The 16 Best Vegetables to Grow in Chicago

For those living in Chicago who are looking to start their own vegetable garden, finding the right vegetables to grow can be a challenging task. Chicago's unique climate and soil conditions may limit the types of vegetables that can thrive in this region. However, with the right knowledge and planning, it is possible to grow a variety of delicious and nutritious vegetables right in your own backyard.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to cultivate your green thumb, this page provides a comprehensive list of the best vegetables to grow in Chicago. Consider factors such as weather resistance, growing season, and soil preferences when making your decision. Happy gardening!
- Weather resistance
- Growing season
- Soil preferences
Now, without further ado, here are the 16 best vegetables to grow in Chicago:
- 1. Gethsemane Garden Center
- 2. Christy Webber Farm & Garden
- 3. Sprout Home
- 4. Plant Chicago
- 5. Chicago Roots Hydroponics and Organics - Northside
- 6. Farmers Market - Chicago's Garden Center
- 7. Growing Home Urban Farm
- 8. Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden
- 9. Fertile Garden Center LLC
- 10. Growing Home Administrative Office
- 11. Growers Outlet Co
- 12. Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden
- 13. Chicago Indoor Garden
- 14. Trantor Hydroponics Company
- 15. Chicago Lights Urban Farm
- 16. We Sow We Grow Project

- Monday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
1. Gethsemane Garden Center
Information and Reviews
- A fantastic place with a great variety of products and friendly staff
- Perfect for plant enthusiasts looking for healthy and diverse plants
- Highly recommended for Christmas trees and gifts year-round
- Great service and passionate staff that make the shopping experience delightful
Visit Gethsemane Garden Center and discover a world of beauty for your garden and home.

- Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
2. Christy Webber Farm & Garden
Information and Reviews
- Fantastic store with a wide selection of plants and knowledgeable staff. Great experience and reasonable prices.
- Unique pots and vibrant plant selection make this store stand out. Incredibly kind and helpful staff.
- Excellent customer service, well-organized store, and a vast selection of plants and pots. Slightly above average prices but worth it.
- Extremely helpful staff, especially for those new to gardening. A seamless process with knowledgeable employees.
Customers rave about the expansive and artistically arranged space at Christy Webber Farm & Garden. The staff is welcoming and eager to assist, making the plant buying experience enjoyable and educational. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, this garden center caters to all with its vast selection of plants, unique pottery, and top-notch customer service. Don't miss out on this gem in the heart of Chicago!

- Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
3. Sprout Home
Information and Reviews
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff eager to assist with all your gardening queries.
- Wide selection of plants, pots, and accessories for both indoor and outdoor gardening.
- Convenient service options including delivery and in-store pick-up.
Experience the warmth and welcoming atmosphere at Sprout Home, where everyone is treated like family. Visit them today and let your gardening journey flourish!

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
4. Plant Chicago
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the experience at Plant Chicago:
- Worth the trip. Informative tour and delicious food vendors.
- An extraordinary place with closed-loop systems and a fantastic farmers market.
- Wonderful space with diverse vendors and a great selection of beverages.

- Monday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
5. Chicago Roots Hydroponics and Organics - Northside
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about their experience at Chicago Roots Hydroponics and Organics - Northside. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Exceptional customer service and genuine conversations without feeling pressured to buy.
- Great selection of supplements at good prices with helpful and friendly staff.
- Knowledgeable and helpful employees who go above and beyond to assist customers.
- Competitive pricing on a wide range of products, along with excellent customer service.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable staff, a vast selection of products, and excellent customer service, look no further than Chicago Roots Hydroponics and Organics - Northside. Visit their website or stop by their store today!

- Monday: 9 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
6. Farmers Market - Chicago's Garden Center
Information and Reviews
- Loved it for the beautiful plants and helpful staff
- Highly knowledgeable and helpful staff
- Great selection of indoor plants with super friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Nice selection of annuals and perennials with awesome staff assistance

- Monday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
7. Growing Home Urban Farm
Information and Reviews
- Customers appreciate the healthy and amazing food offered at the Growing Home Urban Bar Crawl, prepared with fresh local farm vegetables.
- Visitors love the beautiful garden, mission, and staff, highlighting the farm's positive impact on the community.
- Reviewers mention that the staff is kind and dedicated, making a significant difference in the Englewood community.
This organic farm is not only unique as the only USDA approved organic farm in Chicago but also serves as a community resource hub, offering job training, career development, certifications, and computer labs. The programs provided at Growing Home Urban Farm have received accolades for their positive impact on employees and the neighborhood. The farm continues to expand and make a difference with its beautiful produce at affordable prices. Experience the freshness and commitment to the community at Growing Home Urban Farm.

8. Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise the wonderful experience they had at the Lincoln Park farmers market, highlighting the great work and amazing things the farm is doing for the community.
- Many rave about the quality of the produce, mentioning how fresh and delicious it is, with one customer even feeling a mood elevation after consuming it.
- Reviewers are shocked by how superb the food and produce are, with one stating that they never knew such a place was so close.
- Customers also highlight the unique and unmatched experience of shopping at this farm, with one individual stating that the produce is like none they have ever experienced.
If you are looking for fresh, high-quality produce grown with care, Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden is definitely worth checking out.

- Monday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
9. Fertile Garden Center LLC
Information and Reviews
- If you want to get new plants for your home, this is the place. All plants look healthy, and customer service is fantastic.
- Things you get here are better than the advice and quality you receive at big box stores.
- Super friendly and helpful service. You can walk in with a vague idea of what you want, and they'll take great care of you.

- Monday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
10. Growing Home Administrative Office
Information and Reviews
Customers have left glowing reviews for Growing Home, highlighting the following key points:
- An amazing USDA certified farm
- Great customer service and friendly staff
- Highly ethical and sustainable practices
- Beautiful and well-maintained facilities
These reviews speak volumes about the positive impact this organization has on the community. Visit their website to learn more about their initiatives and how you can get involved!

- Monday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
11. Growers Outlet Co
Information and Reviews
- Customers are pleasantly surprised by the extensive selection of plants and gardening supplies.
- Many appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the knowledgeable staff.
- Visitors highlight the high quality of the products and the excellent customer service provided.
With a rating of 4.5 stars, it's clear that Growers Outlet Co is a favorite among gardening enthusiasts in the area. So whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to start your own garden, this nursery is the perfect place to visit for all your gardening needs.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
12. Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden
Information and Reviews
- This place is wonderful
- It's perfect
- Customers are extremely satisfied
Customers rave about the beautiful garden and the exceptional service they receive. Whether you're looking for fresh flowers or delicious vegetables, Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden has you covered. Visit them during their business hours and experience excellence for yourself.

- Monday: 7 AM–3:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7 AM–3:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7 AM–3:30 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM–3:30 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–12 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
13. Chicago Indoor Garden
Information and Reviews
- Freshly grown wheatgrass and hydroponically grown sprouts for salads and sandwiches.
- Amazing and personable customer service with a smile from the owners.
- Best sprouts by far, can't be beat.
Visit Chicago Indoor Garden today to experience their top-notch products and exceptional service!

14. Trantor Hydroponics Company
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise Trantor Hydroponics for its vast selection of plants and gardening supplies.
- The friendly and knowledgeable staff provide expert advice and guidance for all levels of gardeners.
- The convenient payment options, including credit cards, make shopping a breeze.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Trantor Hydroponics Company is the go-to destination for all your gardening needs. Visit today and see for yourself why customers rave about this establishment.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 1–5 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
15. Chicago Lights Urban Farm
Information and Reviews
- Amazing place and lovely people!
- What an amazing place.!!
- Great place - my 5yr old daughter and I love the community garden here
- Amazing people, awesome produce and all around great asset for the community!
This community garden is not only wheelchair-accessible with accessible parking and entrance but also family-friendly, making it perfect for kids to explore and learn. The farm's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement shines through in the positive reviews it receives. Visit their website to learn more about this enriching urban oasis.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
- Sunday: Closed
16. We Sow We Grow Project
Information and Reviews
- Customers appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the organizers.
- The diverse group of neighbors, farmers, and friends come together at We Sow We Grow Project, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
- One customer highlighted the informative and engaging seed blocking class they participated in online, emphasizing the educational value provided by this project.
- Overall, customers praise this black-owned urban farm for its focus on community outreach and selfless contributions to the community.
If you're looking to be part of a supportive community focused on agriculture and education, consider getting involved with We Sow We Grow Project today!
Map of Vegetables to Grow in Chicago
Chicago's climate may not be ideal for all vegetables, but there are plenty that thrive in the windy city's growing conditions. From hearty root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to leafy greens such as lettuce and kale, there are many options for urban gardeners looking to cultivate fresh produce in their own backyard. Check out the map below to see what will grow best in your Chicago garden.
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