explore.
- Why They’re Great: Offers a range of colors, flavors, and heat tolerance.
- Tip: Experiment with different varieties to find those best suited to your climate and tastes.
9. Ornamental and Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
- What They Are: Favorites like strawflowers, blanket flowers, and Lacy phacelia.
- Why They’re Great: Add beauty and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Tip: Grow varieties like KingSize silvery rose strawflowers for vibrant color and long-lasting blooms.
10. Peanuts
- What They Are: Legumes that double as an edible crop and soil-enriching plant.
- Why They’re Great: Easy to grow in warm climates, with options like Figata pinstriped for striking visuals and flavor.
- Tip: Start cold-tolerant varieties indoors in colder climates for a successful harvest.
11. Tomatoes for Sandwich Lovers
- What They Are: Slicer varieties like Beefy Purple and Pork Chop.
- Why They’re Great: Perfect for sandwiches, with unique flavors ranging from smoky to citrusy.
- Tip: Grow new varieties alongside tried-and-true classics to find your favorites.
Gardening in 2025 offers endless possibilities for experimentation and joy. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, grow unique edibles, or cultivate beautiful flowers, this year’s picks provide inspiration for every gardener.
Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as the harvest. Start planning early, experiment with new varieties, and embrace the excitement of creating a vibrant, thriving garden.