Watch the video

Last month we featured home gardening as a great way to work a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meal. Our "Do-It-Yourself Salads" featured much of the groundwork for starting your own garden and growing a variety of foods that fight cancer. Now it's time to start planting with this guide to seasonal produce in your area and step-by-step instructional video by our own registered dietitian.

Scientists believe that the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based diet may protect against cancer. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost their individual anti-cancer effects. That's why AICR recommends that at least 2/3 of your plate should be filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.

Here are a few of our favorites to plant now. For more specific growing times in your neck of the woods check out this helpful chart, organized by zones.

When to Plant Foods that Fight Cancer

Vegetable

Start Seed Indoors

Plant Seed or Transplant Outdoors

Asparagus

April 15 - May 1 (crowns)

April 15 - May 1

Broccoli

March 1 - 15

April 15 - June 1

Brussels Sprouts
Carrots

April 15 - June 15

Cucumbers

May 1 - June 15

Lettuce, head

March 1 - 15

April 15 - May 1

Peas

April 10 - May 15

Pepper

March 15 - April 1

June 1

Sweet Corn

May 10 - July 1

Tomato

April 1 - 15

May 15 - June 1

Watermelon

May 15 - June 1

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Download a full size PDF of this chart,
Adapted from Cornell Universtiy, 
Northeast Regional Food Guide.

What's Ready Now?

If you're not quite ready to start your own garden, but want fresh veggies now, check out our helpful chart (right) of what's in season. These items will be fresh at your local farmers' market and ready to add to your table today.


Foods that Fight Cancer: Container Gardening from AICR on Vimeo.


Additional Information:

Foods that Fight Cancer: Container Gardening from AICR on Vimeo.

from AICR.org