It is true that “there are no more seasons”. It is difficult to ignore this reality: the climate is changing and it has a real impact on our lives, but also on our crops. And especially in summer. Water is increasingly necessary and it is not uncommon to have to deal with restrictions on the use of irrigation. Which vegetables do not need water? Here is our top 5 that should allow you to continue growing your vegetable garden while conserving water. It is this way !

Which vegetables don’t need water? Our top 5!

Maintaining a vegetable garden is no easy task. How to remove weeds? When to plant? How to water and still other constraints such as getting rid of aphids, fighting mildew or treating plant diseases. Did you know that it is quite possible to grow a vegetable garden without maintenance or irrigation? Indeed, by applying a few common sense rules, you can harvest fruits and vegetables without watering or spending a lot of time maintaining your garden. With good mulching, a good mix of crops and an optimized arable surface, it is quite possible! Here are 5 vegetables for you that do not need water and will withstand the heat wave of summer 2022 without worry.

Garlic, shallot and onion

Let’s start with the most practical vegetables, the must-haves for our recipes for small home-cooked dishes: garlic, shallots and onions. Appreciated for their flavour, they are also appreciated for their nutritional and medicinal benefits. They are undoubtedly the easiest home garden vegetables to grow. In fact, these bulb vegetables are not very demanding on the nature of the soil. Since they abhor humidity, you will only need to water them during dry periods. In addition, you are spoiled for choice with the different varieties of garlic, shallots and onions, of different colours, shapes and sizes. Note that these vegetables are planted from late winter to autumn. As for the harvest, it takes place from June to August.

 Beet

Along with tomatoes, it is undoubtedly the star of the summer. Raw or cooked, the benefits of beetroot are numerous: they are rich in calcium and vitamins A and C. They only have one requirement: their location. In fact, beetroot must be planted in the sun and in soil rich in organic matter.

That’s where the demands end, because otherwise it doesn’t require any other maintenance. If you cover it properly, it won’t need watering. It is harvested about 4 to 5 months after planting, which is done in stages. Finally, did you know that beet juice helps you age in good health?

Jerusalem artichoke

A somewhat forgotten vegetable, the Jerusalem artichoke is gaining momentum and seems to be making a comeback. Particularly vigorous, it has its place in the vegetable garden where it requires no particular maintenance or watering. It just needs to be isolated a little because of its invasive side. In fact, its 2 to 3 metres in height, it could provide shade for other vegetables.

Please note that Jerusalem artichoke thrives in dry and poor soil. Therefore, it does not need to be watered regularly outside of heat waves. Moreover, Jerusalem artichoke is very easy to care for. As such, if you are new to gardening, start with it! Its tubers are planted from mid-February to mid-April and harvested from October onwards.

rhubarb

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that does not require much maintenance except for a lot of humus when planting and every 2 years. It is its stems that are eaten for their spicy flavor. Its large leaves are magnificent for beautifying an ornamental garden.

Please note that the harvest usually takes place in May. With rhubarb you can start making delicious compotes, pies or jams with your family. You won’t regret it!

Orach among vegetables that do not need water

Do you know orach or  Atriplex hortensis  ? Also a somewhat forgotten vegetable of yesteryear, orach has the advantage of being very easy to grow by offering edible leaves in abundance. It is a hardy plant that withstands heat very well.

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Its leaves come in different colours, from green to yellow, including red. They are eaten in the same way as spinach. As for watering, a little water in summer and a good mulch are more than enough. Know that the orache can reach 1.50 m.