The Best Veggies for Beginner Gardeners to Grow

The thought of planting seeds in the hope of a near future harvest might be quite daunting for noobie gardeners. It seems pretty straightforward, though—seeds, soil, light, water, and time. For the most part, this is the case, but there is a little more to it.

However, this shouldn’t turn off aspiring gardeners. There are lots of veggies that are quite forgiving for those with less than a green thumb.

This isn’t to say that there is nothing to do. Gardeners will still have to pay attention, but here is a list of veggies that are quick to mature, are not too fussy, and produce a healthy harvest.

1. Radishes

Source: GrowVeg/YouTube

Radishes are not only super easy to grow, but they are also delicious, good for you, and good for the garden, too. You can hardly go wrong.

Depending on the variety you choose, radishes are ripe for picking in around 20-30 days. They are a member of the brassica family and produce better during the cooler months; however, you can have radishes on the go throughout the growing season. Plant seeds every two weeks for successional harvests.

Wait until temperatures are consistently above 40°F, then plant your seeds outside in soil rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart.

2. Summer Squash

Zucchinis and crookneck squash are such as treat in the summer. One plant can provide you with more fruits than you can manage, so, as a new gardener, this can make you feel pretty green-thumbed!

You can start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date of spring and then transplant them out once temperatures are constantly above 60°F. You can also direct sow outdoors after the last frost date.

Plant the seeds about an inch deep in the soil. Plant seeds or seedlings in soil mounds about 12 inches apart. You will see fruits appearing about 50 days after planting. Harvest your zucchinis young or they will become tough and fibrous.

3. Cucumbers

Source: GrowVeg/YouTube

If you want to grow cucumbers, you are going to need something for the vining plants to grow up. Cucumbers also need a sunny spot in the garden and moist but well-draining soil.

As with summer squash, you can start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow the outside after the last frost date and once the soil has warmed up.

Plant your seeds about 1/2 an inch in soil rich in organic matter. Once you see fruits emerging, try to pick them early to ensure you get cool, crisp cucumbers.

4. Arugula

Arugula is a wonderful, peppery salad green that is super easy to grow. It is also a great choice for container gardening, making it easy to have fresh greens right on your doorstep.

Arugula is a cool weather crop and bolts, or goes to seed, as the temperatures warm up. For this reason, plant arugula seeds as soon as the soil is workable in spring. You can plant again in late summer/early fall for a late harvest.

It does enjoy a sunny spot and prefers well-draining soil. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and leave 2-3 inches between each plant. You can also just scatter the seeds in a patch of prepared soil and weed out the weaklings.

5. Green Beans

Source: GrowVeg/YouTube

Green beans are so easy to grow that kindergarteners grow them on wet paper towels! Give them good soil, sunlight, and trellis to grow up, and they really thrive.

This is a great plant for new gardeners to grow as they are fast to produce and provide an epic harvest. You can start your seeds indoors, or direct sow them in the garden one week before the last frost of spring. Sow more seeds every 3-4 weeks for successional harvests.

Most green beans prefer a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining, rich soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.

Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and about 4-5 inches apart around the base of a trellis. Check individual seeds packets for specific advice on this.

As soon as you see the beans appearing, start picking. The more you pick, the more beans there will be.

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• 10 Vegetables That Taste Better After a Frost
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