15 Vegetables You Should Grow at Home Before Tariffs Drive Prices Through the Roof!
This post may contain affiliate links.
Grocery trips are currently turning into a financial workout. In 2022, U.S. households, on average, spent 11.3 percent of their income on food, with vegetables taking a big chunk of that bill, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factor in potential tariffs and the cost of fresh produce could skyrocket.
Prices of produce staples such as tomatoes and bell peppers are expected to rise by 10 to 20%, as per USDA estimates. This is due to a mix of inflation, supply chain disruption, and extreme weather destroying crop yields.
The National Gardening Association highlights that a well-maintained vegetable garden can yield up to $500 worth of produce annually. Home gardening is a sensible financial decision, providing daily fresh air, sunshine, and satisfaction. Here are 15 vegetables to grow before tariffs turn grocery store prices into luxury tags.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are among the most consumed vegetables in the world, and tariffs on imports could make ketchup or canned tomatoes expensive.
These juicy red orbs love the sun and thrive in well-drained soil. Water regularly for the best harvest and stake or cage the heavy fruit.
Bell Peppers
Grocery stores stock imported peppers, and tariffs could send prices soaring. These colorful veggies do well in warm weather and well-drained slightly acidic soil.
Put them in a sunny spot, water them regularly, and give them a little compost love, and they’ll produce shiny, crunchy fruit that tastes like summer.
Lettuce
Price hikes may occur because lettuce is often imported from neighboring countries. Lettuce is quick-growing and good for beginners, especially with cool weather and loose, fertile soil.
Plant it in rows or containers, keep the soil moist, and you’ll have tender leaves for months.
Carrots
Many carrots in stores are imported, meaning higher tariffs could hit the carrot cake budget. ProducePay reports that Mexico is the main supplier, delivering around 75 percent of the imported carrots.
These crunchy roots prefer loose, sandy soil and do their best in deep containers. They will keep splitting if watered unevenly. Thin seedlings for bigger roots and prepare for the sweetest, freshest crunch you’ve ever tasted.
Spinach
Tariffs on spinach make sense because the vegetable’s perishability means domestic production is less able to scale. This leafy green does fine in the shade and in cool temperatures, particularly in spring or fall.
Plant seeds directly into well-drained soil, then keep watering, and you’ll have a never-ending supply of iron-rich leaves that even Popeye would be jealous of.
Garlic
Most of the country’s garlic in the U.S. comes from China, so it is ripe for tariff-induced price spikes. The good news is that garlic is easy to grow—just plant some cloves in well-drained soil and lots of sun in the fall.
Plant it in the shade, mulch generously and water lightly. You’ll be harvesting bulbs so fresh by summer, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them.
Potatoes
At the moment, potatoes may seem like a humble crop, but their international transport costs may be higher than they’ve ever been. Tubers love loose, rich soil and can be grown in the ground, provided they are deep enough or in deep containers.
You’ll soon have your spuds by adding some hill soil around your plants and constantly watering.
Zucchini
Imported from abroad in the off-season, this prolific vegetable is susceptible to increased tariffs. Zucchini thrives in rich, well-drained soil, and it enjoys sunshine and a place to sprawl.
Deeply water, harvest often to keep plants productive, and expect to share with neighbors.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a healthy food packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s versatile and easy to cook. However, it is usually imported as a cool-weather crop in winter, so it is tariff-sensitive.
Plant it in rich soil with lots of organic matter, keep it evenly watered, and watch out for pests such as cabbage worms. It is a cool-weather plant that can be grown in both spring and fall.
Kale
Superfood darling kale is frequently imported when domestic supplies slacken, so the threat of tariffs looms large. This hardy green loves cool temperatures and slightly acidic soil and is ideal for spring and fall gardens.
Harvest the leaves regularly to stimulate new growth and enjoy its use in soups and salads.
Peas
Tariffs could make this childhood favorite a pricier treat because peas are a seasonal crop often imported to meet year-round demand.
These climbers do best in cool weather, and their delicate vines with climbing vines require a trellis or support. Sow in well-drained soil, water frequently, and harvest often for the sweetest, freshest pods.
Onions
Imported onions are a staple cooking item and vulnerable to tariff increases. When tariffs increase on imported goods, they can raise the price of onions and cause a disrupt in the supply chain.
Almost any garden is good for them, as they grow well in full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Onion sets should be planted in rows and need plenty of watering until you have your very own homegrown onions.
Green Beans
Green beans are an import staple during winter and are, therefore, prone to price hikes. They are easy growers that do well in sunny, well-drained soil and come in bush or pole varieties.
Keep harvesting them frequently so they keep producing, and you can enjoy the crunch of homegrown beans in your food.
Cucumbers
Fresh salads and pickles are go-to’s for cucumbers. Unfortunately, they are prone to attack by a wide array of pests, from aphids and cucumber beetles to spider mites, driving up protection costs. These pests could cause great devastation and yield reduction, leading to increasing prices.
Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and allow the plants to climb trellises to make the best use of the space and air circulation. Fertilize occasionally and keep them hydrated for a great summer vegetable.
Herbs
Herbs like basil and cilantro may be small, but they’re commonly imported fresh, and the tariffs could surprise you by making them pricey. Herbs are easy to grow potted or in the garden; they only need sunlight and a reasonable amount of watering.
Simply snip as needed, and the fresh flavor will elevate any dish to a gourmet standard.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
13 Worst Garden Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
13 Worst Garden Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
How to Plant a Clover Lawn
