What to Plant if You’re New to Gardening

Starting a garden may feel like an overwhelming task. You may think about what you should plant or what happens if none of them grow or if you even have enough space.

However, you don’t need to be an expert in gardening to be able to grow your own food.  Starting your gardening journey with some beginner-friendly plants can build your confidence quickly and set your garden up for success.

Here are a few of the easiest crops you can grow if you are new to gardening. 

Lettuce

Lettuce grows fast and does not require deep soil. This makes it perfect for containers or even raised beds. Along with this, you can harvest the outer leaves as they grow. This method is often referred to as the "cut-and-come-again" method, which is a really good way to get multiple meals out of one plant.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

·         They grow fast

·         They require low maintenance

·         They do not require a lot of space

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are very resilient and productive plants. They can generally withstand disease, heat and poor conditions. With quality sunlight and support they can grow in containers or in garden beds.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

·         They produce a lot of tomatoes

·         They tolerate small mistakes

·         They are great for snacks or salads

Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables and they are usually ready to harvest after 20-30 days after planting.  Some of the best kinds to plant for quick results are Cherry Belle and French Breakfast.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

·         They have quick results

·         They are easy to grow in shallow soil

Spinach / Kale

Both of these leafy greens grow in cooler weather and can be harvested on multiple occasions throughout one season. Along with this, they are both very dense in nutrients.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

·         They are nutrient-rich

·         They regrow after they are harvested

·         They work in small spaces

Herbs

Herbs, such as basil, mint or parsley are very forgiving plants and can grow well in small pots. They can even grow on a small, sunny windowsill.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

·         They grow fast

·         They add flavor to simple meals

·         They can be grown both indoors and outdoors

Huge backyards are not necessary in order to start gardening. Some containers, soil, sunlight and watering are more than enough to begin your journey.

Watching a plant that you grow because of the care that you provide for it can fulfill a sense of accomplishment, especially for those who are learning the skill for the first time.

All you have to do is choose one or two plants that are beginner friendly and learn as you go. Every successful garden begins with one seed.