14 fruits and vegetables to start planting in April
04/20/2017 / By Rhonda Johansson
We’re hitting the middle of Spring! With temperatures rising and your garden soil reaching that “Goldilocks” temperature of not too hot and not too cold, now is the perfect time to plant most of your vegetable seeds. An article published on USFeeds.com lists 14 fruits and vegetables you should start planting now!
Beans: Not just the musical fruit, beans are easy-to-grow plants and contain good amounts of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. Beans are noted to be good for diabetic patients because they score low in the glycemic index. Beans are also rich in vitamin B.
Beets: Beets are used to treat a variety of conditions including indigestion, constipation, and gall bladder disorders. They also help prevent macular degeneration and improve blood circulation. Beets are considered a natural aphrodisiac. The vegetable contains high levels of boron, which boosts the production of sexual hormones. This leads to an increased libido. Boron also helps in sperm mobility.
Cabbage: This superfood contains 20 different flavanoids and 15 different phenols, all of which exhibit superior antioxidant activity. Cabbage is also highly touted for its ability to prevent type-2 diabetes. This cruciferous vegetable is especially beneficial for your liver.
Carrots: Eh, what’s up, doc? Carrots help improve vision and reduce the signs of premature aging. Additional studies have shown that carrots can improve skin texture, increase cardiovascular health, and detoxify the body.
Corn: This is the most popular cereal grain in the world. Corn prevents diverticular disease. This is a condition characterized by cramps, flatulence, and bloating. Corn can even help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Cucumbers: This vegetable helps keep you hydrated while supporting heart health. Cucumbers also fight inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. The flavanoids found in cucumbers relieve pain as well. Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory compound called fisetin which helps maintain cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s.
Herbs: Herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and sage grow well during April. These herbs can all be used to season your food as well as improve overall health.
Lettuce: Great for late summer or early fall crops, lettuce aids in weight management. Lettuce contains high amounts of fiber and cellulose, which improve digestion and remove bile salts from the body. Lettuce can also help with insomnia. The white sap found in the plants has relaxing and calming properties.
Melons: These will yield just in time for summer. These sweet-tasting fruits are rich in vitamin B6, niacin, and folate. They also are good sources of vitamin C.
Onions: Don’t cry, now! Onions help reduce inflammation and heal infections. In fact, raw onions help lower bad cholesterol levels and can even prevent cancer. Take note though that different varieties thrive in certain climate conditions.
Peas: Please eat your peas. A single serving contains only 117 calories, making it a great weight loss food. Peas are also great sources of fiber and protein.
Hot Peppers: Peppers are relatively easy-to-grow and take up little space in the garden. The compound in this plant, capsaicin, reduces swelling and supports blood circulation. It is a powerful antioxidant that promotes a healthy lipid profile. Capsaicin is also a great weight management ingredient. Studies suggest that capsaicin prevents fat cells from maturing, effectively preventing obesity. Organic peppers also soothe the stomach by stimulating the flow of stomach secretions.
Summer squash: These contain high amounts of magnesium, which can help control premenstrual symptoms. Squash can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Summer squash contains high amounts of beta carotene and lutein, which promote good eye health. A cup of summer squash has about 135 micrograms of beta carotene and 2,400 micrograms of lutein.
Tomatoes: The most popular garden vegetable, tomatoes prevent cancer. Certain studies also suggest that the folic acid found in tomatoes can reduce the symptoms of depression. Tomatoes are also good for the skin.
Begin planning for your summer yield by planting these amazing superfoods in your garden now!
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Tagged Under: beans, beets, cabbage, capsaicin, carrots, corn, cucumbers, gardening, Herbs, lettuce, melons, onions, peas, peppers, squash, summer squash, tomatoes, vegetables
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