Ready to start a garden for the first time?
Not sure what you should plant and when? I’ve got you covered! Here is a list of 8 great plants for new gardeners!
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Bush Beans
With continued harvesting, this prolific plant will give you many beans over a span of 1-2 months (depending on the variety). They are an easy plant to grow and do not need to be started- just directly sow into the soil at or around the day of your last expected frost. Bush beans grow well even in poor soil. Frost kills the plant but keep them frequently watered during heat and they will thrive! Average of 60 days from planting to harvest makes them a perfect short-season vegetable for the new gardener. Beans do well in container gardening also.
Bush Peas
Get these in ASAP! Peas love the cool weather of spring and are one of the first seeds to go in the garden. Bush varieties take up less space and need less care than pole varieties, which can grow upwards of 6 feet tall. Even bush varieties need support so a trellis will be necessary as they grow.
Once the plants are 3 inches tall, a nice layer of mulch (grass clippings are easy and effective) helps to control weeds and keep the soil moist and cool. Peas are extremely easy vegetable- all the work comes in when you harvest and have to shell them! Another plant suitable for container gardening.
Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuces are fantastic for container gardening! They are the easiest lettuce variety to grow and withstand hot weather the best. Leaf lettuce has a bit stronger taste than your basic iceburg lettuce but once you taste fresh, homegrown lettuce, you will never want to go back!
Lettuce does not need to be started in a greenhouse and can be planted when soil is as cold as 35F. Successive plantings ensure you will have a full season of delicious, fresh greens.
With regular cuttings, leaf lettuce will continue to grow new leaves all growing season long and prevent bolting in the summer heat.
Onions
There are a few different ways to plant onions- bulbs, sets, transplants, or seeds. Set onions and transplants are the easiest to grow and least likely to develop disease problems. Seeds can be directly sown but need to be started very early in the spring or in late winter- they need a very long growing season.
Onions like cold soil so plant early in the season. Plant 4-6 inches apart. You can also plant them closer and use the thinnings for green onions. Water onions regularly to prevent the bulbs from splitting.
Peppers
Peppers come in an endless array of colors, shapes, sizes, and heat level. Choosing a few different kids will give a wonderful and tasty variety to your garden.
Seeds need to be started indoors and transplants can be set in the garden a few weeks after the last expected frost, when the soil is at least 65F. Well drained and full sun soil help the plants grow to their maximum potential. Pepper plants should be covered if temperatures will be below 60F as they don’t like the cold very much.
Peppers are another excellent container or raised bed choice!
Summer Squash
I’ve jokingly said zucchini can be grown in concrete- it’s that easy! All varieties of summer squash (yellow, zucchini, pattypan, etc) are fairly easy to grow and prolific! Unless you want to supply the entire neighborhood with zucchini, don’t plant more than a few plants! The biggest issue with any squash variety, is squash beetles. Keep an eye on the plants and get rid of any sign of beetles as quickly as possible and you will be blessed with loads and loads of yummy summer squash all season long!
There is no need to start summer squash seeds, they have delicate roots so transplanting can actually be harmful. Squash likes warm soil so be sure to wait until well past frost. It only takes 40-55 days for your first harvest so it is also a great plant for impatient gardeners!
I have a whole bunch of yummy zucchini recipes. Here is an excellent zuchhini bread recipe!
Swiss Chard
Similar to leaf lettuce, Swiss chard is great for container gardening! The beautiful rainbow variety would also give great character and beauty to any flower bed!
Young greens are delicious raw in salads and larger, more mature greens are wonderful sauteed or added to soups! Swiss Chard can be planted early in the spring and will continue to produce until fall. The growing season can even be extended if you cover the plants during any frosty nights.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, peppers, onions… guess what we are making!? Salsa! The final piece in that trilogy- tomatoes really are the classic, easy, beginner vegetable! From cherry tomatoes to giant beefsteak varieties, you really cannot go wrong. Container or in the ground, tomatoes are a fabulous addition to any garden.
Tomato seeds need to be started and the plants are vulnerable to cold weather so should only be planted well after risk of frost- they thrive when air temperatures are between 70F-75F. Tomatoes love calcium (and it helps prevent end rot) so plant with broken egg shells or even a scoop of powdered milk! Kelp meal or bone meal added to the hole before planting will also give them a boost of potassium and phosphorus.
Tomatoes need support as they grow so be ready with a tomato cage or garden stakes.
Now that you know the 8 varieties of plants for beginner gardeners- go get your hands dirty! Choose a couple vegetables that your family enjoys eating and see for yourself how easy it can be to grow your own, delicious, healthy food!
Be sure to grab your copy of my ebook “Guide to Planning your Canning Garden” for more excellent information on yields, planting, and how much to plant per person!
Click here to check it out!
If you are looking for great quality, heirloom and/or organic seeds, these are some great seed companies I recommend:
(click on name to be directed to the websites)
Thank you for stopping by the homestead!
Until next time,
Melissa
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