Have you ever dreamt of cultivating your own veggie garden? These are my 10 easy-to-grow vegetables that I think are perfect for beginners. With just a few plants, we can enjoy harvesting our own food.
You may well have thought about your own crisp salad leaves, plump peas bursting with flavour, and juicy tomatoes straight from the vine. These are some of the easiest vegetables to grow but cost a fortune in a Supermarket. By following these simple steps, you can turn your own garden into a mini supermarket veg aisle. And the best part? These are some of the easiest vegetables as they require minimal effort and expertise, making them ideal for those just starting their gardening adventure.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into the world of gardening. Together, we’ll learn the secrets of growing salad leaves, peas, runner beans, radishes, Swiss chard, beetroot, tomatoes, squash and courgettes.
But just remember, only grow what you like to eat!
Easy Vegetables Key Takeaways
– Salad leaves, peas, runner beans or green beans, radishes, Swiss chard, spring onions, beetroot, tomatoes, squash and courgette are easy-to-grow vegetables for beginners. Plus you can combine many of them in one meal.
– Salad leaves and even head lettuce are perfect for beginners as they are easy to grow in containers and offer different flavours, freshness, crunch, and health benefits.
– Peas are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. Growing them vertically saves space and makes harvesting easier. They are pretty prolific too and can be planted directly so no faffing with garden ready young plants.
– Runner beans add colour to the garden and are easy to grow. Proper planting, supporting, pest control, and harvesting tips ensure successful growth.
– Root vegetables are not the easiest vegetables to grow which is why they don’t really appear on the list. Some root vegetables can thrive but they need very good garden soil and need a longer growing season. Plus they grow better in sandy soil which we don’t all have.
Salad Leaves
Salad leaves are top of the easiest vegetables to grow list as they are perfect for beginners. They’re easy to grow and leafy greens provide a fresh, crunchy addition to any dish. So you don’t have to make a special meal to eat them with.
There are many different types of salad leaves to choose from, each with its own unique flavour. From rocket to butterhead lettuce, you can experiment with a variety of flavours to find your favourites.
If you’re limited on space, don’t worry! Salad leaves can be grown in containers on your balcony or patio. Just make sure to choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a sunny spot. Before you know it, you’ll have a bountiful harvest of homegrown salad leaves.
Once you have your fresh leafy greens, the possibilities are endless. You can toss them with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing side salad, or use them as a base for a more substantial dish like a chicken Caesar salad. Not only do salad leaves add a burst of flavour to any meal, but they also provide numerous health benefits. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
While growing salad leaves is relatively easy, there are a few pests and diseases to watch out for. Slugs, aphids, and fungal diseases can affect your plants. To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the area clean and free of weeds, and regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble.
Lettuce varieties in general are not fond of heat so if possible they don’t want full sun and prefer partial shade. Obviously, you can’t control the weather, but if they are too hot they will bolt. This is a stress response and means they are trying to flower. This makes them a bit thick and bitter. If the weather heats up for a while, plant seeds so that you will have replacement crops available in a few weeks.
But if you want to grow lettuce there are many varieties so you can have an almost continuous supply throughout the year. Some types you can plant late in the autumn as they can survive cold weather and there are early varieties that you can plant early in the year. You can look forward to an almost continuous supply of salad leaves from your veg patch just by sowing different seeds every few weeks.
Now, let’s move on to the next section about peas, another beginner-friendly vegetable that you can grow in your garden.
Peas
Peas are the perfect choice for beginner gardeners, as they’re easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. Fresh peas are my absolute favourite of the many vegetables you can grow at home. They are the easiest vegetable that is on my ‘must grow’ list.
Peas should be grown vertically which will maximize space in your garden. This can be done by using trellises or stakes to support the plants as they grow. Not only does this save space, but it also makes harvesting easier.
Pest control is an important aspect of growing peas. Common pests such as aphids can damage your plants. To protect your peas, try using organic methods such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Knowing when and how to harvest peas is crucial for the best flavour. Shell peas should be harvested when the pods are full and the peas inside are tender.
Once you’ve harvested your peas, there are countless delicious recipes to enjoy them in. From fresh pea salad to pea and mint soup, there are endless possibilities for incorporating these homegrown gems into your meals.
With peas taken care of, let’s move on to the next easy vegetable to grow in your garden: runner beans.
Runner beans
Beans are either pole beans or bush varieties. For beginner growers, both are fairly simple, but you do get a better harvest from pole runner beans. There is also a huge range of seeds to choose from.
If you’re craving a plant that’ll add a pop of colour to your garden and provide a tasty addition to your meals, runner beans are the perfect choice! Growing beans is quite easy with the added bonus that they also look beautiful in any garden bed.
