Starting a garden can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner and have never grown plants before. It’s difficult to sift through all the information out there and determine where to start. One of the first things you must decide is what you want to plant.
Some plants are more beginner-friendly than others. Herbs tend to be a bit more beginner-friendly because they are low maintenance and thrive in pots. However, cilantro is a good example of a fussy herb that gives even more experienced gardeners a headache.
Here are seven plants that are beginner-friendly, vibrant, and easy to handle.
1. Cucumbers Plants
Cucumbers are a vine plant which makes them very adaptable. They grow well in garden beds but they spread out and can attach themselves to other plants. They also grow well in pots where you have plenty of space for them to spread out over the edge of the pot.
However, one of the best ways to grow vine plants such as cucumbers is with a trellis. That way they can climb, spread out, and grow more vegetables for a bigger harvest.
Cucumbers prefer warm soil which means they desire full sun, so make sure you plant them in a sunny location or place your pot where there will be lots of sun. There are many different varieties, some spread out a lot more and some grow a large harvest in a rather small area.
2. Tomatoes Bush
Tomatoes are some of the most common plants used in gardens. They are very easy to grow and produce large amounts of fruit. They can be grown in a variety of ways including garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
Tomatoes need lots of sunlight. It is best to start them with a wire frame if you aren’t putting them in hanging baskets because their bountiful fruit will weigh them down and you don’t want them to touch the ground. Tomatoes are a great plant to start from seed if you want to try your hand at going through the plants’ whole life cycle and saving some money while you are at it.
3. Bush Beans
Bush beans grow quite fast and allow you to plant multiple groups throughout the growing season. You can even grow them quickly in an open spot in your garden before your next crop goes in. Bush beans thrive in warm soil which means they love containers and full sun sections of your garden.
One thing to watch out for when planting bush beans is birds and chipmunks. Bush beans are planted quite close to the surfaces so critters may try to eat the beans before they are even able to sprout. You may have to protect the plants from these animals before they start to sprout.
4. Zucchini and Squash
Zucchini is a type of summer squash and they grow the same way as yellow squash. These plants sprout quickly and can be great producers. You have to make sure to harvest them often because if you leave vegetables on the plant for too long, it will stunt the growth of other nearby vegetables and reduce the size of your harvest.
5. Basil Plants
Basil is a great beginner plant because it grows well and has many other benefits. Its smell keeps pests away from plants like tomatoes and it is also a great compliment to tomatoes (and many other foods) while cooking.
6. Potatoes Plants
Potatoes are a cooking staple and they are a low-effort plant. They grow well in containers which makes harvesting easy. Plus, the process of digging up the tubers is fun, if also a bit messy. If you choose to plant in a container, make sure to use at least two and a half gallons so there is enough space for the potatoes to grow since they grow under the surface.
It is also important not to overwater them. Root rot can happen when plants are overwatered. Since potatoes are root vegetables, that means that your vegetables could rot.
7. Mint Plants
Mint is a plant that must be contained. First and foremost, do not plant this in your garden bed or you will never get rid of it. However, this same quality that some people see as a nuisance is a strength when it comes to beginner gardening.
Mint grows easily in most places but likes moist soil. It doesn’t need too much sunlight and it will come back again and again. Due to its prolific root system, you can chop it to the ground and it will regrow without an issue. However, if you plant it in a pot, every 2-3 years you will need to pull the plant out and remove three-fourths of the root and add in more soil so the roots don’t get too bound up. There are many different varieties of mint and it is a very hands-off plant.
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Conclusion
Starting a garden can be a daunting task but it is also an exciting one. Watching your plants grow through all their stages of life and getting to enjoy the fruit of your labor throughout the process is a rewarding and beautiful process. It is important to remember that learning how to garden requires time and patience but it’s rewarding and fulfilling.
FAQs
1. Why are these plants considered “unkillable” for beginners?
These plants are known for their resilience and ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including low light, irregular watering, and neglect, making them ideal for beginners who may still be learning the ropes of plant care.
2. Do these plants require any special care?
While these plants are more forgiving than others, they still benefit from some basic care, such as occasional watering (allowing the soil to dry out between waterings for most), adequate light (even if it’s low), and occasional fertilization during the growing season.
3. Can I keep these plants indoors year-round?
Yes, these plants are generally well-suited for indoor environments year-round. Just be sure to monitor their growth and adjust care as needed, especially if you notice signs of stress such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
4. How often should I water these plants?
It’s best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings for most of these plants. Stick your finger into the soil—if it feels dry an inch or so below the surface, it’s time to water.
5. Are these plants safe for pets?
While these plants are generally considered non-toxic to pets, it’s always a good idea to research the specific plant and take precautions, especially if you have pets that like to nibble on greenery.