15 Easy Veggies to Grow for Beginner Gardeners

Top Easy Veggies to Grow For the First-Time Gardener

If you want to try growing vegetables, the task can seem daunting (at first). You may have many questions swirling around your brain: what should you plant? What are the easy veggies to grow? Where should you plant them? How do you know when to harvest?

No need for questions after today because I have the answers for you! Try growing these easy vegetables:

Bell Peppers & Hot Peppers: Vibrant Additions to Your Garden

Bell and hot peppers are flavorful and versatile additions to any garden, offering a spectrum of colors, flavors, and heat levels. Here’s how to grow these vibrant vegetables with ease:

Planting: Start pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Transplant them into well-drained soil in a sunny location once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance: Peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and require regular watering to moisten the soil. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize pepper plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

Harvesting: Harvest bell peppers when they reach their full size and color, typically 60-90 days after transplanting. Hot peppers can be harvested when they get the desired temperature and color. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.

Varieties to Try: Experiment with different pepper varieties, such as ‘California Wonder’ for sweet bell peppers and ‘Jalapeno’ for spicy hot peppers, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences. And if you want to grow the hottest peppers, check out our post on Scoville heat rankings.

Beets: Colorful and Nutritious Root Vegetables

Beets are delicious and incredibly easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to your garden. Here’s how to grow beets and enjoy a bountiful harvest:

Planting: Sow beet seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs.

Care and Maintenance: Beets require consistent moisture to develop tender roots, so water and mulch around the plants regularly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once they have established themselves, thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart to allow room for root development.

Harvesting: Harvest beets when they reach the desired size, typically 50-60 days after planting. Gently pull the beets from the soil, not damaging the roots. Remove the tops, leaving an inch of stem attached, and store the beets in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Varieties to Try: Explore different beet varieties, such as ‘Detroit Dark Red’, ‘Golden’, and ‘Chioggia’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences. Do you lack space? No worries; you can grow beets in containers without issues.

Carrots: Crisp and Sweet Root Vegetables

Carrots are a favorite among gardeners for their crisp texture and sweet flavor, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow at home. Here’s how to cultivate a successful carrot crop:

Planting: Sow carrot seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs.

Care and Maintenance: Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil, so avoid compacting the soil around the plants. Keep the soil evenly moist and thin seedlings 2 inches apart once they have established themselves to allow room for root development.

Harvesting: Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size, typically 60-80 days after planting. Gently pull the carrots from the soil, not damaging the roots. Remove the tops, leaving an inch of stem attached, and store the carrots in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Varieties to Try: Experiment with different carrot varieties, such as ‘Nantes’, ‘Danvers’, and ‘Purple Dragon’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences. Grow carrots in containers on decks and patios to save space.

Cucumbers: Refreshing and Easy to Grow

Cucumbers are a refreshing addition to salads, sandwiches, and snacks, and they’re incredibly easy to grow in your garden. Here’s how to cultivate a successful cucumber crop:

Planting: Start cucumber seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Transplant them into well-drained soil in a sunny location once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance: Cucumbers require consistent moisture to develop crisp, juicy fruits, so water and mulch around the plants regularly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Train cucumber vines to climb trellises or fences to save space and improve air circulation. Fertilizing cucumbers early and during flowering will ensure a robust crop.

Harvesting: Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size, typically 50-70 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the cucumbers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production.

Varieties to Try: Explore different cucumber varieties, such as ‘Straight Eight’, ‘Lemon’, and ‘Miniature White’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Green Beans: Compact and Productive Bushes

Green beans are a classic vegetable that is easy to grow and incredibly productive, making them a perfect choice for any garden. Here’s how to cultivate a successful green bean crop:

Planting: Sow green bean seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows. Alternatively, you can plant bush beans in raised beds or containers for compact growing spaces.

Care and Maintenance: Green beans prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a sunny location with good drainage for planting. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Support pole beans with trellises or stakes to encourage upward growth.

Harvesting: Harvest green beans when young and tender, typically 50-60 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the beans from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the growing season.

Varieties to Try: Explore different green bean varieties, such as ‘Provider’, ‘Blue Lake’, and ‘Contender’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Lettuce: Fresh and Crisp Salad Greens

Lettuce is a favorite among gardeners for its fresh, crisp leaves and easy cultivation. Here’s how to grow lettuce and enjoy a continuous supply of salad greens:

Planting: Sow lettuce seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 6-8 inches apart in rows. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.

Care and Maintenance: Lettuce prefers cool, moist conditions and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather, so plant it in a partially shaded location or provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting: Harvest lettuce when the leaves are young and tender, typically 30-45 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest lettuce frequently to encourage continued production.

Varieties to Try: Explore different lettuce varieties, such as ‘Butterhead’, ‘Romaine’, and ‘Leaf’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Radishes: Quick and Colorful Root Vegetables

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, making them a perfect choice for impatient gardeners. And radishes are easy veggies to grow with kids and are ideal for a child’s garden. Here’s how to grow radishes and enjoy a quick and colorful harvest:

Planting: Sow radish seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs.

