Gardening is becoming an increasingly popular hobby as people seek ways to connect with nature and relax in their homes. But taking on this hobby can also have its challenges. One needs good gardening tools and knowledge about which plants are suitable for beginners and would do well without proper care.
Having a garden doesn’t necessarily require extensive knowledge, especially when you’re just starting out. An array of beginner-friendly plants will help you create your beautiful outdoor oasis, whether you want a mix of vegetables or pretty flowers.
Here’s a list of some of the best beginner gardening plants that are easy to maintain and add beauty to any backyard or patio.
Table of Contents
Here are the 15 Best Beginner Gardening Plants
1. Summer Squash
Summer squash is a great vegetable for beginner gardeners to grow. It has two main varieties, zucchini and yellow squash, both known for their quick growth and abundance of production. This makes summer squash one of the best vegetables for a quick harvest.
Summer squash is also very hardy and relatively resistant to disease and insects, so it doesn’t require much maintenance beyond regular watering.
In addition to being easy to grow, summer squash is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Zucchini can be used in everything from salads to soups, while yellow squash can be grilled or roasted as a side dish or added to casseroles. With its mild flavor and tender texture, summer squash is an excellent choice for any home gardener looking for a delicious vegetable that’s easy to grow.
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2. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic flowers in the world and are a great choice for beginner gardeners. They’re easy to grow and can reach heights of up to .2 feet tall, making them an impressive addition to any garden. Sunflowers come in various colors, from yellow to red; some varieties even have multiple colors in one flower.
Sunflowers are also low maintenance and don’t require much attention once planted. They can tolerate various soil types, from sandy to clay, and do their best in full sun. Sunflowers are also great for attracting birds and butterflies to your garden, making them a great addition for any nature lover.
3. Marigolds
These bright and cheerful flowers come in various colors, from yellow to orange to red, and they’re incredibly easy to care for. Marigolds can tolerate various soil types and do best in full sun. They also don’t require much water or fertilizer, so they’re a great choice for low-maintenance plants.
Marigolds also have the added benefit of being natural pest repellents, so they can help keep your garden free of insects and other critters. With their bright colors and easy care, marigolds will add a pop of color to any garden.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in any garden and are perfect for beginner gardeners. Tomatoes come in various shapes and sizes, from cherry tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes, and they’re relatively easy to grow.
Tomatoes prefer full sun and well-drained soil and need regular watering to thrive. Tomatoes are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
They can be used in everything from salads to sauces and even be eaten fresh off the vine. Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more nutrients to their diet.
5. Carrots
Carrots prefer well-drained soil and full sun and need regular watering to thrive. Carrots come in various colors, from orange to purple, and they’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Carrots will surely be a hit in any home-cooked meal, from salads to soups. They’re an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add more nutrition to their diet.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce prefers full sun and moist soil and needs regular watering to thrive. There are wide varieties of lettuce, from romaine to iceberg, and they come in various colors, from green to red.
Lettuce is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, from salads to sandwiches, and it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. With its easy care and delicious taste, lettuce will surely be a hit in any beginner garden.
7. Catmint
Catmint has attractive gray-green foliage with fragrant lavender flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early summer. The flowers attract butterflies and bees, making them a great addition to any garden.
Catmint is also a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, it’s deer and rabbit-resistant, so it’s sure to stay safe from pesky critters! Catmint will surely be a hit in any beginner garden with its easy care and attractive blooms.
8. Basil
Basil prefers full sun and moist soil and needs regular watering to thrive. There are wide varieties of basil, from sweet to Thai, and they come in various colors, from green to purple.
Basil is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, from pesto to sauces, and it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Basil will surely be a hit in any beginner garden with its easy care and delicious taste.
9. Fuchsia
It has various colors and shapes, making finding one that suits your needs easy. Fuchsias are relatively easy to care for and thrive in sunny and partially shaded areas. They require regular watering but don’t need too much attention or fertilizer.
