As fruit and vegetable prices are expected to rise this year, North Carolinians 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 the suggestions to grow in North Carolina:
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
This tropical plant flourishes in North Carolina’s long summers, producing striking red calyces for tangy tea and edible leaves that add lemony zest to salads and sautés. It’s both ornamental and edible – a true Southern gem that turns heads and fills mugs.
Southern Peas (Crowder, Black-Eyed, etc.)
Southern peas are heat-loving, drought-tolerant legumes that thrive in North Carolina gardens. They fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and yield loads of earthy, nutty-tasting pods. Great in stews or simply boiled with a little salt, they’re a Southern staple for a reason.
Okra
This heat-loving plant grows tall and fast in North Carolina’s warm climate, producing crisp pods perfect for frying, stews, or pickling. Gardeners should be mindful of the region’s cooler spring temperatures and shorter growing season compared to the southern part of the state. Bonus: its hibiscus-like flowers are beautiful, attracting pollinators while you harvest crunchy green pods all season long.
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.”
