22 Delicious High Calorie Vegetables to Grow at Home
High calorie vegetables to grow in your garden can be a wonderful addition for those seeking nutritious and energy-packed foods.
These types of vegetables tend to have richer textures and fuller flavors compared to their lighter counterparts.
Growing them at home allows for fresh, wholesome produce that fuels the body with essential nutrients.
Many of these plants thrive well in different climates and soils, making them accessible to various gardeners.
Their hearty nature often means they provide more sustenance per serving, which is perfect for active lifestyles or anyone wanting satisfying meals from the earth’s bounty.
Cultivating such vegetables also brings a deeper connection to the food you eat every day, adding joy to gardening routines.
The vibrant colors and diverse forms found among these plants brighten up any garden space naturally.
Taro Root
Taro roots are tropical powerhouses packed with nutrition and dense calories for gardeners seeking high-energy crops.
These starchy underground treasures deliver a mildly sweet flavor that makes them irresistible in numerous culinary preparations.
Colocasia esculenta thrives in well-draining soil and requires consistent moisture for optimal corm development.
Careful fertilization helps prevent excessive leaf growth and supports robust root production.
Tropical regions provide ideal conditions for these nutritious roots, which contain significant amounts of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C.
Home gardeners can harvest taro roots when the leaves begin to yellow, typically 6-8 months after planting.
Cooking methods like boiling, roasting, or mashing unlock taro's delicious potential and make this vegetable a valuable addition to any garden.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes burst with nutrition and flavor in backyard gardens.
Rich orange varieties pack 86 calories per 100 grams while delivering incredible health benefits.
Loose, well-draining soil helps sweet potato plants spread robust roots during their long growing season.
Warm temperatures between 75-85 degrees encourage strong plant development and generous harvests.
Transplants started indoors give gardeners a head start before moving young plants outside.
Container growing works perfectly for small spaces and urban gardens.
Harvesting sweet potatoes rewards you with delicious, nutrient-dense vegetables straight from your own garden.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Chickpeas are protein-packed legumes perfect for gardeners seeking high-calorie crops with exceptional nutritional value.
Garden-grown garbanzo beans thrive in well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Farmers appreciate these versatile beans for their robust protein content and mineral profile.
Chickpeas grow best in sunny locations with consistent moisture and minimal waterlogging.
Growing chickpeas requires moderate attention to soil conditions and regular watering schedules.
Home gardeners can expect bountiful yields with proper care and dedicated cultivation techniques.
Nutritional benefits make chickpeas an excellent addition to any vegetable garden.
Green Lentils
Green lentils pack a protein punch with a hearty 116 calories per 100g serving.
These small legumes thrive in cool spring or fall weather, making them perfect for gardeners seeking nutritious crops.
Lentils grow easily in well-draining soil with moderate sunlight and minimal fuss.
Beans from these plants deliver essential minerals and significant fiber content for healthy eating.
Home gardeners appreciate lentils for their straightforward cultivation and impressive nutritional profile.
Planting in rows with consistent moisture helps ensure a successful crop.
Cool temperatures boost lentil growth, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homegrown legumes with minimal effort.
Butter Beans
Butter beans are creamy legumes packed with substantial calories and nutritional value.
Home gardens welcome these vining plants with open arms.
Beans grow easily when sown 1-2 inches deep in warm soil spaces.
Proper spacing of 3-4 inches helps them thrive and produce abundant harvests.
Summer months provide ideal conditions for butter bean cultivation.
Careful tending ensures plump, delicious pods develop quickly.
Nutritious and satisfying, these beans make excellent additions to summer meals.
Navy Beans
Navy beans are protein-packed legumes bursting with hearty nutrition for home gardeners seeking affordable and delicious vegetable crops.
Small white kernels provide substantial calories and excellent protein content for health-conscious meal planners.
Growing navy beans requires patience as pods mature slowly and need careful drying before harvesting.
Pods turn brown and crisp when ready for collection, signaling the perfect time to gather seeds for winter storage.
Home gardeners appreciate navy beans for their versatility in soups, stews, and baked dishes.
Seeds store well when kept in cool, dry conditions and can provide multiple meals from a single planting.
Nutritional benefits make navy beans an essential addition to sustainable vegetable gardens with minimal maintenance demands.
