Photo: Armenian Cucumbers and Prickly Pear pads (nopales)
- In times of economic uncertainty, food security starts right outside your door.
- Armenian Cucumbers; Tepary Beans + Prickly Pear Cactus (Nopales & Fruit) can thrive in Arizona.
As fruit and vegetable prices are expected to rise this year, Arizonans 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 Craftcamp’s suggestions to grow in Arizona:
Armenian Cucumbers
Don’t let the name fool you – Armenian cucumbers are actually a variety of melon, and they’re tailor-made for Arizona’s blistering heat. These fast-growing climbers yield long, ridged fruits that stay crisp and mild-tasting, even when oversized. Unlike traditional cukes, they’re never bitter and don’t need peeling. Give them a sturdy trellis and some deep watering, and they’ll reward you with a steady crop all summer, perfect for salads, pickles, or crunchy snacking.
Tepary Beans
This ancient desert bean has been grown in the American Southwest for thousands of years and is perfectly adapted to Arizona’s low rainfall and high temps. With deep roots and a natural drought tolerance, tepary beans don’t just survive – they flourish. The beans come in various colors and boast a nutty, rich flavor that holds up well in soups, stews, and salads. High in protein and fiber, they’re a nutritional powerhouse and a meaningful way to connect with the region’s agricultural heritage.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Nopales & Fruit)
Native to Arizona and virtually indestructible, the prickly pear cactus produces both edible pads (called nopales) and vibrant, magenta-colored fruits. Some varieties are better for pads, others for fruit. The paddles, once de-spined and sliced, have a texture similar to green beans and are great grilled or sautéed. The sweet-tart fruit makes brilliant jams, syrups, and cocktails. Prickly pears need little more than sun and well-drained soil – and once established, they’ll reward you year after year with both beauty and bounty.
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.”
Mandrijauskas notes that many of these crops are more forgiving than traditional garden staples, thriving even in extreme heat, humidity, or cooler climates. “We want to show people: you don’t need to be a master gardener. You just need a patch of soil, a little water, and the right plants for your region.”
