10 Of the best Vegetables for English Gardens

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​For all of their rustic charm and elegance English gardens have a history rooted in sustenance and crop growing. Some of the earliest English gardens were sheltered, walled gardens where household vegetables were grown for the table.

Horticulture and kitchen gardening has become deep rooted into Britain’s culture over the centuries. From Monastery allotments of the 16th century to the dig for victory campaign of the Second World War.

​Although famous for dazzling flowers it is often the vegetable garden which are more popular within English gardens. In this article I will list and summarise 10 of the best vegetables for English gardens.   

1. ​Carrots

​Carrots have long been a healthy staple within the English diet. These vegetables are versatile as well as they are easy to grow. With their feathery green foliage they can look extremely decorative within traditional vegetable borders. They are also one of the most satisfying crops to harvest!
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​2. Beetroot

​Beetroot is a favourite vegetable within English gardens for its bulb like root and decorative foliage. This vegetable has long been popular for its nutritional value and cold weather tolerance. As well as the root being sweet and delicious the leaves also make a great salad crop.  
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​3. Runner beans

​If there was one vegetable which could pass for an ornamental plant it would be the Runner bean. These beautiful climbers have large, heart shaped leaves and bright red flowers. In English gardens they are often grown over tall, tee pee structures made of canes. 
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4. ​Cabbage

​There is probably nothing quite as impressive as rows of cabbage growing in a vegetable border. Cabbage has been grown in English gardens for centuries loved for its densely packed and nutritious leaves. It is a favourite ingredient in traditional stews and recipes.
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​5. Potatoes

​Potatoes have been a staple crop in Britain since they were introduced to Europe in the late 16th century. This fantastic crop became the carbohydrate of choice in farms and homesteads. They are particularly good for growing within raised beds in English gardens. 
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​6. Spinach

​Spinach is an extremely desirable leafy green vegetable for its large, attractive leaves and high nutritional value. Being a cool weather crop it is very suitable for English gardens early and late in the season. It is celebrated both as a cooked vegetable and salad crop. 
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​7. Leeks

​Leeks are a hardy vegetable and very much suited to the temperate climate of Britain. This member of the Onion family has been grown for centuries for its great taste and general hardiness. Leeks look particularly decorative growing in long rows of English vegetable plots.
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​8. Lettuce 

​Lettuce is probably one of the first crops visualised when imagining an English vegetable garden. Not only are they tasty salad crops, their multiple leaf shapes and colours make them particularly decorative. They are also very easy to grow they are fast to harvest. 
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​9. Onion

​Onions are one of the most popular staples within any kitchen garden. They are especially popular within English gardens and grow well within Britain’s cool climate. Their swollen bulbs can look extremely decorative within English vegetable plots. 
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10. Parsnips

​This remarkable root crop is a thing of delicacy during English Christmas dinners and other seasonal roasts. Parsnips are extremely hardy and when established in spring, can be harvested throughout the following winter. Their foliage also looks very decorative!
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Thank you for reading our article on English garden vegetables! Below I will link to some other articles you may find relevant. 

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