Corn
Corn is a versatile garden vegetable packed with nutritional benefits and satisfying taste.
These golden kernels provide a robust 96 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent energy source for gardeners.
Corn grows beautifully in sunny spots and thrives when planted near legumes as companion crops.
Kernels come in multiple colors including classic yellow, pure white, and mixed bi-color varieties.
Rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, corn delivers essential nutrients for healthy diets.
Summer gardens benefit from these hearty plants that produce abundant harvests with minimal maintenance.
Home gardeners appreciate corn's straightforward growing process and delicious fresh-picked results.
Fava Beans
Fava beans are protein-packed legumes with a rich, buttery flavor that gardeners love.
These hearty beans deliver substantial nutrition per serving at 88 calories per 100g.
Cool weather supports their development, making them perfect for early spring planting.
Broad bean plants thrive in well-draining soil with consistent moisture during germination and pod formation.
Their earthy taste works beautifully in salads, stews, and side dishes.
Mediterranean cuisines frequently feature these nutritious beans as a staple ingredient.
Home gardeners can expect a rewarding harvest with proper care and attention to watering and soil conditions.
Potato
Potatoes are underground treasures packed with hearty nutrition and versatile cooking potential.
Rich carbohydrates fill these starchy vegetables with energy-boosting goodness.
Container gardens work perfectly for potato cultivation, letting you harvest fresh tubers without extensive ground space.
Simple drainage and fertile soil help these plants develop robust root systems.
Potato varieties range from tiny fingerlings to large russet types, giving you plenty of delicious options.
Harvesting happens after plant tops wither, signaling mature tubers underground.
Growing potatoes rewards gardeners with a satisfying crop that transforms simple meals into hearty experiences.
Mung Beans
Mung beans pack a protein-dense punch with 105 calories per 100g, making them a smart choice for gardeners seeking nutritious crops.
Small green legumes originate from Asia and thrive in warm environments with well-draining soil.
Seeds sprout rapidly and produce tender pods within 60-70 days after planting.
Home gardens benefit from these compact plants that require minimal space and maintenance.
Sustainable protein sources like mung beans support healthy meal planning and reduce grocery expenses.
Their mild flavor works beautifully in stir-fries, salads, and sprouted dishes.
Cultivating mung beans rewards you with fresh, protein-rich harvests straight from your garden.
Split Peas
Split peas pack a powerful protein punch with 116 calories per 100 grams and impressive versatility in garden plots.
Spring offers the perfect planting window when soil temperatures hover near 50°F (10°C).
Green and yellow varieties provide subtle flavor differences, with green splits offering sweeter notes and yellow types delivering deeper earthiness.
Seeds germinate easily in well-draining soil and prefer full sun exposure.
Home gardeners can expect bountiful harvests of these nutrient-dense legumes within 60-70 days after planting.
Compact plants work well in smaller garden spaces and containers, making split peas an excellent choice for urban and suburban growers.
Nutrient-rich split peas contribute significant protein and fiber to home-cooked meals while adding garden diversity.
Winter Squash
Winter squash delivers hearty nutrition through its dense, thick-skinned fruits packed with substantial calories.
Each plant produces multiple large squashes that survive months after harvesting.
Seeds germinate best in warm soil with plenty of sunlight and organic compost mixed into garden beds.
Mulching around base areas protects root systems and prevents moisture loss.
Harvesting happens when rinds turn hard and develop deep, rich colors indicating full maturity.
Cucurbita pepo plants thrive in well-draining soil with consistent watering and occasional fertilizer applications.
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash are distinctive gourds with dark green skin and bumpy ridges resembling their namesake nuts.
Compact plants produce medium-sized squashes perfect for small garden spaces.
Growing acorn squash demands warm soil conditions and consistent moisture for optimal development.
Mature squashes typically yield around 40 calories per 100 grams, making them a nutritious addition to home gardens.
Planting these squash varieties requires careful soil preparation and adequate sunlight exposure.
Harvesting happens when squash skins become tough and develop deep, rich coloration.
Adzuki Beans
Adzuki beans pack a powerful protein punch with their 128 calories per 100g serving and rich nutty flavor.
East Asian gardens have cultivated these compact legumes for generations.
Warm temperatures help these beans thrive in garden spaces.
Sunlight plays a crucial role in their successful growth.