Care and Maintenance: Radishes prefer cool, moist conditions and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather, so plant them in a partially shaded location or provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting: Harvest radishes when they reach the desired size, typically 20-30 days after planting. Gently pull the radishes from the soil, not damaging the roots. Remove the tops, leaving an inch of stem attached, and store the radishes in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Varieties to Try: Explore different radish varieties, such as ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, and ‘Watermelon’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Spinach: Nutritious Greens for Every Meal

Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that is easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen. Here’s how to cultivate a successful spinach crop:

Planting: Sow spinach seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 6-8 inches apart in rows. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.

Care and Maintenance: Spinach prefers cool, moist conditions and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather, so plant it in a partially shaded location or provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting: Harvest spinach when the leaves are young and tender, typically 30-45 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest spinach frequently to encourage continued production.

Varieties to Try: Explore different spinach varieties, such as ‘Baby Spinach’, ‘Bloomsdale’, and ‘Tyee’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Squash: Versatile and Vigorous Growers

Squash plants are vigorous growers that produce abundant, delicious fruits, making them a rewarding addition to any garden. As easy veggies to grow it doesn’t get easier. I plant my squash in early summer and don’t fuss about it much afterward until harvest! Here’s how to cultivate a successful squash crop:

Planting: Start squash seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Transplant them into well-drained soil in a sunny location once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance: Squash plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a sunny location with good drainage for planting. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Support vining varieties with trellises or stakes to save space and improve air circulation.

Harvesting: Harvest squash when they reach the desired size and color, typically 50-70 days after planting.

Tomatoes: Gardeners’ Pride and Joy

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, prized for their versatility and flavor. Here’s how to grow these beloved fruits for a bountiful harvest:

Planting: Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Transplant them into well-drained soil in a sunny location once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance: Tomatoes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a sunny spot with good air circulation for planting. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake or cage indeterminate varieties to support their sprawling growth habit. You can grow determinate and cherry tomatoes in pots.

Harvesting: Harvest tomatoes when they reach their full color and size, typically 60-80 days after transplanting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the tomatoes from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Harvest tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production throughout the growing season.

Varieties to Try: Explore different tomato varieties, such as ‘Early Girl’, ‘Roma’, and ‘Cherokee Purple’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Note: Tomatoes are not without challenges, although they are one of the easy to grow vegetables we all love, they can fall victim to blight, blossom end rot, looked gnarled and misshapen and can split if watering isn’t consistent.

Zucchini: Prolific Producers for Every Garden

Zucchini plants are known for prolific production, making them a gardener’s favorite. It’s an easy veggie to grow that we can sometimes overplant. Here’s how to grow these versatile vegetables for a bumper crop:

Planting: Start zucchini seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly into well-drained soil once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. Space the seeds or seedlings 2-3 feet apart in rows or hills to allow for their sprawling growth habit.

Care and Maintenance: Zucchini plants prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, so choose a sunny spot with good drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Support the vines with trellises or cages to keep the fruits off the ground and prevent rot.

Harvesting: Harvest zucchini when they reach their desired size, typically 50-70 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the zucchini from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Harvest zucchini regularly to encourage continued production throughout the growing season.

Varieties to Try: Explore different zucchini varieties, such as ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Golden’, and ‘Yellow Crookneck’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences. If you want to grow zucchini in pots, choose compact bush varieties.

Onions: A Kitchen Essential with Minimal Effort

Onions are a fundamental ingredient in countless recipes and are surprisingly easy to grow in your garden. Here’s everything you need to know to cultivate these flavorful bulbs:

Planting: Onions can be grown from sets (small bulbs) or seeds, making them accessible for beginners. Plant sets or sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows.

Care and Maintenance: Once planted, onions require minimal care. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Harvesting: Harvest onions when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing them in a cool, dry location. You can grow onions in containers fairly easily.

Varieties to Try: Consider experimenting with different onion varieties, such as ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’, ‘Red Baron’, and ‘White Lisbon’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Potatoes: Versatile and Foolproof Harvests

Potatoes are a staple crop with a remarkably high success rate for beginner gardeners. Here’s a simple guide to growing your potatoes:

Planting: Plant seed potatoes in well-drained soil in early spring, about 2-3 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart. As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around the stems to encourage tuber formation.

Care and Maintenance: Keep potato plants well-watered throughout the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth.

Harvesting: Harvest potatoes once the plants have died and the skins are set. Gently loosen the soil and unearth the tubers, handling them carefully to avoid bruising. Allow them to cure in a cool, dark place before storing.

Varieties to Try: Explore different potato varieties, such as ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Pontiac’, and ‘Russet Burbank’, to discover which ones perform best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Kale: Hardy Greens for Every Garden

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that thrives in various climates and requires minimal maintenance. It is one of our favorite easy veggies to grow in our garden because it keeps producing right into winter.

Planting: Sow kale seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.

Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Kale is relatively pest and disease-resistant, making it an easy crop to grow. Grow kale in containers in early spring and late fall.

Harvesting: Harvest kale once the leaves are large enough to eat, usually 50-60 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to snip off individual leaves as needed, leaving the central growing point intact for continued growth.

Varieties to Try: Experiment with kale varieties, such as ‘Dinosaur’, ‘Red Russian’, and ‘Curly Green’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Swiss Chard: Colorful and Versatile Greens

Swiss chard is a beautiful and nutritious addition to any garden, with colorful stems and tender leaves perfect for salads, sautés, and soups. Here’s how to grow Swiss chard with ease:

Planting: Sow Swiss chard seeds directly into well-drained soil in early spring or late summer, spacing them 6-8 inches apart in rows. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.

Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Swiss chard is relatively pest and disease-resistant, making it easy to grow.

Harvesting: Harvest Swiss chard once the leaves are large enough to eat, usually 50-60 days after planting. Use scissors or garden shears to snip off individual leaves as needed, leaving the central growing point intact for continued growth.

Varieties to Try: Explore different Swiss chard varieties, such as ‘Bright Lights’, ‘Fordhook Giant’, and ‘Ruby Red’, to discover which ones thrive best in your garden and suit your culinary preferences.

Common Challenges in Vegetable Gardening for Beginners

Embarking on your vegetable gardening journey can be immensely rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. Here are some common hurdles beginners may face and how to overcome them:

1. Poor Soil Quality: One of the most common challenges in vegetable gardening is dealing with poor soil quality. Soil that lacks essential nutrients can stunt plant growth and yield. To address this issue, consider amending your soil with compost or organic matter to improve its fertility and structure. Conducting a soil test can also provide valuable insights into its composition, allowing you to tailor amendments accordingly.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering: Achieving the right balance of water is crucial for the health of your vegetable plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause wilting and poor growth. To prevent these issues, monitor soil moisture regularly and water plants deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
3. Pest Infestations: Pesky insects and garden pests can wreak havoc on your vegetable garden, damaging plants and reducing yields. Common culprits include aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. To combat pest infestations, practice good garden hygiene by removing debris and weeds that can harbor pests. Consider using organic pest control methods such as companion planting, row covers, or insecticidal soaps to deter pests without harming beneficial insects.
4. Disease Outbreaks: Vegetable plants are susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, blight, and damping-off. These diseases can spread quickly and devastate entire crops if left unchecked. To minimize the risk of disease outbreaks, choose disease-resistant varieties when possible and practice crop rotation to prevent the buildup of pathogens in the soil. Proper spacing and ventilation can also help reduce humidity levels and inhibit disease development.
5. Weed Competition: Weeds compete with vegetable plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, potentially reducing yields and hindering growth. Regular weeding is essential to keep weeds at bay and maintain a healthy garden environment. Consider using mulch to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture, making it easier to manage weed populations.

By being aware of these common challenges and implementing proactive strategies, beginner gardeners can overcome obstacles and enjoy a successful and rewarding vegetable gardening experience.

Expert Tips

Achieving success in vegetable gardening requires more than just planting seeds and watering plants. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize your yields and cultivate a thriving vegetable garden:

1. Start with the Right Location: Choose a sunny spot for your vegetable garden, as most vegetables require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive. Avoid areas with poor drainage or strong winds, adversely affecting plant growth.
2. Water Wisely: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance in your vegetable plants. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone and minimize water wastage through evaporation.
3. Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control: Apply a layer of organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around your plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
4. Fertilize Strategically: Avoid over-fertilizing your vegetable plants, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Instead, use a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments such as compost or fish emulsion to provide essential nutrients in moderation.
5. Practice Companion Planting: Use companion planting principles to maximize space, deter pests, and enhance pollination in your vegetable garden. Planting certain vegetables, herbs, or flowers together can promote mutually beneficial relationships and improve overall garden health.
6. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect your vegetable plants for signs of pest infestations or disease outbreaks. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, minimizing damage and preventing further spread.
7. Harvest at the Right Time: Harvest your vegetables at their peak ripeness for optimal flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Use visual cues such as color, size, and firmness to determine when fruits and vegetables are ready for picking.

FAQ

Final Remarks

Growing a thriving vegetable garden can be rewarding and achievable for beginners. Start small and select easy veggies to grow, like onions, potatoes, kale, and Swiss chard. Pay attention to each vegetable’s specific needs and embrace experimentation. With dedication, patience, and a little bit of green thumb magic, you’ll soon be reaping the delicious rewards of your labor. Happy gardening!

Join The Conversation

We invite you to join the conversation and share your experiences, tips, and questions about growing vegetables as a beginner. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of gardening experience, your insights can enrich the gardening community and inspire others. So, let’s come together, exchange ideas, and cultivate a vibrant community of passionate vegetable growers. Your voice matters, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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Editors Note: This article was first published on April 12, 2020. It was updated on March 6th, 2024, to include a table of contents, expert tips, common troubleshooting issues, and additional information and reformatting.