Fuchsias add a beautiful pop of color to any garden, and their flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
10. African Daisy
This plant is easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. African Daisy is a perennial flower that blooms in spring and summer with bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and purple. The flowers are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.
African Daisy is a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, it’s deer and rabbit-resistant, so it’s sure to stay safe from pesky critters! With its easy care and attractive blooms, African Daisy will surely be a hit in any beginner garden.
11. Zinnia
It’s a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can thrive in almost any soil type and is easy to care for. Zinnias come in various shapes and sizes, with bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, white, and purple.
The bright, cheerful flowers of the zinnia attract butterflies and bees, making them a great addition to any garden. Plus, they’re deer and rabbit-resistant, so they’re sure to stay safe from pesky critters! With its easy care and attractive blooms, zinnia will surely be a hit in any beginner garden.
12. Alliums
Alliums are flowering bulbs in various sizes and colors, including white, pink, purple, yellow, and blue. They produce tall stalks with clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Alliums require minimal care and can grow in almost any soil type.
Alliums are a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, they’re deer and rabbit-resistant, so they’re sure to stay safe from pesky critters!
13. Cosmos
This annual flower comes in various colors, including pink, white, and orange shades. Cosmos are drought-tolerant and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. They grow quickly and can reach heights up to 3 feet tall. Deadhead blooms regularly to ensure that your cosmos flowers stay healthy and bloom throughout the summer.
Cosmos is a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, they’re deer and rabbit-resistant, so they’re sure to stay safe from pesky critters!
14. Beets
Beets are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them nutritious to any diet. Beets can be grown both in the ground and in containers, so they’re great for those with limited space. Their edible leaves make them a great choice for those looking to add flavor and nutrition to their salads.
Beets are a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, they’re deer and rabbit-resistant, so they’re sure to stay safe from pesky critters! With their easy care and attractive blooms, beets will surely be a hit in any beginner garden.
15. Nasturtiums
These easy-to-grow plants produce beautiful, edible flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. They also have attractive green or variegated foliage with white or yellow. Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can also tolerate some shade. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and easy to care for.
Nasturtiums are a great choice for anyone looking to add more color and texture to their garden. Plus, they’re deer and rabbit-resistant, so they’re sure to stay safe from pesky critters! Nasturtiums will surely be a hit in any beginner garden with their easy care and attractive blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What are the best starter gardens?
When starting a garden, many different plants and vegetables can be planted. Choosing plants that are easy to grow and maintain is important for those just getting started. Some great starter plants include alliums, cosmos, beets, and nasturtiums. These plants are easy to care for and provide beautiful blooms and foliage. Additionally, they are deer and rabbit-resistant so that pesky critters won’t eat them!
2. What is the best soil for beginner gardening?
The best soil for beginner gardening is well-draining soil with a neutral pH. This soil type will allow water to pass through while holding onto the necessary nutrients for growing plants. Additionally, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can help improve the soil’s structure and provide additional nutrients.
3. What plants should I avoid as a beginner gardener?
Regarding gardening, some plants can be more difficult to care for than others. As a beginner gardener, it’s important to avoid plants that require a lot of maintenance and special care. Some plants to avoid include roses, tomatoes, and peppers.
These plants require regular pruning and fertilizing, which can be difficult for beginner gardeners. They are also prone to pests and diseases, making them more challenging to take care of.
4. What are some easy-to-grow vegetables for beginners?
Some of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginner gardeners include lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes. These vegetables are easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance or special care. Additionally, they can be harvested quickly and provide plenty of nutrition for your meals.
5. What are some easy-to-grow flowers for beginners?
Some of the easiest flowers to grow for beginner gardeners include marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, and impatiens. These flowers are easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance or special care. Additionally, they will provide plenty of beautiful colors and blooms that can brighten up any.
Conclusion
Nasturtiums are a great choice for any beginner gardener. They are easy to care for, deer and rabbit-resistant, and have attractive blooms that add color and texture to your garden. Additionally, you can choose from many other easy-to-grow plants and vegetables as a beginner gardener.
