What Do The Amish Plant In Their Gardens?

The garden is a huge part of Amish life. It’s the centerpiece of their self sufficiency in many ways. By having a robust, varied garden, an Amish family can be very self-sufficient.

You can grow potatoes for starches and carbs, beans for protein, and tomatoes can be used almost any way possible. You can put fruits in a garden, like strawberries, and herbs, for delicious teas. So, what Do The Amish Plant In Their Gardens?

Most Amish, whether they’re an elderly widow, a young family, or a large family with ten kids, have a garden. The size of the garden will shrink and expand with the size of the family.

🤝 Working Together

Many Amish families work together in the garden. I’ve worked in the garden with some Amish before and it’s been a very enjoyable experience full of camaraderie. The work seems less when people are singing, chatting, and working towards a common goal.

🐇 Keeping Weeds and Critters Away

What Do The Amish Plant In Their Gardens besides fruits and veggies? If you answered, flowers, you are correct!

Many Amish will ring their gardens in marigolds because they help keep out rabbits. Rabbits don’t like marigolds. And then many Amish will sprinkle mothballs throughout the garden because deer don’t like those. Some will get creative and put up high deer fencing.

As far as weeds go, the battle is a constant of hoeing and pulling and spraying. Other Amish will bury thick plastic garbage bags under the soil, leaving only enough holes for the vegetable plant to poke through and this helps cut down the weed infestations.

🥦 Common Amish Garden Crops

Some common crops grown by the Amish include:

1. Tomatoes: Both small and large varieties of tomatoes are commonly grown in Amish gardens.
2. Sweet corn: This popular vegetable is often grown in large quantities and enjoyed by the whole community.
3. Cucumbers: Amish gardens often feature several varieties of cucumbers, which are used for pickling and eating fresh.
4. Beans: Green beans and other types of beans are often grown in Amish gardens and used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
5. Broccoli: Kids may not like it, but it is a favorite!
6. Strawberries: a popular fruit in the garden and an early season favorite!
7. Potatoes: Several varieties of potatoes are grown in Amish gardens, including red, white, and sweet potatoes.
8. Squash: Amish gardens often feature several varieties of squash, including zucchini, summer squash, and winter squash.
9. Lettuce and other salad greens: Amish gardens typically have a variety of lettuce and other salad greens, which are used in salads and as a garnish.
10. Herbs: Amish gardens often feature a variety of herbs, including basil, thyme, parsley, and dill. These herbs are used in cooking, tea-making, and medicinal purposes.

Overall, the crops grown in Amish gardens vary depending on the season, the location, and the preferences of the community. For instance, peanuts are very popular in some Amish gardens, but primarily in the South where growing conditons are better.