Plant adzuki beans in well-draining soil for best results.
Iron and folate make these beans an excellent nutritional choice.
Compact plants produce delicious pods perfect for home gardens.
Beets
Beets are vibrant underground treasures packed with surprising nutritional power.
Cool temperatures help beets develop rich colors and robust nutrients.
Planting these hardy vegetables requires minimal fertilizer and thrives in moderate climate zones.
Root growth happens best when soil remains consistently moist and temperatures stay between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harvesting occurs roughly 50-70 days after planting, depending on specific variety and growing conditions.
Home gardeners can easily cultivate these versatile vegetables in containers or traditional garden beds with simple care techniques.
Soybeans
Soybeans are protein powerhouses packed with essential nutrients that make them a stellar addition to home gardens.
Rich in healthy fats and protein, soybeans thrive in full sun environments with proper spacing between plants.
Farmers and home gardeners appreciate their robust growth and nutritional benefits.
Planting soybeans requires careful attention to sunlight and soil conditions for optimal development.
Cultivating soybeans provides a rewarding experience for those seeking high-calorie, nutritious crops.
Successful soybean cultivation rewards gardeners with an abundant harvest of protein-rich legumes.
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Edamame are protein-packed green soybeans bursting with nutty sweetness and exceptional nutritional value.
Japanese farmers have cultivated these compact plants for centuries in home gardens.
Garden stakes or trellises provide essential support for plants reaching three feet tall.
Mature pods emerge packed with rich nutrients and approximately 147 calories per 100 grams.
Home gardeners can harvest green pods when fully developed but still tender.
Boiling or steaming transforms edamame into a delectable snack perfect for summer meals.
Growing these versatile beans requires minimal space and delivers maximum nutritional benefits.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash provides hearty nutrition packed with sweet, nutty flavors and impressive health benefits.
Growing butternut squash requires strategic garden planning with sturdy trellises or supports.
Seeds should be planted after the last frost in well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight.
Mature plants produce large fruits containing approximately 45 calories per 100 grams and substantial beta-carotene content.
Harvest occurs roughly 110-120 days after planting when squash develops a deep tan color and hard skin.
Proper storage allows these squashes to remain fresh for several months in cool, dry conditions.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans pack powerful nutrition with 127 calories per 100g and a distinctive kidney-shaped appearance.
Mexican and Indian kitchens frequently feature these nutrient-dense legumes in many classic dishes.
Sunlight plays a crucial role in their development, so choose locations with maximum direct light exposure.
Rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, these beans contribute significant health benefits to meals.
Growing kidney beans requires minimal gardening expertise and provides substantial harvests.
Warm soil temperatures help seeds germinate quickly and establish strong plants.
Home gardeners can expect bountiful crops of these protein-packed legumes throughout the growing season.
Green Peas
Green peas pack remarkable nutrition in each tiny pod, delivering 81 calories per 100 grams with impressive vitamin and mineral profiles.
Cool spring temperatures help these legumes thrive in garden spaces where temperatures remain moderate.
Pisum sativum plants produce sweet, tender pods loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, and B complex.
Mineral content including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus makes these green gems a healthy garden staple.
Planting peas early ensures robust growth before summer heat can damage delicate plants.
Direct sowing seeds in well-draining soil provides the best results for home gardeners.
Harvesting peas at peak ripeness guarantees maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
Pinto Beans
These mottled legumes thrive in warm, sunny garden spaces with well-draining soil.
Planting requires careful attention to sunlight and moisture levels to ensure healthy growth.
Beans develop beautiful speckled pods that mature into delicious, nutrient-dense legumes.
Harvesting happens when pods dry and turn light brown, signaling peak readiness.
Home gardeners can expect bountiful crops with proper care and consistent watering.
Nutritional benefits make pinto beans a smart addition to any vegetable garden.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are protein-packed powerhouses perfect for gardeners seeking nutritious crops with minimal effort.
These compact plants produce abundant harvests within two months of planting.
Phaseolus varieties thrive in warm soil conditions after spring frost risks diminish.
Consistent moisture supports healthy plant development and robust bean production.
Seeds germinate quickly when planted in well-draining garden beds with plenty of sunlight.
Home gardeners can expect multiple harvests throughout the growing season with proper care.
Compact bush bean plants work beautifully in small spaces and containers.