Nowadays, many people prefer to have a vegetable garden at home to avoid the chemical substances found in store-bought veggies and fruits. However, many homeowners don’t have experience with gardening and end up choosing plants that require specific care.
If you’re new to this world and don’t know where to start, this is the guide for you! Below are seven veggies, herbs, and flowers that are almost guaranteed to succeed.
1. Mint
Mint is a very popular choice, both for beginners and for veteran gardeners. This herb grows so much that it should always be planted in containers, otherwise it can take up your entire garden. Keep your mint neat with shavings or let it bloom to attract bees. This plant is a great choice for apartment gardeners.
- Plant in early spring, fall, or warm winter climates.
- Keep it in full sun to partial shade.
2. Cherry Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the best plants to grow in a vegetable garden. If you're new to this, start with a classic cherry tomato that's resistant to some diseases, such as the Sweet Million. Make sure to build a frame or add a tall stake for the long vines to climb onto. Keep them in a sunny location, but protected from rain.
- Plant the seedlings when the soil is warm and there is no danger of frost.
- Start seeds indoors five to eight weeks before the planned date.
- Keep them in full sun
3. Kale
This plant is almost mandatory for many gardeners since it requires very easy gardening services. You can grow them in pots, raised beds, or even in the backyard protected with chicken wire to keep wildlife away.
- In raised beds with good soil, they can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- Choose your kale variety according to your climate and season.
- Plant early to mid-summer to harvest in autumn and winter.
- To harvest in summer, plant seeds during spring two weeks to a month before the last frost date.
- Keep them in full sun, but provide afternoon shade if you live in an area with a very hot climate.
4. Catmint
This flowering plant is widely used in garden edging due to its vigor and stubbornness in its perennial maintenance. Catmint is a glorious and hardy perennial, and it is definitely one of the best plants for beginners.
- The plant likes well-drained chalk, clay, or sandy soils, and it provides plenty of color between May through December.
- It has simple maintenance, all you have to do is to cut it back just above ground level in late fall.
- Catmint requires plenty of sun, but it also does well in partial shade.
5. African Daisy
Another recommendation is African Daisies, as they are easy to grow and provide many months of flowers.
- They prefer well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soils.
- They require plenty of sun
- Some types are hardier than others and will survive mild winters.
6. Mexican Orange Blossom
The Mexican Orange Blossom, or choisya, is a great shrub option for beginners. The flowers smell amazing and there are many varieties to choose from.
- Plant somewhere sunny in well-drained soil.
- It needs plenty of sun but also requires an afternoon shade during summer.
- All varieties will have two flowering seasons; April-May and again in September-October.
- There is no need for pruning.
7. Radishes
Radishes are some of the first vegetables you can harvest in spring. They grow quickly and take up little space while offering a delicious veggie for your summer salads.
- Plant the seeds two to three weeks before the average date of the last frost in spring.
- It takes about 4-6 weeks after sowing to start harvesting.
- Keep them in full sun to partial shade
- In addition to the radish itself, the leaves are also edible and can be a good substitute for spinach.
Need some help to prepare your soil and take care of the garden? Contact a local gardening service and request a free quote!
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