Whether you're growing a garden for storage, fun, or just an overall healthier lifestyle, there really is nothing more satisfying than harvesting beautiful veggies straight from your own garden. But if you are growing vegetables, you might as well grow the RIGHT ones – veggies that you can actually store so that they'll last you an entire winter. What does this accomplish though? These 15 best storage crops hold up well during entire seasons and will save you a ton of money, not to mention they're just so much healthier because YOU grew them! So let's check out these 15 best storage crops to grow this year for a better, healthier winter!
15 Best Storage Crops
Apples & Pears
Apples are pears hold very well, especially when packed the right way! Pick apples and pears once they are ripe and store them in a cardboard box with a lid. Make sure the lid has some holes in it for ventilation. Place sheets of paper in between each layer of fruit to prevent bruising. Store in a cool, dark place such as a basement or even a garage. Apples and bears stored this way should last for about 6 months! Check regularly for any bruised fruit or fruit that has gone bad and discard.
Beans, Corn, & Nuts
Easy to plant, easy to grow, and easy to store, beans, corn, and a variety of nuts, are a great way to have year-round harvests. Before storing any of these, be sure to dry them first. Dry them outside in the sun, and, once dry, store in airtight containers. Store these containers in a cool, dark, and dry place such as a basement or a garage. All of the above should last anywhere from 6-8 months.
Root Crops
Root crops such as beets, carrots, celeriac, parsnip, potatoes, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, and turnips are very easy to store as long as they have enough cold and humidity. Store these root crops in cardboard boxes with ventilation, at a temperature of 32-45 F. Place a layer of sawdust, paper, or moist sand in between each layer to keep moisture. You may have to occasionally spray them with a little bit of water to keep them moist throughout the winter.
Pumpkin & Winter Squash
Before storing, dry pumpkin and winter squash for 1 to 2 weeks. Do this in a warm, well ventilated area and then store in a cool environment with moderate humidity. These can be stored directly on shelves or in open boxes.
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