Favourite Vegetable Varieties with Donna Balzer: Tried-and-True and Something New

Vegetables
Written By Steven Biggs

Vegetable Varieties

‍In this episode, I continue my cross-Canada tour to hear about top veggie varieties.

I’m joined by my former co-host, horticulturist, author, and longtime gardening educator Donna Balzer to talk all about her favourite vegetable varieties.

Donna shares her long-time favourite varieties—the ones she grows year after year—as well as varieties that have recently impressed her.

Donna and I wrote No Guff Vegetable Gardening together in 2011, and I’m a big fan of her approach to gardening. (If you’re looking for a copy of this Canadian classic, drop by Donna’s website.)

Whether you're planning your garden or interested in hearing about interesting varieties, this conversation will give you ideas for your 2026 garden.

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Here are seed-shopping tips and sources to get you started.

Seed Tips & Sources
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Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

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The Wild & Free Garden: Rethinking Gardening, Community, and Creativity with Stephanie Rose