If you live in a region where the soil does not drain excess water out easily, this might lead you to think that it might be difficult to grow anything in such soil due to the possibility of root rot. However, there are several crops that grow in wet soil that you can look into instead.
Let’s take a more detailed look at some of these crops and the growing conditions that they favor.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial flowering crop that can survive and grow well in wet soil up to a certain extent. However, it is important to ensure that the water eventually drains out so that this crop can regain its usual growing capacity.
Asparagus can also survive in soil that is slightly alkaline. Further, in order to make up for the wet soil, you can add a bit of manure and compost to ensure that it receives the necessary nutrients. You should also provide this crop with full sun for several hours a day.
Taro
Taro is a tropical plant and is commonly eaten as a root vegetable. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10 and can thrive in wet soil or high water conditions. For this reason, it is commonly grown in paddy fields or waterlogged areas.
However, it is important for the water in the soil to be suitable enough for this crop. For instance, it should be at a cool enough temperature without being still and sluggish as this could limit the roots from absorbing oxygen well.
Aronia Berry
Aronia berries have several antioxidants, making them very healthy to consume. They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. This crop can withstand most kinds of conditions including the cold and the heat.
These berries tend to grow well if the soil is acidic. You can grow them in various kinds of settings such as fields, orchards and gardens. They require bright sunlight but can grow well in partial light to a certain extent as well.
They can grow well in wet soil even though they prefer well-draining soil.
Fox Grape
Fox grapes generally grow in parts of North America. These grapes grow in hardiness zones 4 to 8 and require plenty of sunlight, although they can thrive best if grown using an arbor.
There are several varieties when it comes to fox grapes that you can consume as they are or use for making juices or jams. You can grow these grapes in wet soil as they can withstand several kinds of conditions. Too much water for too long, however, might not always be good for these grapes.
Mint
Mint is another plant that prefers wet soil over dry soil. It can grow in all sorts of conditions and is generally found around water bodies. In fact, growing mint in wet soil can be quite helpful and beneficial, as it can both get and provide a good framework to the soil around it.
Mint comes in several varieties and can also be used in a lot of foods and applications. You should, however, be careful while growing mint since it can be quite invasive.
Lowbush and Highbush Cranberries
Lowbush and highbush cranberries both look quite similar but are different in terms of their taste. While lowbush cranberries are what you would commonly buy and eat as they are, highbush cranberries have a stronger taste and are better used in jams or cooking.
You can grow both of them in wet soil. In fact, they prefer such moistness and dampness and are commonly grown in marshes and swamps. They commonly grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7.
Strawberries
Strawberries can grow well in wet soil as well. However, they cannot survive such dampness for too long, so it is important for you to ensure that the excess water eventually drains out. At most, they can withstand wet soil for a full day (or 24 hours).
Strawberries commonly grow in hardiness zones 3 to 10 and require a good amount of sunlight. They are quite popular fruits across the world as you can eat them in a variety of ways.
Hickory
Hickory is a fruit tree that is found in various parts of the world such as the US, Mexico, India and China. These trees bear fruit that can be used in various kinds of foods. You can also eat them as nuts that are similar to walnuts in their appearance. Pecan is a common variety of hickory.
It generally grows in hardiness zones 4 to 8-9 and prefers wet soil since they are commonly grown in coastal plains. They tend to prefer a good amount of sun, but they can withstand several conditions.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks are often eaten in different kinds of foods. The plant that grows rhubarb is perennial in nature and can grow well in wet soil, although not for long periods of time. They can survive both bright sunlight as well as shade.
The rhubarb plant’s leaves cannot be consumed because of the presence of oxalic acid, so make sure you do not consume them after growing this crop. It can also be useful to grow rhubarb in wet soil since it can improve its quality over time.
Persimmon
Persimmon is a fruit that grows on trees and comes in several species. You can either eat this fruit (as long as it is not too raw) as it is or use it in cooking or baking. It resembles a tomato in its appearance.
This fruit crop requires plenty of sun while growing. It generally prefers well-draining soil, but you can also grow it in wet soil to a limited extent as long as the excess water eventually drains out.
