Ranking Vegetables for Efficiency

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This list from the National Garden Bureau rates vegetables based on their total yield per square foot, average value per pound, and length of time in the garden. Crops are rated from 1 to 10 with 10 being the most efficient.

Tomatoes, grown on supports9
Onions, green bunching8.2
Leaf lettuce7.4
Turnips for greens and roots7.4
Summer squash7.2
Onions, bulbs for storage6.9
Peas, edible podded6.9
Beans, pole6.8
Beets, for greens and roots6.6
Beans, bush6.5
Carrots6.5
Cucumbers, grown on supports6.5
Peppers, sweet6.4
Broccoli6.3
Swiss chard6.3
Kohlrabi6.3
Mustard greens6.2
Spinach6.2
Beans, lima (pole type)6.1
Radishes6.1
Cabbage6.0
Leeks5.9
Collards5.8
Okra5.7
Kale5.6
Cauliflower5.3
Eggplant5.3
Peas, English5.2
Brussels sprouts4.3
Celery4.3
Melons3.8
Winter squash3.8
Pumpkins1.9

According to Nona Koivula, Executive Director of NGB, vegetables have become generally more productive since this rating was established due to breeding improvements of the last few decades, especially in peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and winter squash. However, it is a good guide for comparing one crop to another.



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How to Grow Bonnie's Herbs and Vegetables

Learn how to grow any vegetable or herb. Illustrated instructions walk you through planting, care, harvest,  storage, and troubleshooting for each Bonnie vegetable and herb.



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