Fall gardening is underway and I have cultivated a list of the strangest vegetables for your fall garden that will bring some life and interest to your next harvest.
Keep in mind your gardening zone and the ability to grow all of these vegetables now based on the time to your first frost date. Being in zone 5, I had to get these in the ground immediately to get my fall harvest. Yes, I am a little late the year!
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What are the Strangest Vegetables?
In this list, the strangest vegetables are ones that you do not see every day. When you walk into the grocery store you see very generic shapes and colors and know what the vegetable is supposed to look like.
In my opinion, it is just outright boring. Growing the strangest vegetables in your fall garden brings a little life to your dishes and some even come with a difference in taste.
All of the vegetables in this list come with a bonus. They are pet safe!
Your pets may not want to eat them but if they do, there is nothing to worry about which makes these strange vegetables risk free.
Strangest Pet Safe Vegetables
Creating an interesting harvest takes some research, time and dedication.
Well I took the research part out of the list for you. Now you just need to plant, water, fertilize and harvest so you’re welcome!
Thumbelina Carrot
Picture Credit: Edenbrothers.com
Although Thumbelina carrots have a radish or beet shape to their short stature they actually have a very sweet sugary taste.
These carrots are low maintenance and gain their popularity because you do not need to peel them!
This strange vegetable is grown the same way as carrots non-the-less and some dogs actually really like carrots.
Rainbow Carrot Blend
Picture Credit: Edenbrothers.com
Being that carrots are a great fall crop and awesome pet friendly human food (that a lot of dogs like) I had to include more than one variety.
This rainbow carrot blend has a full range of colors that bring color to your dishes and more life to your dinners.
It also leaves the surprise on harvest day on which colors you will get which is exciting for you and your kids (fur and not).
Romanesco Broccoli
Picture Credit: Trueleafmarket.com
If you live in Italy, you may have seen these before. They are grown there for their delicious taste and large heads.
This strange vegetable grows to be able 3 feet in diameter!
It is grown well in northern areas for the cooler seasons and offers a unique look to your families meals.
Green Arrow Spinach
Picture Credit: Trueleafmarket.com
Whether you live in a warm or cool climates, this arrow head looking spinach can withstand your climate.
They are slow bolting and can be sown any time of the year. They do prefer colder climates to germinate but do well regardless.
Their larger leaves allow for a bountiful harvest.
Starburst Radish
Picture Credit: Trueleafmarket.com
Onto the next strangest vegetable for your pet safe fall garden, Starburst Radishes.
Starburst radishes are perfect for your fall garden and add a true pop of color when they are cut. In fact, in some areas, these radishes are used for decoration and are cut into different shapes like flowers.
These radishes have a ton of flavor and should be harvested a little early if not right on time.
White Icicle Radish
Picture Credit: Trueleafmarket.com
To me, these looked the least appetizing until I found out about their benefits! This strange vegetable is high in vitamin c, iron and magnesium and help to promote cell rejuvenation. Isn’t that cool!
These are a great fall crop and thrive in cooler weather.
These radishes are also very versatile. The greens can be harvested and cooked, the root can be ingested as well as used in face masks and other beauty products for an organically grown beauty boost.
Purple Dragon Carrot
Picture Credit: Trueleafmarket.com
The Purple Dragon Carrot is the last of our strange vegetables that can be used in your pet friendly garden. It has a dark purple skin and is multicolored when cut into.
This carrot does well like all carrots in cooler climates for a fall harvest and adds a much needed pop of color to your dishes.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this guide to the strangest vegetables for your pet-safe fall garden, remember to consider your gardening zone and the time left until your first frost date. For those in zone 5 like myself, getting these crops in the ground promptly is key to a successful fall harvest.
I hope this list inspires you to add a bit of excitement and nutritional variety to your garden this season. Whether you’re intrigued by the fractal beauty of Romanesco broccoli or the unexpected colors of Rainbow Carrots, these vegetables not only bring visual interest but also offer safe options for your furry companions. Happy gardening!
