Gardening is a great way to de-stress and spend time outdoors. But another wonderful benefit is all of the vegetables that grow as a result of your hard work.
Home-grown vegetables are full of flavor and texture and just taste that much better.
If you are excited about starting a food garden but don’t know where to begin, lets take a look at the 10 easiest vegetables to grow.
#1 Carrots
Carrots are wonderfully easy to grow.
Like most root vegetables, carrots do well in most climates and can withstand the colder weather, making them ideal for most gardens.
Want to know the secret?
The key to successfully growing carrots is to not overcrowd them and to make sure they are planted in deep and loose dirt.
When it comes to carrots, Chantenay is one of the most popular types to grow. Other options include Danvers and Baby carrots.
#2 Lettuce
Lettuce is also a cool weather plant, meaning it can be planted in early spring or fall.
Lettuce does well in soil that is high in organic material, so if you’re into composting, here’s where that will come in handy.
There are quite a variety of lettuces that you are able to choose from. Some of these include Ithaca Iceberg, Nevada Summer Crisp, and Paris Island Romaine.
Here’s a tip:
The best time to plant them is during the summer, and you’ll then be reaping the benefits for quite a while after.
If you live in cooler climates and deal with snow, just cover your plants with a plastic sheet and you should be good to go.
#3 Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fun vegetable to plant because you can witness the development of their growth.
Tomatoes need a lot of sunshine so a good time to plant them is right before summer. Make sure they get plenty of water and you will soon enjoy the juicy addition to your summer salads.
Hint:
The easiest tomatoes to grow are of the bush variety, which can also be hung in baskets. Consider a Cherry Cascade or a similar type of tomato to start you off with.
#4 Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great addition to your garden, and not only because they are easy to grow.
You can grow cucumbers that pair wonderfully in your salad, or you can grow a variety, like Kirby cucumbers, that lends itself well to pickling.
The bottom line is:
Regardless of which you choose, cucumbers are best planted right when the weather warms up in the spring. They thrive in sunlight, so make sure they have plenty of exposure.
Also, keeping the soil moist will help make sure the cucumbers don’t become bitter.
#5 Bell Peppers
Bell peppers don’t take much to grow plentifully.
It’s best to start them off in-doors for about four-six weeks before transferring them outside to your garden. Bell peppers love the heat and soak up the sun, so make sure they have unhindered access to it.
Got that?
Bell peppers will start off with a lighter shade of color. Once they become a vibrant green (or yellow, orange, and red) you’ll know they are ready to be picked.
If you aren’t sure which type of bell peppers to go for, consider the Golden Bell, California Wonder, or Golden Summer Hybrid.
#6 Radishes
One of the easiest vegetables to grow, radishes are great for beginner gardeners and kids.
Radishes are a great first vegetable to grow because they sprout so quickly after being planted.
Remember:
Like carrots, radishes thrive when they have enough space to grow. Plant them in early spring or fall and let them do their thing. They’ll be ready for picking within a couple of weeks.
Once you do pick them, remember to plant more so that you will have a consistent harvest.
#7 Squash
If you give your Squash just a bit of love they’ll grow well and plentiful.
Hardier than cucumbers and melons, they’ll thrive if you give them sufficient sunlight, good soil, and water them frequently. They aren’t fond of wind, so make sure that your plot is protected and they’ll blossom for you.
When they reach about eight-ten inches long, you’ll know they’re ready for picking.
Also:
There are a lot of different squash options. Zucchinis, Sundance Squash, and Sunburst are all three very different types of squash but all excellent and a good place to start.
Fun fact, squash blossoms are also edible.
#8 Spinach
Spinach grows much like loose-leaf lettuce, making it an easy plant to harvest.
Another great aspect of spinach is that it is cold-weather friendly, making it a plant that tends to grow year-round.
News flash:
For optimal growth, make sure to directly sow the spinach in well-drained soil and compost. Just make sure to thin out any clusters a few weeks after you plant. This will ensure healthy growth.
Also, keep in mind that spinach will take over your garden if you let it!
#9 Onions and Garlic
A staple in most dishes, onion and garlic are relatively maintenance-free to grow.
Just plant the onion bulbs and individual garlic cloves in the dirt during the spring or fall. Make sure to keep the soil moist for the duration of the growing season.
And guess what?
In the summer, you’ll have plenty of fresh onions and garlic. Simply peel back the foliage and let them dry in the sun for a bit before storing.
#10 Green Beans
Like lettuce, there are a large variety of green beans to choose from. If you want something that grows easily, Broad beans are the way to go.
If you don’t want to plant in a trellis, Bush beans are a great alternative. Either way, green beans have shallow roots so make sure to keep the soil nice and moist, especially during hot days.
Remember:
For maximum results make sure to do successive sowings every two weeks.
And there you have it! 10 easy vegetables to grow to get you started in your garden.
Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration as you work to fill your table with homegrown goodness.
Before you know it, you’ll have an overabundance of tasty fresh vegetables that you won’t know what to do with them all.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Want to learn more about growing vegetables? You can find further information here:
- Growing Vegetables: Gardening Guide for Beginners – Garden.org
- The 6 Most Cost Effective Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden – Country Living
- How to Start a Vegetable Garden – Seasoned Homemaker
