4 Interesting Varieties To Grow In Your Garden

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The produce sold in stores are what define the "normal" version of a plant. Be it a vibrant red tomato, dark purple beets, or juicy yellow corn, when we start our home gardens these are usually the results we aim for. But the produce grown in stores isn't grown for freshness or flavour; it's grown for consistency, ease of transport, and long shelf life. Once you get some gardening experience, you'll find that each plant has many different varieties to try. Some are different colours, some have completely different flavours, and some are both!

Here's 4 of our favourite varieties of popular vegetables that we love to grow.

Glass Gem Corn

An ear of corn with bright, colourful kernels, with corn husks in the background
The vibrant kernels are a result of selective breeding over generations.

A variety of flint corn, the translucent kernels of glass gem corn are a range of vibrant colours. Grown over many generations through selective breeding, this stunning variety is an excellent example of what's possible through human action.

Glass gem corn can be dried for use as a stunning decoration, and the kernels can also be used to make cornmeal or popcorn!

Pink Celery

Celery with bright pink stems growing in a garden
The bubblegum pink variety is very easy to grow. Source: Gaia Organic Seeds

With its striking pink hue, thin stalks, and bushy leaves, pink celery is a slightly smaller variety originating from China. Despite its unusual appearance, it's actually easier to grow than standard green European celery! With a mild, sweet flavour and delightful crisp texture, this bubblegum pink plant is sure to be a hit in your garden.

Golden Beets

A small pile of beets with orange skin, with one cut open to show its golden flesh
Golden beets lack the pigment which causes regular beets to stain. Source: Uprising Seeds

Golden beets have been bred with a lack of the usual deep red/purple pigment, opting instead for a vibrant gold. As a result, golden beets don't stain every surface they come in contact with! They grow identical to their regular counterpart and are packed full of the same nutrients, but with a softer, less earthy flavour.

Heirloom Tomatoes

A basket full of tomatoes of many shapes, colours, and sizes
There are many different heirloom tomato varieties to choose from. Source: Farm to Jar

"Heirloom tomato" is a very broad term to describe a variety that has been carefully grown over many seasons to preserve a special feature about the fruit, being sure not to cross-pollenate with other tomatoes. Whether it's a striking colour or unique flavour profile, they open up a whole new world of growing experiences.