Many people find it to be too much work or simply lack the time to dedicate to it. However, there are many plants you can grow if this is your first-time gardening and if you want your garden without all the hassles. The ten plants listed below are among the simplest to grow and care for, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
Mint Plant
It’s simple to grow mint. It is a very hardy perennial herb that grows quickly and prefers well-drained soil found in garden beds or clay pots on your patio. It thrives in the humid summer months. Since mint has deep roots, it can withstand droughts, but it can also become invasive if grown in an unsuitable location.
Growing mint from seed or cuttings is simple. When there is no risk of frost in the spring and all likelihood of cold weather has passed, start your seeds indoors in late winter and transplant them outside in the spring.
Chard Plant
The cultivation of chard, a leafy green vegetable, dates back thousands of years. In addition to having the same nutritional value as spinach, chard can be used in place of it. The plant has broad leaves on top of thick stalks from which it grows. Due to their tough and stringy texture, these stems shouldn’t be consumed.
By putting seeds in the ground, chard can be grown. Within ten days, the chard should start to sprout. Depending on where you live, seeds are typically planted between March and August. Put potting soil into a container that is at least five inches deep when growing chard indoors. Per container, plant two or three seeds, and then top off the seeds with additional soil.
Regular watering is necessary but avoids overwatering to prevent root rot. After the chard starts to sprout, thin out some of the plants so that only one or two of each type are left in each container for best growth.
Kale
Green leafy vegetables like kale can be consumed raw or cooked. Due to its ancestry in the cabbage family, kale resembles other vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts in appearance. It has been grown for more than 2000 years in both Europe and Asia, having its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, lutein, and zeaxanthin are just a few of the many beneficial nutrients that kale is high in.
Kale is a relatively simple plant to grow and can be started indoors earlier or planted outdoors as soon as the weather permits. When planting seeds, they should be sown about 1/4 inch deep and thinned out as they sprout. Due to its shallow roots, kale requires frequent watering but will not thrive in standing water. To grow healthy and produce large leaves, they should be fertilized every two weeks. However, too much nitrogen will cause leafy green growth as opposed to the usual blue-green color.
Oregano Plant
A perennial herb with an evergreen canopy, oregano has culinary, therapeutic, and decorative uses. You could call it wild marjoram. In some nations, Origanum vulgare is known as oregano. Its numerous varieties range in height from 30 to 60 cm, with opposite leaves that are typically about two centimeters long. The purple flowers have a length of two to three millimeters.
The seed for oregano should be sown just below the soil’s surface in gardens. The plant prefers full sun exposure in a temperate climate with well-drained but moisture-retentive soils. It does well when watered regularly, once or twice per week depending on the soil type, even though it tolerates poor soils and drought very well.
Mustard
Any of the numerous plant species belonging to the genera Brassica and Sinapis in the family Brassicaceae are known as mustard plants. Mustards are used as ornamental plants, leaf vegetables, and sources of oil. Although the entire plant can be eaten, young leaves are preferred.
As soon as you can work the soil, seeds need to be sown early in the year. Never allow mustard seeds to dry out before germination, and don’t let them sit around for too long before planting. If the seed is too wet, it will rot, and if it is too dry, it will take forever for it to sprout.
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus seeds can be used to grow the cucumber plant. It was first cultivated in India and then spread to Europe, Asia, and North Africa over thousands of years. There are numerous varieties, such as burpless varieties that do not produce as many seeds or pickling cucumbers, which have smaller fruits with bumpy skin.
After all threat of frost has passed, the seeds can either be planted outdoors immediately or indoors a week beforehand. Since cucumbers need room for their vines to spread, the plants should be spaced one foot apart, with two feet separating each row. Normally, cucumbers are picked when they are fully mature and green.
Carrots
A nutritious food that is simple to grow is carrots. They contain beta-carotene, which aids in preventing sun damage to your skin and eyes. Along with potassium and fiber, carrots also contain vitamins C, K, and A. Carrots can be grown indoors in pots if you live in an apartment or home without a garden.
When cared for properly, carrots are simple to grow in most climates. You shouldn’t be concerned if it takes them some time to emerge from the soil because they have a longer germination period than other plants. Just make sure to water them every day during this time.
Tomatoes
Because they resemble tiny red marbles, cherries, a type of tomato, are also referred to as cocktail tomatoes. Because they have thinner skin and less water content than larger varieties, you can consume them whole or puree them into delectable sauces without first peeling or seeding the fruit. You now have more control over the amount of fiber and nutrients you put into your diet.
In containers, hanging baskets, or even indoors on a sunny windowsill, cherry tomatoes are simple to grow. Look for growing cherry tomato varieties with names like a piglet, teardrop, or cherry bomb if you have the space. Compared to regular-sized cherry tomatoes, these varieties are typically smaller and more compact, but they still taste great. Additionally, learn the ultimate guide to growing your tomatoes here.
Lettuce
One of those ingredients that improve the flavor of everything is lettuce. It combines all the flavors in a dish to make mouthwatering combinations like Cobb salad or tuna salad! Lettuce: Due to its high fiber and vitamin K content, it is also incredibly healthy.
One of the simplest vegetables to grow is lettuce. All you need is some sunlight and a pot with loose soil. Simply pinch off a few top leaves if your lettuce starts to get too tall to prevent it from becoming bitter or flowering.
Radish
Radishes, which are quick-growing and delicious for giving summer salads a crunchy, peppery kick, are another one of the best plants for beginners looking to grow their vegetables.
From March, they can be sown directly into the ground in rows spaced about 15 cm apart. Thin them as they grow for the best results. They usually take 4-6 weeks to mature after sowing, so you won’t have to wait long to harvest them. In addition, learn what grows best in wet soil for your garden.