- In times of economic uncertainty, food security starts right outside your door.
- Kohlrabi; Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes + Lemon Balm can thrive in Illinois.
- Infographic.
As fruit and vegetable prices are expected to rise this year, Illinoisans might not have to look much further than their own backyards for fresh, affordable produce. While many believe their local climate limits what they can grow, experts say there’s a surprising bounty waiting just outside the back door.
According to Craftcamp, a leading resource for backyard builders and garden DIYers alike, every U.S. state has unexpected fruits and vegetables that thrive with minimal effort – no green thumb or elaborate equipment needed. From heat-loving hibiscus in Alabama to wild-foraged gooseberries in Wyoming, a bit of smart planting (and maybe a DIY raised bed or mini greenhouse) could be the secret weapon against rising grocery bills.
And the best part? These crops aren’t just practical – they’re beautiful, resilient, and often more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. And if you don’t have a backyard? No problem. Many of these crops are well-suited to container gardening, balcony boxes, or even windowsill growing – making them perfect for apartment dwellers and renters too.
Here are Craftcamp’s suggestions to grow in Illinois:
Kohlrabi
This alien-looking veggie is tailor-made for Illinois’ cooler spring and fall seasons. With a crisp, juicy interior and mild, sweet flavor, kohlrabi can be eaten raw like an apple or grated into slaws. Roast it, mash it, or sauté the greens like kale. It grows fast, handles frost well, and is a favorite of both kids and chefs for its crunch and versatility.
Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
Illinois’ warm summers are ideal for cherry tomatoes, especially the heirloom types that offer bursts of sweetness in every color of the rainbow. These vines love sun and reward you with hundreds of juicy jewels for salads, roasting, or garden snacking. They’re relatively low-maintenance and produce reliably from midsummer into fall.
Lemon Balm
This citrus-scented herb grows like a dream in Illinois gardens. Hardy and fast-spreading, lemon balm is perfect for calming teas, infused waters, and even baked goods. It attracts bees, repels mosquitoes, and adds a fresh burst of fragrance to borders and containers. Perfect for pollinators and people alike.
Other interesting produce that can be grown in other states include:
Connecticut: Ground Cherries
Looking for something exotic yet easy in Connecticut? Ground cherries, wrapped in their own papery husks, deliver a sweet-tart punch of pineapple and tomato flavors.
North Dakota: Rutabagas
Rutabagas thrive in North Dakota’s cool climate, developing a sweet, nutty flavor after the first frost – perfect for roasting or mashing into hearty fall dishes.
Oregon: Fava Beans
Cool, damp Oregon springs are ideal for fava beans, a dual-purpose crop whose tender shoots and buttery beans make them a springtime staple.
South Carolina: Bitter Melon
Adventurous gardeners in South Carolina can tackle bitter melon, a tropical climber prized for its health benefits and its vibrant, alien-looking fruits.
Utah: Amaranth
Both beautiful and practical, amaranth’s colorful plumes and edible leaves make it a superstar in Utah’s dry, sunny gardens, offering beauty, nutrition, and resilience.
Why It Matters
“Food security starts right outside your door,” says Martynas Mandrijauskas, founder of Craftcamp. “In times of economic uncertainty, home gardens aren’t just a hobby – they’re a smart, empowering way to feed your family. Whether it’s a raised bed you built yourself or just a few containers on the porch, the right crops can make all the difference.”
Mandrijauskas notes that many of these crops are more forgiving than traditional garden staples, thriving even in extreme heat, humidity, or cooler climates. “We want to show people: you don’t need to be a master gardener. You just need a patch of soil, a little water, and the right plants for your region.”
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