Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma. I’ve noticed a lot of searches for which vegetables grow best in Oklahoma on my statistics page. First and foremost, growing anything in Oklahoma is a risk. You never know if spring will abruptly end and 108°F weather will last for days, or if a hail storm or a tornado will wreak havoc.
Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma
1. Lettuce Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma
If you start it early enough (plant seeds outside at the end of February), you will have success. Spinach isn’t always so forgiving. Lettuce grows well in containers, so even if you only have a little balcony, you may have fresh salads. In that order, the leaf, bibb, and romaine types are the easiest. Black Seeded Simpson is a timeless favourite.
2. Kale and Chard
Plant the seeds at the same time as the lettuce. In a single word, simple.
3. Green or Spring Onions Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma
Plant onion sets (those small bulbs you see at the nursery) alongside your lettuce. Again, simple and straightforward.
4. Snow Peas and Peas With Edible Pods
Both of these types of peas grow well in Oklahoma. Shelling peas is a little more difficult because our spring can suddenly stop before the pods are fully formed.
5. Summer Squash
What is summer in Oklahoma without sauteed, wok-fried, or fried summer squash like my Grandma Nita used to make? Zucchini, both yellow crookneck and straight neck, and spaghetti squash are favourites at our house. This year, I’m also experimenting with a few different types. We’ll see how they do in my bright potager. Just keep in mind to pick them small. Nobody likes zucchini the size of a baseball bat.
6. Tomatoes Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma
Plant plants after the last frost date (approx. April 20). If you’re a novice gardener, stick with ones that have disease-resistance symbols built in. This is frequently listed as a collection of letters on the tag. You’ll just save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Heirloom tomatoes are delicious, but so is practically any homegrown tomato when compared to retail tomatoes. With the exception of Cherokee Purple and Arkansas Traveler, I find heirlooms to be more difficult to grow.
In general, they do well here. My other favourites are Super Fantastic, Park’s Whopper, Rutgers (typically labelled as an heirloom, but it was produced at Rutgers University, so I’m not sure), Beefsteak and Super steak for slicers; Roma and Roma II for paste tomatoes; and Celebrity, which is early but not a favourite of mine. Supersweet 100, Sungold (the greatest yellow ever; wish I could find it), Yellow Pear, Chocolate Cherry, and Sweet Million for cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are relatively simple to grow and work nicely in containers.
7. Beans Vegetables to Grow in Oklahoma
Green beans, in particular, are really simple to prepare. Bush beans like Contender and ordinary Blue Lake are the simplest for me. I discovered that the upgraded Blue Lakes had less energy. I’m not sure why. You can’t always improve on what’s already good.
8. Melons
Fruits that thrive easily in our heat include cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. Pollinators enjoy their blossoms as well. Ambrosia is our favourite cantaloupe. I like Moon and Stars watermelon, but this year I’m trying a few of different varieties.
9. Pumpkins
They require a long warm season to develop, so read the instructions carefully to ensure you plant your squash at the proper time. You don’t want the pumpkins to ripen too close to Halloween.
10. Potatoes
Most varieties thrive if planted around St. Patrick’s Day, which is simple to remember because he is one of Ireland’s patron saints. I prefer young, red potatoes, so that’s what I plant. I always consume them before they reach full size. And I need something to go with my green beans.
11. Okra
A hibiscus related that thrives in our climate, it requires room but is very simple to grow. Just remember to pluck it every day once it begins to form pods. Large pods are difficult for clients who no one wants to eat.
12. Corn
Corn is great if you can keep the raccoons away from it. Bodacious’s versatility is extremely appealing to me.
13. Strawberries
It takes roughly three years to get a good berry yield. Pinch off the blossoms the first summer, and yes, I know it’s difficult, but your berries will yield better the following year.
