7 Crops I Will NEVER Grow Again in My Garden (and What to Grow Instead!)

After years of gardening, I’ve come to realize that not every crop is worth the time, space, and effort. Some plants take up too much room, yield disappointing harvests, or aren’t suited for a small backyard garden. Today, I’m sharing 7 crops I will never grow again and better alternatives to plant. If you’re limited on space or just want to avoid common gardening mistakes, this post is for you!

1. Flying Dragon Hardy Orange (Trifoliate Orange)

The Flying Dragon Hardy Orange seems appealing at first—who wouldn’t want to grow citrus in a cooler climate? But after years of growing it, I realized it’s more trouble than it’s worth. This tree is covered in sharp thorns, making it a hazard to have in the garden. When the fruit does finally appear, it’s bitter, seedy, and not enjoyable to eat fresh. The Flying Dragon Orange is better suited as an ornamental tree or for marmalades, but if you’re growing for fresh fruit, it’s a poor choice.

Better Alternative: Instead of the Flying Dragon, try growing lemons or limes in containers. They thrive in small spaces and, with the right care, will give you fresh citrus for your kitchen.

2. African Horned Melon (Jelly Melon)

The African Horned Melon may look exotic with its spiky skin, but it’s not a crop I’d recommend. While it’s a resilient plant, it takes over 100 days to mature, and the taste is underwhelming. Harvesting is a challenge due to its spikes, and even my garden helper, Tuck, wasn’t impressed by the flavor.

Better Alternative: Grow Mexican Sour Gherkins (Cucamelons) instead. These small, cucumber-like fruits are delicious, easy to grow, and come back year after year like a perennial.

3. Jujube Tree (Chinese Date)

Although the Jujube Tree produces fruit similar to apples, its large size and thorny branches make it difficult to maintain. The fruit is okay, but not something I look forward to. To top it off, Jujube trees are expensive and tend to spread through root suckers, making them high-maintenance in small gardens.

Better Alternative: For a better fruit option, try growing a Honeycrisp apple tree. It’s easier to manage, has no thorns, and produces delicious fruit every year.

4. Autumn Olive

The Autumn Olive grows incredibly fast due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, but it can quickly become invasive. While it produces tons of fruit, the berries are tart and have a silvery appearance, which makes them less appealing for fresh eating. The Autumn Olive is better for feeding birds than backyard gardeners.

Better Alternative: If you’re looking for a berry-producing shrub, grow gooseberry instead. They’re tasty, packed with antioxidants, and make a beautiful addition to any backyard.

5. Aronia Berry (Chokeberry)

The Aronia Berry (or Chokeberry) is known for its high antioxidant levels, but its fruit is so astringent that it’s nearly inedible when fresh. If you grow it, expect to turn the fruit into jellies or wines, but it’s not worth the space for fresh eating.

Better Alternative: Blueberries are once again a much better option. They’re sweeter, more versatile, and just as nutritious as Aronia berries without processing.

6. Japanese Raisin Tree

I've not seen any fruit after growing the Japanese Raisin Tree for over seven years. Even if the tree did fruit, it’s not the fruit that’s edible—it’s the stalks that connect the fruit to the branches. This large tree takes up too much room for backyard gardeners without providing enough reward.

Better Alternative: Grow American Persimmons or Pawpaw trees instead. Both produce unique, delicious fruits and are well worth the wait.

7. Goji Berry

Despite its reputation as a superfood, the Goji Berry is one of the worst crops I’ve ever grown. It’s finicky and hard to control, and the fruit has an unpleasant, tomato-like taste when fresh. Even when dried, it’s not enough to justify the effort. If you want the great nutrients, then this one is worth buying at the store!

Better Alternative: Ground cherries are a fun and productive annual that produce sweet, delicious fruit wrapped in little husks. They’re much easier to grow and require less maintenance than Goji berries.

Conclusion: Don’t Waste Space on These Crops!

Some crops are rare because they’re not suited for small spaces or easy backyard gardening. While it’s tempting to grow exotic plants, sometimes it’s better to stick with the tried-and-true varieties. Focus on crops that will reward you with abundant harvests, like apples, blueberries, and cucumbers, rather than ones that will leave you disappointed after years of effort.

Start with these better alternatives and watch your garden thrive!

FAQs About Failed Garden Crops

Q: What should I grow instead of Flying Dragon Orange?

A: Consider growing lemons or limes in containers. They’re perfect for small spaces and provide a more rewarding harvest.

Q: Why didn’t my African Horned Melon taste good?

A: The fruit takes a long time to mature, and it can be not easy to harvest at the right time. Mexican sour gherkins are a better option with a much more enjoyable flavor.

Q: Are Goji berries worth growing?

A: In my opinion, no. They’re finicky, don’t fruit consistently, and taste unpleasant. Try ground cherries for a better alternative.