11 Drought-Tolerant Vegetables for a Bumper Harvest—Even if You Forget to Water Them These low-maintenance vegetables can survive in periods of drought. Close Credit: alvarez / Getty Images Growing your own produce is a rewarding experience, but it can take time and patience. One way to cut down on maintenance is by growing drought-tolerant vegetables that thrive with minimal watering. Whether you grow plants with long tap roots that reach deep into the soil for moisture or plants that store water in their tubers, there are plenty of vegetables that produce high yields without excess water. Ahead, we're sharing the drought-tolerant vegetables experts say to grow in your garden. Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University and author of Plants Are Speaking. Are You Listening? Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's AgCenter 5 Drought-Tolerant Fruit Trees That Can Thrive in Dry Weather 01 of 11 Lima Beans Credit: Uncle_Benny / Getty Images Originating in Central and South America, lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are bred to be drought-tolerant. "They have robust root systems," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. "Wild lima beans have adapted to a variety of climate conditions, including heat, drought, colder, and wetter conditions." Zones: 2 to 11Size: 2 to 15 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 02 of 11 Pole Beans Credit: Neyya / Getty Images Pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) have deep roots that can reach far into the soil for water, making them low maintenance when it comes to watering. Langelo says the 'Rattlesnake' pole bean is an heirloom variety known for being more drought-tolerant than even the common bean. Zones: 3 to 10Size: 6 to 9 feet tall x 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun; average, well-draining soil 03 of 11 Corn Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images Corn (Zea mays) has several characteristics that make it drought-tolerant. "Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and increase soil fertility reduces its overall water needs," says Langelo, adding that corn enters a state of dormancy and can conserve water until a drought is over. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 5 to 12 feet tall x 1 to 4 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 04 of 11 Chili Peppers Credit: Pramote Polyamate / Getty images Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are native to Central and South America, meaning these plants are bred to be drought-tolerant. While peppers can withstand periods of drought, they prefer moist soil, so water them accordingly. Zones: 9 to 11Size: 1 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil 10 Drought-Tolerant Summer Flowers That Thrive Through the Toughest Conditions 05 of 11 Okra Credit: Jenny Dettrick Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a delicious, drought-tolerant vegetable to add to your garden. "Okra has a prominent taproot that can extend several feet into the soil, accessing water and nutrients even in unfavorable conditions," says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's AgCenter. "Supplementary watering in prolonged dry conditions enhances yield." Zones: 8 to 11Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 06 of 11 Sunchoke Credit: NetPix / Getty images Sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as Jerusalem artichokes, grow from tubers, which store water. Additionally, these plants have fibrous roots that retain water. Both of these factors add to this plant's drought resistance. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil How to Eat Sunchokes, the Creamy Root Vegetable That’s In Season Now 07 of 11 Cowpeas Credit: zhikun sun / Getty Images Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) are from West Africa and are genetically predisposed to drought tolerance, says Langelo. However, these plants don't like weather extremes. Prolonged drought and excessive precipitation can stunt growth. Zones: 7 to 11Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; slightly acidic, sandy, well-draining soil 08 of 11 Some Squash Credit: alvarez / Getty Images Squash plants (Cucurbita pepo) have long roots that grow deep into the soil, allowing them to be resistant to drought and heat, says Langelo. Zucchini plants, also known as summer squash, have deep roots, but they also have surface roots that search for water. Luckily, there are drought-tolerant varieties such as Green-Striped Cushaw Squash and Dark Star Zucchini, Langelo adds. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide for squash; 1 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 6 feet wide for zucchiniCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 09 of 11 Black-Eyed Peas Credit: Sheila Brown / Getty Images Like other legumes, black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere with the help of bacteria. "Combined with its drought-tolerant nature, this can be a pretty low input crop to manage," says Abdi. Zones: 2 to 11Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil 10 of 11 Swiss Chard Credit: ShaneFolkertsma / GETTY IMAGES Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) is a frost-tolerant plant that is drought-tolerant once it is established. Like many young plants, Swiss chard needs regular watering until it gets established. "Most cultivars of Swiss chard are drought tolerant," says Langelo. "'Bright Lights' will not bolt in the heat of summer. 'Lucullus' will produce high yields during hot summer weather." Zones: 6 to 10Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, slightly acidic, well-draining soil 11 of 11 Sweet Potato Credit: Acib Lamawuran / GETTY IMAGES Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are sensitive to drought early on but become drought-tolerant once established. "Make sure adequate water is provided initially," says Abdi. "Avoid watering in the two to three weeks prior to harvest to avoid rotting of the tuber." Zones: 9 to 11Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 8 to 10 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; loamy, well-draining soil Explore more: Garden Vegetable Garden Ideas