Whether you’re drawn to the allure of homegrown vegetables, aromatic herbs, vibrant flowers, or sweet fruits, the key to a successful garden lies in selecting the right crops. Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide of beginner-friendly crops that will turn your garden into a thriving paradise.
Lonely Pines Farm may earn a commission for purchases made after clicking links on this page.
Embarking on the journey of creating your own garden is a thrilling endeavor, and as a beginner, choosing the right crops is the first step towards success. In this guide, we’ll explore our top selection of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits that are not only easy for novice gardeners but also promise an abundant harvest.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of gardening, be sure to watch our video on Creating Your Ultimate Grow List or check out one of our blog posts below.
Vegetables
Salad Greens
Ideal for those eager to enjoy fresh, crisp salads from their own backyard. Plant a mix of lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, and swiss chard for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season! Seeds can be sown outdoors in the spring and fall.
Learn more tips & tricks for planting lettuce here.
Garlic
A staple in countless recipes, garlic is surprisingly easy to grow. It’s also incredibly disease and pest-resistant, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. Plant cloves in the fall for a bountiful summer harvest.
For a deeper dive into growing garlic, explore our complete playlist or delve into the informative videos and blog posts highlighted below.
Onions
Onions are a kitchen essential, and lucky for beginners, they are forgiving and adaptable. Plant them in well-drained soil and watch them flourish.
We recommend starting onions from seed, but onion sets work well too. For larger onions, like Walla Walla’s, it’s best to plant in the fall. And don’t forget about bunching onions (aka green onions or scallions).
To dive deeper into growing onions, explore our complete playlist or watch one of the videos highlighted below.
Zucchini
Versatile and prolific, zucchini plants are perfect for beginners. They also perform well in containers. Prepare for an abundance of squash that you can enjoy in various culinary creations.
What is the secret to growing zucchini?
The secret to successfully growing zucchini lies in providing the right growing conditions and a little strategic care. Zucchini plants thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, requiring full sunlight for optimal growth. Adequate spacing between plants allows for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases.
Regular watering is essential, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist. Additionally, incorporating a balanced fertilizer and providing support for the sprawling vines contribute to a healthy and productive zucchini harvest. Lastly, vigilant monitoring for pests and diseases, coupled with timely intervention, ensures a flourishing zucchini crop in your garden.
Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy and bursting with flavor, cherry tomatoes are an excellent choice for those new to gardening. They are easier to grow than large beefsteak tomatoes & thrive in containers or hanging baskets.
But be on the lookout for blight. It’s somewhat common with tomatoes and can abruptly end your season.
Learn more about how to prune tomato plants for a better harvest here.
Do cherry tomatoes need to climb?
While cherry tomatoes don’t necessarily need to climb like their larger counterparts, providing support can offer several benefits. Indeterminate cherry tomato varieties, which continue to grow and produce throughout the season, can benefit from stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the vines off the ground. This not only helps prevent diseases caused by soil contact but also makes harvesting easier.
Determinate cherry tomato varieties, which have a more compact growth habit, may not require support but can still benefit from cages to keep the plants upright and organized. Ultimately, while not mandatory, providing some form of support for cherry tomatoes can contribute to healthier plants and a more convenient gardening experience.
Sugar Snap Peas
Perfect for snacking right off the vine or adding a crunchy element to your salads. Sugar snap peas are a low-maintenance delight for beginner gardeners. They can be planted in both spring and fall, though a spring planting will yield sweeter fruit.
Because they’re trellised, they can help occupy vertical space in your garden. Plus, they’re very low maintenance. Stay on top of harvesting and you’ll have more peas than you know what to do with.
Potatoes
Potatoes are not just a kitchen staple; they are also a joy to grow. Plant them in containers or directly in the ground for a bountiful harvest. Potatoes are an easy plant to grow that performs well in poor soil conditions.
