Use this list of some of the most common garden crops to design diverse polycultures, plan crop rotations, and add variety to your meals. Make sure that the plants you choose have similar or complementary soil, water, sun, and temperature needs.
Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae:
- Amaranthus spp., Amaranth
- Beta vulgaris, Beet, Chard
- Chenopdium quinoa, Quinoa
- Spinacia oleracea, Spinach
Amyryllidaceae:
- Allium ampeloprasum, Leek, Elephant Garlic
- Allium cepa, Onion
- Allium sativum, Garlic
- Allium schoenoprasum, Chive
Apiaceae/Umbelliferae:
- Apium graveloens, Celery
- Daucus carota, Carrot
- Pastinaca sativa, Parsnip
- Petroselinum crispum, Parsley
Asparagaceae:
- Asparagus officinalis, Asparagus
Asteraceae/Compositae:
- Arctium spp., Burdock
- Cynara cardunculus, Artichoke
- Helianthus spp., Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunflower
- Lactuca sativa, Lettuce
Brassicaceae/Cruciferae:
- Armoracia rusticana, Horseradish
- Eruca sativa, Arugala
- Brassica juncea, Mustard Green
- Brassica napus, Rapeseed, Rutabaga
- Brassica oleracea, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Collards, Chinese Broccoli, Kale, Kohlrabi, Romanesco Broccoli
- Brassica rapa, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Mizuna, Turnip
- Rhaphanus sativus, Radish
Convolvulaceae:
- Ipomoea batatas, Sweet Potato
Cucurbitaceae:
- Citrullus lanatus, Watermelon
- Cucumis spp., Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Honeydew
- Cucurbita spp., Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini
Fabaceae/Leguminosae:
- Arachis hypogaea, Peanut
- Cicer arietinum, Chickpea
- Glycine max, Soybean
- Lens culinaris, Lentils
- Phaseolus spp., Beans: Black, Green, Kidney, Lima, Pinto, etc.
- Pisum sativum, Pea
- Vicia faba, Favas
- Vigna spp., Azuki Bean, Black-eyed Pea, Cowpea, Mung Bean
Malvaceae:
- Ablemoschus esculentus, Okra
Poaceae:
- Avena sativa, Oat
- Eregrastus tef, Teff
- Hordeum vulgare, Barley
- Oryza spp., Rice
- Panicum miliaceum, Proso Millet
- Pennisetum glaucum, Pearl Millet
- Secale cereale, Rye
- Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum
- Triticum spp., Wheat
- Zea mays, Maize/Corn: dent, flour, pop, sweet
Polygonaceae:
- Fagopyrum esculentum, Buckwheat
- Rheum rhabarbarum, Rhubarb
- Rumex acetosa, Sorrel
Solanaceae:
- Capsicum spp., Sweet and Hot Peppers
- Solanum lycopersicum, Tomato
- Solanum melongena, Eggplant
- Solanum tuberosum, Potato
(Originally posted on the Laughing Duck Permaculture blog in 2014; handed out as leaflets at events.)