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Summer is in full swing. Most gardeners have their plots in full swing, and some are already thinking ahead to fall planting. It’s an exciting time, with fresh vegetables and steady growth bringing a real sense of reward.
But not every crop is easy to grow. Some vegetables need more time, attention, and specific conditions to do well. They might not be the best choice for beginners or anyone looking for quick results. Still, the payoff can be worth it—whether it’s better flavor, more nutrients, or simply the satisfaction of finally getting a tricky plant to grow.
If you’re planning your next round of planting, keep these 12 vegetables in mind. They may be a bit more work, but they’re worth growing at least once.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A and have a naturally sweet flavor, but they can be tricky to grow because they need a long, hot growing season to thrive.
Start by planting slips (small rooted sprouts) after all danger of frost has passed. Choose a spot with full sun and loose, well-drained sandy soil to give the roots plenty of room to develop. Regular watering and warm soil temperatures are key to a successful harvest.
Parsnips
Parsnips are one of those vegetables that require extra time and care to grow well. They need deep, loose soil without any rocks or clumps—otherwise, the roots can end up misshapen or forked. Preparing the soil properly before planting is key.
They also take their time to get started. Parsnip seeds have a long germination period, often taking two to three weeks to sprout, and they don’t always come up evenly. Cool, consistent moisture helps, but you’ll still need patience. If you’re expecting quick results, parsnips might not be the best fit—but if you’re willing to wait, the reward is worth it.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a long-haul crop. It can take three to five years before you get a decent harvest, and it needs plenty of space to grow—each plant can spread several feet. It’s also a perennial, so you’ll need to commit to a permanent spot in the garden. While the payoff is worth it for some, many gardeners find asparagus too slow and space-hungry to justify growing it.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts demand both time and attention. They take 80 to 110 days to mature after transplanting, and during that time, you’ll need to stay on top of watering, feeding, pest control, and even staking.
Fennel
Fennel can be a frustrating plant to grow, even though it’s a favorite in many kitchens. It doesn’t handle stress well—too much heat, not enough water, or being moved after planting can all cause it to bolt.
It also requires specific growing conditions to thrive. If it’s planted too close to other vegetables, the bulbs may not form properly because the plants compete for nutrients. Fennel is known to emit chemicals that can impact nearby plants, rendering it a poor companion in mixed beds. Because of this, some gardeners grow it in containers or give it a spot all to itself. It can be done, but it takes careful planning and attention.
Artichokes
Artichokes may look impressive in the garden, but growing them takes serious patience. They can take up to two years to mature, and they require a period of cold (known as vernalization) to trigger flowering.
Artichokes also prefer sandy, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, making them a challenge for gardeners with clay soil or unpredictable watering habits.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is known for being picky. It needs steady, cool weather over several weeks to form full heads. It’s also sensitive to water stress—too much or too little can result in bitter, tough florets. In short, cauliflower doesn’t like surprises, but it’s worth it when grown.
Celery
Celery has a reputation for being one of the most high-maintenance vegetables to grow. It needs consistently moist (but not soggy) soil, prefers cool weather, and requires nutrient-rich conditions to avoid becoming stringy or yellow.
It’s also a slow grower and easily affected by stress, making it hard to grow well without careful attention. But if you grow it, in the end, it is worth the effort.
Cilantro
Cilantro can be frustrating, especially in warm climates. It bolts quickly as soon as temperatures rise, sending up flowers and going to seed before producing many usable leaves. Even in cooler weather, cilantro has a short harvest window. It grows fast, but it also fades fast—making timing and succession planting essential.
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Corn
Growing corn in a home garden sounds great in theory, but it’s tough to do well on a small scale. Corn is wind-pollinated and needs to be planted in large blocks (not rows) for good pollination.
Without enough plants, you’ll end up with poorly developed ears. It also needs full sun, lots of nutrients, and space to grow, so it’s not ideal for container gardens or tight plots.
Eggplants
Eggplants are heat-loving plants that require a long growing season, making them challenging to grow in cooler or short-season areas.
They’re also highly susceptible to pests like flea beetles, which can chew up leaves early in the season and stunt plant growth. Without consistent warmth and protection, eggplants may struggle to produce a satisfying harvest.
Related: The Best Companion Plants to Support Your Slow-Growing Eggplants
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers may be popular, but they’re surprisingly fussy—especially in cooler climates. They need warm, consistent temperatures to thrive, and don’t handle cold snaps or excessive heat well. They’re also slow to mature, prone to pest problems like aphids and spider mites, and often struggle with blossom end rot due to uneven watering or calcium imbalances.
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