You can get seed potatoes at your local nursery. Cut larger potatoes (with multiple eyes) in half to increase your harvest.
Let them sit out to scab over for a few days before planting them in the ground. They take very little upkeep until harvest time. Try something fun like a purple potato!
To dive deeper into growing potatoes, explore our complete playlist or watch one of the videos highlighted below.
Herbs
Basil
With its aromatic leaves, basil is a must-have for any garden. It’s forgiving and versatile, making it an ideal herb for novice gardeners. You can grow basil in a container or sow directly in the ground. It also does wells as an indoor herb garden.
We prefer to plant basil by broadcast seeding so you can harvest a larger volume for pesto, instead of focusing on growing just one to two plants.
Parsley
An easy-to-grow herb that adds freshness to dishes, parsley is a self-seeding annual. So plant it in containers or garden beds, and you’ll have a constant supply for your kitchen.
Parsley is an incredibly underrated herb. From making chimichurri sauce to brightening virtually any dish, everyone should be growing parsley in their garden.
Does parsley grow back after cutting?
Yes, parsley has a remarkable ability to grow back after being cut. Regular harvesting actually encourages parsley plants to become bushier and more productive. When harvesting parsley, it’s recommended to cut the outer stems, leaving the central ones intact to sustain ongoing growth.
This practice stimulates the development of new leaves and ensures a continuous supply of fresh parsley throughout the growing season. With proper care and regular pruning, parsley can thrive and regenerate, providing a steady source of flavorful and aromatic leaves for culinary use.
Rosemary
This fragrant herb is not just for seasoned gardeners. Rosemary is hardy and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It’s a perennial that thrives in poor soil conditions, with very little water.
Where does rosemary grow best?
Rosemary thrives in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by well-drained, sandy soil and plenty of sunlight. Ideally, it grows best in full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. This aromatic herb is well-suited for garden beds, containers, or even as a decorative and fragrant addition to landscapes. While it can tolerate slightly dry conditions, providing consistent moisture and avoiding waterlogged soil promotes optimal growth.
In colder climates, it’s advisable to plant rosemary in containers that can be moved indoors during harsh winter months. Overall, rosemary flourishes in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil, making it a resilient and versatile herb for gardens around the world.
Flowers
Daffodils
Bring a touch of spring to your garden with daffodils. These bright and cheerful flowers are easy to grow and add a burst of color. They’re a cold-hardy, super easy perennial flower. Just plant the bulbs in fall and you’ll see them bloom every spring!
What do you do with daffodils after they bloom?
After daffodils bloom, it’s essential to allow the foliage to die back naturally. This process helps the bulbs store energy for the next blooming season. Resist the temptation to cut back or tie up the leaves until they have turned yellow and withered, usually six weeks after flowering. During this period, continue to water the daffodils if the weather is dry.
Once the foliage has died back, you can trim it to the ground. Additionally, consider fertilizing the area to provide nutrients for the bulbs. If you want to divide and transplant the bulbs, it’s best to do so in late spring or early summer. Proper post-blooming care ensures healthy and vibrant daffodils for seasons to come.
Lavender
Bring a touch of fragrance to your garden with lavender. This hardy, perennial herb is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Enjoy its calming scent and use the dried flowers in various DIY projects. Lavenders is a preferred choice for pollinators and grows particularly well in moderate climates (zone 5-9).
Where does lavender grow best?
Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and is best suited to regions with a Mediterranean climate. This aromatic herb prefers full sunlight and is known for its ability to withstand drought conditions. Lavender plants dislike excessive moisture, so it’s crucial to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Ideal soil conditions include a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.
Lavender is well-adapted to rocky or sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for gardens, borders, or even containers. Planting in locations with good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues. Overall, lavender flourishes in warm, sunny environments with minimal humidity and well-drained soils, making it a delightful addition to gardens around the world.
