If you’re looking to save time and money while still enjoying fresh produce, choosing plants that keep producing for months is a smart move. These grocery plants offer a steady supply of food without needing to be replanted constantly.
By growing plants that live and keep giving for months, you can reduce trips to the grocery store and enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients more often. Whether you have a big garden or just a small space, picking the right long-lasting plants can make a real difference in your routine.
Garlic bulbs
You can grow garlic bulbs from grocery store garlic, but keep in mind some types won’t do as well in your climate. Hardneck garlic prefers cooler zones, while softneck garlic handles warmer ones better.
Plant cloves individually in well-drained soil, and give them plenty of sunlight. With a little care, your garlic can last for months and supply you with fresh bulbs.
Hardneck garlic
If you want garlic that lasts, hardneck garlic is a solid choice. It grows best in cooler climates and can handle cold winters.
When you plant it, space the cloves 3 to 5 inches apart, about 1 to 2 inches deep, with the pointy side up.
Hardneck garlic stores well, usually lasting up to a year if kept in a cool, dry place. Plus, it has bigger cloves and a stronger flavor than softneck types.
Softneck garlic
Softneck garlic is the kind you usually find at the grocery store. It stores well, often lasting several months if kept in a cool, dry place.
You can grow it too. It likes a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and planting in fall helps it develop strong roots before winter.
Softneck garlic has smaller cloves and softer, pliable stems compared to hardneck types. It’s also better suited for warmer climates if you want to try growing your own.
Rutabagas
If you plant rutabagas in late summer, they’ll be ready to harvest by fall when it’s cooler.
They need full sun and rich soil to grow big and tasty. Keep the moisture consistent for the best results.
Once harvested, rutabagas can last 4 to 6 months if stored properly in a cool, dark place like a root cellar.
Apples
You might be surprised, but apples can last for months if stored right. In commercial setups, they often keep for 5 to 12 months thanks to low temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.
If you buy apples from the store, they were probably kept in special storage to stay fresh longer. At home, keeping them cool and dry will help your apples last as long as possible.
Pears
Pears can last for months if you pick them mature but still firm. Keep them cool in your fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
To get the best taste, let pears ripen at room temperature before eating. You can grow different varieties, like Asian or European pears, depending on your climate and space.
Just remember, pears need the right chill hours and pollinators to produce well if you’re growing your own.
Lemon trees
You can grow a lemon tree from seeds in a pot as small as six inches wide. Use well-draining soil and make sure the pot has drainage holes to keep roots healthy.
Lemon trees need plenty of light and water, but avoid overwatering. You’ll see fruit after some patience, usually when lemons turn bright yellow.
Growing a lemon tree indoors or outdoors works, but keep in mind they get bigger when planted outside.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb you can grow easily in your kitchen or garden. It loves full sun but can handle some shade, especially in hotter spots.
You can grow it in pots, making it easy to bring inside during colder months. Fresh or dried, oregano adds flavor to lots of dishes and can live for several months with the right care.
Thyme
You can easily find live thyme plants at grocery stores, making it a great starter herb for your kitchen. It grows well in containers and doesn’t need much space.
Thyme is hardy and will live for months if you keep it in well-drained soil. It can handle a range of temperatures but will go dormant in frost.
You can harvest sprigs as you need them and even plant thyme outside when the weather warms up. It’s a low-maintenance herb that spreads nicely.
Lemon balm
You can grow lemon balm easily, and it’ll last for months. It’s a mint-like herb with a fresh lemon scent that pops when you rub its leaves.
Plant it in full sun or partial shade, and make sure the soil drains well and stays moist. You can start from seeds or small plants once frost is gone. Give each plant some space—they spread out pretty well.
Mint varieties
You’ll find many types of mint, each with its own flavor and scent. Peppermint and apple mint are popular for their refreshing aroma.
Corsican mint is low-growing and great for adding flavor to salads. Watermint can even grow in shallow water, which is perfect if you have a small water feature.
Most mints spread quickly, so it’s good to keep them in pots or controlled areas.
Rosemary
You can keep rosemary alive for months with the right care. It needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and prefers slightly alkaline soil.
If you’re growing it in a pot, water it about once a week. When it’s in the ground, watering every two weeks usually works fine.
Just remember to give it good drainage and avoid overwatering to keep it healthy.