March is the opportune time to pack vegetable gardens with superfoods—fruits and vegetables that are dense in nutrients. Here are the best ones to grow in Omaha.
Radishes: This sweet and spicy superfood has been found to halt the growth of cervical, lung, and prostate cancer cells. They are also versatile—their leaves can be eaten, which are rich in calcium and protein. For best results, plant as soon as soil can be worked, although radishes can also thrive in summer and fall. Make sure to provide the plant with plenty of water.
Kale: A long-celebrated superfood, kale is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow. Kale is a resilient plant that can thrive in both sunny and shady spots, and easily adapts to different kinds of soil. Its leaves that sometimes produce a purple hue in addition to its dark green not only make it a healthy staple, but also aesthetically pleasing.
Beets: This heart-healthy root contains ample amounts of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. The leafy top is also edible and blends perfectly with other leafy superfoods, such as kale and spinach, to create a green salad that packs a punch. When planted, beets are usually ready to harvest after 90 days, making them a fast and easy vegetable to stock for late spring onward.
Carrots: The root that populates most vegetable gardens is a staple for a reason. The versatility of carrots allows them to be eaten raw or cooked in just about any way imaginable—from sautéed to baked in a cake—and provides a great source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots are drought-resistant, which means they don’t need to be watered much, but they do need plenty of sun and fertile soil.
Blueberries: Much research has been conducted on the health benefits of blueberries, including studies that have shown them to improve memory and learning in elderly adults. While growing this favorite fruit is simple, it needs acidic soil with a pH level of 5.5 or lower to yield berries. Consider this when determining where to grow blueberries; they do not grow well with other plants, so a separate garden or container is best.
Ginger: Another root that provides health benefits, ginger is a low-maintenance plant that likes partial shade, so it’s easy to grow indoors. A natural nausea reliever, ginger helps with morning sickness and sensitive stomachs, as well as gastrointestinal issues like bloating and gas.
Chives: Grown best in eight hours of sunlight per day, chives can be planted as soon as soil is workable in the spring. Grow them with other produce to ward off mites, aphids, rabbits, and other garden pests. These tasty toppings have the ability to lower inflammation linked to heart disease, stroke, and obesity. The blossoms are also edible and make for a great salad or garnish.
Green Beans: While green beans need a lot of space to grow, full sunlight for six to eight hours a day, and some regular maintenance, they can be worth the effort. As a natural blood thinner, green beans can lower risk of stroke and have also been shown to ease depression symptoms.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
