The fruit , vegetables , and herbs you enjoy may seem quintessentially American but could actually trace their origin to far - off lands . garden these industrial plant might feel like you ’re embrace custom , yet they bring stories of travel and adaptation .
Tomatoes
Tomatoes , often considered a quintessential part of American cuisine , are n’t aboriginal to the U.S. They originally came fromSouth Americaand were introduced to Europe by Spanish Internet Explorer . Early Americans call up they were toxicant because they belonged to the nightshade family . It was n’t until the mid-1800s that tomatoes became pop in the U.S. Today , they are a kitchen favourite in salads , sauces , and drinks . For home garden , grow them in sunny spots with well - drained , nutritive - rich grunge .
Potatoes
Initially cultivated for animal feed , spud became a dietetical staple for human . Like many nightshades , they grow inSouth America , where divers ancient variety still exist . The Makah Ozette potato , introduced by Spanish explorers in the 1790s , give the Makah people in the Pacific Northwest . For home gardens , plant life seed white potato in loose , well - oxygenise soil .
Bananas
While bananas have become a household deary in North America , they retrace their roots toSoutheast Asia . Over century , they traveled to the Americas and flourished . In warm parts of the U.S. , such as Florida , you’re able to grow banana by provide plenty of water and rich constitutive grunge . Protect them from hoar to ensure fruit .
Onions
onion have been a part of human diets for over5,000 year , with grounds tracing their use of goods and services back to the Bronze Age . While their exact origin is unclear , research intimate they were first cultivated in region like advanced - day India , Uzbekistan , and Afghanistan . Onions flourish in loose , well - draining soil and ask logical lachrymation for optimum maturation .
Garlic
develop fromCentral Asiaand part of Iran , garlic has been cultivated as a seasoner and medicinal works for century . It was extremely valued by ancient Egyptians for its medicative benefits and service as a dietary staple among lower - class Romans . A member of the leek menage , garlic grows best in nerveless weather . Plant cloves in autumn for a summertime harvest .
Cucumbers
Cucumbers originated in the northerly plain stitch of India over3,000 yearsago and spread to Europe during Roman times . Christopher Columbus introduced them to the Americans in the late 15th C . boom in temperate , tropic , and subtropic climates , cucumbers need full Sunday and humidity to grow well . Ensure consistent tearing and well - drained soil for the just resultant in your garden .
Carrots
carrot , tame initially from the idle Daucus carota native to Europe and Southwestern Asia , have been cultivated since around3000 B.C. The violent mixed bag is baffling and less flavorful , unlike the sweet-flavored orange carrots we know today , which emerged in the seventeenth - hundred Netherlands . carrot acquire popularity in the U.S. after World War I when render soldiers brought back seeds . They grow best in loose , well - drained dirt and require consistent wet .
Spinach
Spinach , originally fromCentral and Western Asia , is a straightaway - growing plant that thrives in cool time of year and is valued for its flaccid , nutritious leafy greens . It ’s typically harvested when the farewell reach their peak sizing , utter for both smart usance and preservation through freeze , canning , or drying . plant life spinach seed in well - drain , nutrient - plentiful soil during coolheaded calendar month and assure consistent wet for goodly leaves .
Eggplants
aubergine were first domesticate inSoutheast Asia , specifically India and China . They were introduced to Europe and the Americas through trade . These showy fruits favour hot weather and necessitate well - drain , fat soil . As they maturate , eggplants can get heavy , so it ’s substantive to provide sustenance to prevent the stem from breaking .
Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro seeds are consider to have originated in theMediterraneanand day of the month back to ancient Egyptian Pharaoh of Egypt . It then spread to China and India , where its redolent leaves became indispensable in metamorphose local ravisher . Cilantro thrive in cool weather and requires well - drain grease . Sow seed flat and crop leaves regularly to encourage uninterrupted growth throughout the time of year .
Peas
pea are among the former naturalize crop , with their wild ancestors originating in theMediterranea . archeologic evidence from the late Neolithic Period shows their mien in the Middle East . European colonization pass around peas worldwide . In the 1800s , Gregor Mendel famously used pea in Austria to study heredity . Peas boom in cool climate and are best sown in other outflow , using a treillage or supporting social organization to aid their growth .
Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, and More)
Brassicas , a mathematical group of 37 metal money from the mustard family , are aboriginal toEuropeand temperate Asia , primarily the Mediterranean . Popular crops include Brassica oleracea italica , cabbage , Brassica oleracea botrytis , kale , and Brassica rapa . These hardy plants thrive in cooler climate , ideal for spring and come planting . They choose alimentary - rich , well - drained soil and unconstipated watering . Protect them from pest like aphids and cabbage worms for a healthy harvest .
Watermelons
Citrullus vulgaris is thought to have originated inAfrica ’s waterless region , where it was first cultivate for its hydration and nutritionary benefits . Evidence of its culture dates back over 5,000 age in ancient Egypt . European explorers introduced watermelon vine to the Americas in the sixteenth century , where it wave in the warm , fecund soils of the southerly U.S. Watermelons need full sunlight and well - drain territory for optimal growth .
Mangoes
Mangoes are aboriginal tosouthern Asia , in particular Myanmar and India ’s Assam state . Over centuries , a miscellany of cultivars has been developed across the region . Mangifera indica , value for their delicious , succulent flesh , are a globular tropical darling . To flourish , mango tree need a lovesome , Robert Frost - spare surroundings . engraft them in well - drain , sandy grease with plentiful sunshine for the good growth and fruit output .
