The Easiest Plants to Grow In a Vegetable Garden: A Beginner Gardener’s Guide to Success
Are you dreaming of fresh veggies picked right in your backyard, but unsure where to start? Starting a garden can feel overwhelming if you are new to growing your own food, but you don’t have to have a green thumb to get started. Whether you start with a space in your backyard, or a few containers on your patio, choosing the right plants can set you up for a lovely harvest. In this post, we will cover some of the easiest to grow vegetables that are perfect for beginner gardeners. These low maintenance plants are forgiving don’t require fancy tools or years of experience. They are perfect for building your confidence as you begin your garden.
What Makes a Vegetable Easy to Grow?
So what differentiates easy-to-grow plants from the others? When it comes to gardening, an “easy” plant is one that thrives with minimal fuss and produces a generous harvest even when conditions aren’t perfect. They typically do not have many pests, they grow rather quickly, can be direct sown (seeds planted straight into the soil) and do not require special tools or techniques.
The Easiest Vegetables to Grow
1. Zucchini
Zucchini is a favorite among beginner gardeners because it is incredibly easy to grow and it produces a large harvest with minimal care. After your last frost date (you can look up your average last frost date here), plant zucchini seeds directly into the ground or in a large container. Keep them watered and let the sunshine do the rest. When it comes time to harvest in a month or so, take note that zucchini does grow quickly so you should check daily when your crop begins to grow.
2. Radishes
Radishes are another very quick and easy vegetable to grow. They grow so quickly, that you could plant and harvest them twice in one garden season. Like the zucchini, you simply sow the seeds directly into the soil. Space each seed about 1 inch apart and keep the soil moist. Since radishes take up very little space, they are great for container gardens or filling in gaps around other plants!
3. Onions
Onions are great for beginner gardeners because they are hardy and low maintenance. They are easiest to grow from sets- small, immature onion bulbs that you simply plant into the ground. They do not require much attention other than watering and occasional weeding. Onions take time to mature into full bulbs, however you can harvest green onions early if you wish. Onions also store well after they are harvested, which makes them easy to store in your pantry for many months without learning to can or other preserving techniques.
4. Beans
Beans are another fast growing and low maintenance crop. They provide a large harvest as well! Both bush beans and pole beans are easy to grow, however if you do not have a trellis or something for pole beans to climb, I would recommend bush beans as they are more compact and do not require additional support with a trellis.
5. Lettuce
Spring mix lettuce is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for beginner gardeners. It grows quickly, is great for cool temperatures and takes up very minimal space. You simply scatter the seeds directly into the soil, gently pat them down and keep them watered. Within about 4 weeks you will be harvesting your own fresh salad right at home!
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another easy to grow veggie with a large harvest. You can plant cucumbers in any garden space- directly in the ground, raised beds, or even in containers. You can use a trellis to give the vine something to climb and take up less space, but this is not necessary if you’re unable. Check your cucumbers often, as they tend to grow quickly.
Other Easy Plants to Grow
Zinnias
If you’re looking to add some color to your garden that requires little maintenance, zinnias are your go to plant. They are both beautiful and so simple to grow. I simply put down a plastic weed barrier to keep minimal weeds and pour all purpose garden soil on top of the weed barrier, about 2” deep. Then just scatter your seeds, rake some dirt over top of them, and keep watered. You will have beautiful blooms for your garden and for bouquets all summer long!
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are another bright and beautiful flower that you can grow right from seed. They are also great for repelling garden pests!
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are great for adding visual dimension to your garden with their impressive heights. Saving sunflower seeds is very simple, and a free way to add more flowers to your garden in the years to come.
Beginner Gardening Tips for Success
Start out small enough that it feels manageable to you.
Plant after your last frost date for better chance of your plants surviving.
Attract pollinators with flowers.
Plant your garden where it will get sun for most of the day.
I am no expert gardener, but I hope that my insights and tips after a few years are helpful in navigating your garden. The best advice I have is to enjoy to process and the beauty. It is all about getting outdoors and connecting with nature.