Marigolds
Not only beautiful, but marigolds also act as natural pest repellents. Plant them throughout your garden to protect your crops. Marigolds grow quickly from seed or you can pick up starts at your local nursery. Plus, they’re a favorite of bees.
How do you keep marigolds blooming?
To keep marigolds blooming prolifically, deadheading is a key practice. Regularly remove spent flowers by pinching or cutting them back to encourage the development of new blooms. This prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production and promotes continuous flowering. Ensure that marigolds receive ample sunlight, at least six hours a day, and provide well-drained soil.
Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering, as marigolds prefer slightly drier conditions. Applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season can further support robust and colorful blooms. With these care practices, marigolds can provide vibrant displays in gardens and containers throughout the growing season.
Calendula
Known for its vibrant orange and yellow blooms, calendula is a lovely addition to any garden. They’re one of the first flowers to bloom in spring & the last to bloom in fall. Calendula is easy to grow and can be used in various herbal remedies. The flowers can be dried and infused in skincare products to help with acne, inflammation, healing minor scrapes, and sunburns.
What month should I plant calendula?
Calendula is typically best planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate. In cooler regions, planting in the spring after the last frost date allows the plant to establish before the summer heat. In milder climates, fall planting is suitable, as it takes advantage of the cooler temperatures and allows calendula to bloom profusely in the following spring.
Sow the seeds directly into well-prepared soil, and ensure they receive ample sunlight. Calendula is known for its resilience, and with the right conditions, it will reward you with cheerful blooms and potential medicinal uses in your garden.
Fruits
Strawberries
Delight your taste buds with homegrown strawberries. Perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds, strawberries are a sweet and rewarding fruit for beginners.
Pick up some bare-root strawberry plants at your local nursery in early spring. They overwinter like a champ and will put out “runners” every year. Basically, the plant just keeps multiplying.
Raspberries
Raspberries are not only delicious but also relatively easy to grow. Plant them in well-drained soil and enjoy the juicy rewards. Give them a few years and they’ll spread, dominating the space they’re in. You can get both summer and autumn fruiting varieties. Trim them back every February and you’ll have a strong harvest year after year!
How long does it take for raspberries to produce fruit?
The time it takes for raspberries to produce fruit varies based on the type of raspberry and the growing conditions. Generally, most varieties of raspberries begin to bear fruit in their second year after planting. However, some everbearing or fall-bearing varieties might produce a small crop in the first year. Once established, raspberries typically yield a more substantial harvest each subsequent year.
Adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and proper care, including pruning and fertilizing, contribute to the overall health and productivity of raspberry plants, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the seasons to come.
Blackberries
With their sweet and tangy flavor, blackberries are a fantastic addition to your garden. They require minimal care and yield delicious fruits. Blackberries are vigorous – if not maintained, they can become a huge pain. But for that reason, they’re also very low maintenance. They’ll grow in almost any environment and make a great hedge or fence. Just be sure to cut them back every year.
Whether you’re cultivating a vegetable patch, designing a floral oasis, or nurturing fruit-bearing plants, these beginner-friendly crops will pave the way for a successful and enjoyable gardening experience. Happy Growing!
Get Ahead of the Season…
So what do you think? Are you ready to try growing these beginner plants in your garden? Send us an email or leave a comment below! You can also let us know on our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or Pinterest pages.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it to spread the gardening love.
Did you enjoy this article? Want to hear more? Stay in touch! Sign up below to receive updates on new posts from Lonely Pines Farm.
Pin it for later…
One of the first things a grew was Hubbard squash. I love winter squashes. Plus they’re so easy and fun and watch them spread everywhere, like “feed me Seymour!” I didn’t really have to do anything but water. The next year I planted sugar pumpkins. I did have powdery mildew toward the end of the season.
Oh that’s a great variety! Our squash are doing the same thing right now. Can’t wait for the first harvest. Yes, powdery mildew does happen, especially on a wet year like this year, but best of luck in your squash-growing ventures!