Asparagus – This hardy perennial provides an excellent source of Dietary Fiber, Folate, Selenium,  Niacin, Manganese, Potassium, Protein, Phosphorus, Zinc, Thiamin, Copper, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Riboflavin and Magnesium.

Asparagus should be started from 1 year old crowns and planted in nutrient rich and well draining soil exposed to full sun  The crowns must be placed in this spot permanently and can life for up to 25 years.  Asparagus need to overwinter, so need a temperate climate in order to produce productively.

Easy Asparagus Recipes:

https://rasamalaysia.com/garlic-butter-sauteed-asparagus/

https://belleofthekitchen.com/2016/03/16/garlic-parmesan-roasted-asparagus/

Artichokes – This spectacular vegetable provides excellent sources of antioxidants, dietary fiber, folate, and vitamins C & K. It is grown as a perennial in warm areas  and an annual in cold climates. If starting from seeds, they should be be sown indoors in later winter and hardened off 6 weeks before planting outdoors. The transplants should be placed in sandy, loamy soil that is well draining, spaced 4 feet apart. Proper watering is essential for healthy growth. Artichokes prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. If grown as a perennial, the spot should be semi-permanent as they can survive up to 6 years in the right growing conditions. They can also be planted in extra large containers (use moisture controlled potting mix).

Easy Artichoke Recipes:

https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/oven-roasted-artichokes-with-roasted-garlic-butter/

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_stuffed_artichokes/

Radishes  – A true favorite, this annual vegetable is a great source of copper, potassium, riboflavin, calcium, folate, manganese, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C. It is also low in cholesterol and saturated fat and is a good source of dietary fiber. Radishes are very easy to grow and germinate. They should be started outdoors in spring as soon as the ground can be worked (will bolt quickly in temps 65 F or warmer). They prefer well drained, nutrient rich soil. moderate watering and need full sun. Special note: To insure tasty radishes, the roots should be harvested at the right time or they will become bitter and fibrous.

Easy Radish Recipes:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/roasted-radishes

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017310-butter-stewed-radishes

Spring Peas – A welcome sign of spring and the promise of a bountiful harvest for an vegetable garden, peas provide excellent source of  folate, vitamins A, C, K, and fiber. Most notable are English peas which are shelled for their vibrant, sweet lime colored kernels and snow peas that provides edible kernels and pods. Peas should be planted outdoors 4 – 6 weeks before the last frost in  sandy, loamy and well draining soil. They will need trellising as they grow so, supports should be added at planting time. They prefer cool soil but need full sun to thrive.

Easy Spring Peas Recipes:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a47963/spring-pea-carbonara-recipe/

https://dashofsavory.com/spring-pea-burrata-salad/

Spinach – A powerhouse of nutrition, spinach provides excellent sources of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K,protein, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, copper, folate, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium and dietary fiber. A cool weather vegetable, spinach should be planted directly outdoors 6 weeks before the last frost; as soon as the soil can be worked. The plants will need full sun and fertile, well draining soil.

Easy Spinach Recipes:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/spinach/

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/5-ingredient-spinach-parmesan-pasta/