Red Raspberries
Red raspberry is a common food crop. Red raspberries are commonly consumed as fruit across the world and can also be used for cooking and baking. This kind of raspberry can grow well in wet soil as compared to several other varieties.
Eventually, however, you will need to ensure that all the extra water drains away so that the water does not pool up in the soil for longer than necessary. It grows best in temperate conditions.
American Groundnut
American groundnut is a perennial crop that grows in the form of vines and bears both beans or nuts and tubers, both of which are safe to consume by humans. In fact, American groundnut is commonly used in a variety of foods.
This crop is grown on a large scale. It can grow well in wet soil even if it is waterlogged to quite an extent. Its growing season is mainly summer to early fall during which it also bears its fruit and flowers.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a popular vegetable all over the world. Its white parts are edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways. While growing cauliflower as a crop, it is important to provide it with plenty of sunlight while avoiding extreme temperatures.
Moist or wet soil is another requirement for cauliflower to grow in a healthy manner, making it convenient for you to grow this crop if you live in such conditions. As long as you also provide organic feeding solutions and nutrients, the crop can thrive in wet soil.
Garden Pea
Garden pea grows in small pods on plants and is commonly eaten all over the world as a vegetable. There can be several peas in a pod. These plants are annual in nature and are commonly grown in winter across several parts of the world.
You can grow this crop in various kinds of soils and conditions, making it suitable to grow in wet soil as well. However, make sure the water eventually drains out well.
Celery
Celery is another popular vegetable. It is mainly its stalks that are eaten all over the world, although the leaves are also edible. Celery requires a good amount of sunlight but tends to prefer lower temperatures, which is why it is grown from fall to spring.
It prefers wet or waterlogged soil conditions and is able to thrive in such conditions. When it comes to eating, celery is generally eaten in its raw form, although you can add it to salads and soups as well.
Watercress
Watercress, as the name itself suggests, tends to thrive in high levels of water in the soil. It is a perennial and aquatic plant and requires plenty of water around it, which is why it can be grown entirely in water as well.
Watercress is eaten as a leafy vegetable and is mainly found in parts of Europe and Asia. It is known for its distinct taste and flavor.
Watercress also blooms white flowers that tend to grow in a bunch.
Skirret
Skirret is another perennial plant that is consumed as a root vegetable. It tends to resemble a carrot in its shape but has a brownish color throughout its body, much like a potato.
This vegetable is quite sweet in its taste but its preparation and cooking are quite similar to that of a carrot. Skirrets can withstand a good amount of moisture in the soil, making them suitable to grow in wet soil. In fact, unlike other root vegetables, skirrets tend to thrive in wet soil.
Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the same plant species as cauliflower, which can explain the similarity in their appearance. It is grown as an annual crop and comprises layers of leaves that are edible in many ways. It can also come in different colors such as purple, green or white.
Cabbages require plenty of sunlight while growing. They generally prefer soil that can drain well but can also withstand plenty of water to a certain extent. Beyond a point, however, the water should drain out.
Arugula
Arugula is another annual plant that has edible leaves known for their distinct flavor, allowing you to use them in a variety of foods. Its flowers and pods are also edible but less commonly used. Arugula is also commonly known as ‘rocket’ in some parts of the world.
Its growing season is from spring to fall. It tends to require a bit of dampness in the soil to be able to grow well and can withstand higher amounts of water as well, to an extent. It cannot, however, grow well in frost.
Tannier Spinach
Tannier spinach is a perennial crop that is known for its edible leaves. It requires plenty of water to thrive, making it suitable to grow in waterlogged areas. In fact, it is commonly grown in swamps and marshes.
Final Thoughts
Through this article, we have taken you through a number of crops that grow in wet soil. Some of these crops require plenty of water in the soil to be able to thrive while some can withstand it only to a certain extent. Now that you have this knowledge, you can pick a crop to grow well in wet soil conditions.
Author Note
This may not be the most useful article at the time. A lot of places are suffering from drought so please make smart choices with the plants you plant and the water that you use!