You do not need to travel across the globe to enjoy the bold flavors and traditions of the Middle East. Imagine your family gathered in the backyard, each person preparing a different Middle Eastern dish using ingredients picked just moments before. Your garden becomes more than just a source of food; it becomes a gateway to exploring culture, tradition, and flavor through fresh, homegrown ingredients.

In this blog, you'll discover popular ingredients and essential tips for growing them at home, whether in raised garden beds, planters, greenhouses, or even indoors. You’ll also learn about the staple dishes these herbs and spices are used in and how to bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table from your very own garden.

1. Eggplant

Eggplants thrive in warmth and full sunlight, so raised garden beds or containers placed in a sunny spot with rich, fertile soil and consistent moisture are ideal. Eggplant is the star of baba ghanoush, a smoky, creamy dip popular in Lebanon and Syria, often served as part of a mezze platter.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes love warm summer sun and grow best in raised garden beds or large pots with good drainage. They benefit from support structures like trellises, sturdy stakes, or cages to prevent sprawling. Tomatoes are the base of shakshuka, a beloved breakfast dish in Israel and Tunisia where eggs poach in a spiced tomato sauce. Tomato paste is also widely used in stews throughout the Middle East.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers grow well when allowed to climb trellises or fences, saving space and improving airflow to reduce disease. They thrive in warm weather with plenty of water to stay crisp and avoid bitterness. Cucumbers are a key ingredient in tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip enjoyed in Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, often served with grilled meats.

4. Zucchini

Raised garden beds or large containers work well for zucchini, as the plants need space to spread out and good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Zucchini is the star of kousa mahshi, a traditional dish from Syria and Palestine where the squash is hollowed out and stuffed with fragrant rice and spices. It’s also delicious when paired with grilled meats and bulgur pilaf.

5. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers have similar growing needs to tomatoes, making them easy to grow in full sun using raised garden beds. They thrive with consistent watering and benefit from stakes to support their vertical growth. Bell peppers are often used in dishes like stuffed red peppers and muhammara, a rich red pepper and walnut dip that’s a signature of Syrian cuisine. 

6. Garlic

Garlic is a wonderful crop to plant in the fall, especially in raised garden beds where the soil drains well and stays loose enough for the bulbs to expand.  Garlic is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, featured in dishes like toum, a fluffy Lebanese garlic sauce often served with grilled meats and shawarma. Also hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh, and mixed in falafel and kofta. It’s used generously in marinades for kebabs and hearty dishes like mujaddara, a lentil and rice dish served with garlicky yogurt. 

7. Onions

Onions grow best when started early in the season from sets or seeds. Raised garden beds are ideal because onions prefer loose, well-drained soil. They are a fundamental ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes such as Mansaf from Jordan, Kibbeh from Lebanon and Syria, and Dolma, also known as stuffed grape leaves, which are popular across the Levant. 

8. Fava Beans

Fava beans are a cool-season legume that is perfect for fall planting in mild climates or early spring. They prefer rich soil and some wind protection, as the plants can grow quite tall in raised garden beds. Fava beans are the key ingredient in ful medames, a slow-cooked fava bean stew that is Egypt’s beloved national dish and a popular breakfast favorite.

9. Okra

Okra is a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun and warm temperatures in raised garden beds or rolling planters with well-drained soil. It’s best to harvest the pods when they’re young to keep them tender and avoid the slimy texture. Okra is used in bamya, a lamb stew that’s popular in Iraq and Egypt. 

10. Parsley

Parsley prefers cooler weather and grows well in spring and fall, perfect for raised garden beds or pots where you can manage watering easily. Parsley is the main star in tabbouleh, a popular salad from Lebanon.

11. Mint

Mint is a vigorous grower that spreads quickly, so it’s usually best kept in individual containers to keep it in check. It’s a key ingredient in Moroccan mint tea, and also a refreshing herb for drinks, salads, and desserts.

12. Cilantro

Cilantro grows quickly but bolts in heat, so it’s best planted early in spring or late in summer for a fall harvest. Allowing cilantro to flower and go to seed produces coriander, a spice often used in cooking lamb and grilled meat marinades. Cilantro is also a key flavor in falafel, a crispy fried chickpea patty popular in Egypt and Jordan.

13. Dill

Dill loves full sun but tends to bolt quickly in hot weather, making spring and fall its prime growing seasons. It flavors khiyar bi laban, a Lebanese cucumber yogurt salad that’s cool and creamy, perfect for hot days.

14. Za’atar

Za’atar, sometimes called Syrian oregano or wild thyme, is a tough, drought-tolerant herb that thrives in dry, sunny spots with well-drained soil. Once established, it requires little watering. Za’atar is the star of za’atar manakish, a popular flatbread topped with the herb and olive oil, common in Syria and Palestine. It’s also used to season meats.

15. Bay Laurel

Bay laurel is a slow-growing shrub or small tree that does best in containers, ideally sheltered from strong winds and placed in a sunny, protected spot. Bay leaves add depth to many Persian and Levantine stews and soups.

16. Lime

Lime trees thrive in warm climates and need full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown in the ground or in containers to protect them from frost. The bright, tangy flavor of lime is essential in many Middle Eastern and North African dishes. While preserved lemons are a staple in Moroccan cooking, preserved limes, also known as black limes or dried limes, are popular in Persian and Gulf cuisines. They add a distinctive flavor to stews, rice dishes, and sauces.

17. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a tough, drought-tolerant tree that loves hot, dry summers. The jewel-like seeds are a key part of fesenjan, a luxurious Iranian stew of pomegranate and walnuts, known for its sweet and savory balance.

18. Figs

Figs grow well in pots or directly in the ground in sunny spots and prefer soil that dries out slightly between waterings, mimicking Mediterranean conditions. They are often stuffed with nuts and honey in Turkish desserts and are also used in Turkish delight and dried for snacks.

19. Grapes

Grapes need full sun and a sturdy trellis to climb. Their leaves are the foundation of dolma, or stuffed grape leaves, a beloved dish across Turkey, Lebanon, and much of the Middle East. Grape leaves are also used in salads and chutneys, adding a tangy, earthy flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just trying out your first plant, starting with easy plants is a great way to begin. Gardening does not have to be hard or expensive, and it is a smart way to learn about the world around you. Plus, it is good exercise, helps you relax, and gets you outside. Before you know it, your family will be enjoying fresh meals and seeing the world a little differently, all from your own backyard.