To ensure successful growth, plant pole beans in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They thrive when supported by a trellis or stakes, so make sure to provide them with something to climb on. As companion plants, consider planting marigolds or nasturtiums nearby to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
Speaking of pests, runner beans are relatively pest-resistant, but you may encounter some common ones like aphids or slugs. Keep an eye out for them and remove any pests you spot by hand or use organic methods.
When it comes to harvesting, you will probably start picking in early summer. Wait until the beans are about 6-8 inches long and snap easily when bent. Gently pick them off the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Once you’ve harvested your runner beans, the possibilities in the kitchen are endless. They can be steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, or added to soups and stews. They also make a delicious addition to salads or can be pickled for a tangy treat.
Green Beans
Green beans are different to runner beans and you could either choose just one type to grow or grow both. I grow both. Green beans are round whereas runner beans are flat. Green beans can either need support like runner beans or be a dwarf type of bush beans. Again, I grow both. As you can tell, I do like my beans.
Although they can be eaten normally as a vegetable side, I like to add green beans to simple quick curries like chicken or fish.
Now, let’s move on to the next exciting vegetable to grow in your garden: radishes.
Radishes
Ok I lied, there is nothing exciting about radishes! But they are the perfect addition to any vegetable garden, adding a burst of colour and a zing of flavour to your summer salad.
There are different varieties of radishes to choose from, including the classic red radishes, the spicy black radishes, and the sweet and crunchy watermelon radishes. No matter which variety you choose, radishes are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.
To ensure the best soil conditions for growing radishes, make sure the soil’s well-drained and loose. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve the soil’s fertility and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy radish growth.
Radishes prefer cool weather, so it’s best to sow the seeds in early spring or late summer but after that, they are pretty low maintenance.
When it comes to harvesting radishes, it’s important to do so when they’re still young and tender. Simply grab the green tops and gently pull the radish out of the ground. Avoid leaving them in the ground for too long, as they can become pithy and lose their flavour.
While radishes are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, they can sometimes be affected by flea beetles, aphids, or root maggots. Regularly inspecting your plants and taking appropriate measures, such as using row covers, can help prevent infestations.
Not only are radishes delicious on their own but they can also be used in various creative ways in recipes. They add a refreshing crunch to salads, a spicy kick to tacos, and can even be pickled for a tangy twist.
With radishes covered, let’s move on to the next vegetable on our list: swiss chard.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, with its vibrant colours and hearty leaves, is a versatile vegetable that can elevate many meals. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, chard is a great addition to your garden. Not only is it easy to grow, but it also offers an array of health benefits.
When it comes to cooking chard, there are countless possibilities. You can sauté it with garlic and olive oil for a simple and delicious side dish. Or, you can add it to soups and stews for an extra dose of nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
Speaking of nutrients, Swiss chard is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. It’s also a great source of fibre, making it a healthy choice for your diet.
If you’re short on space, you’ll be happy to know that Swiss chard can be grown in containers. Just make sure to choose a container at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the plant’s long roots.
There are several different varieties of Swiss chard to choose from, including Rainbow chard, Ruby chard, and Fordhook Giant chard. Each variety offers a unique flavour and appearance, so don’t be afraid to experiment. I tend to grow Rainbow chard as I like the colours.
When it comes time to harvest your Swiss chard, simply cut the outer leaves at the base of the plant. This will allow the inner leaves to grow and provide you with a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Now that you’re familiar with Swiss chard, let’s move on to the next vegetable in our garden: spring onions.
Spring onions
Spring onions, with their slender green stalks and crisp white bulbs, add a burst of flavour and a touch of freshness to any dish. Growing spring onions is a great choice for beginners, as they’re easy to cultivate and require minimal maintenance.
To plant spring onions, simply sow seeds directly into well-drained soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure to water them regularly and they do need plenty of sunlight. In about 8-12 weeks, you can start harvesting your spring onions by gently pulling them out of the ground.
There are different varieties of spring onions to choose from, such as the White Lisbon and the Evergreen Bunching. Consider the size and flavour profile that suits your taste and garden space.
Once you’ve harvested your spring onions, get creative in the kitchen! They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to soups and omelettes. They are also great for Chinese-style meals.
While spring onions are generally hardy, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as onion maggots and downy mildew. To prevent these issues, practice crop rotation, keep the area clean, and provide good airflow around the plants.
If you have limited space, don’t worry! Spring onions don’t take up a lot of space but can also be grown in containers or small raised beds.
Beetroot
If you’re looking to add a pop of vibrant colour to your dishes, beetroot is a fantastic choice. Not only does it bring a beautiful deep red hue, but it also offers a range of health benefits. Beetroot is packed with essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin C, making it a great addition to a well-balanced diet.
There are different varieties of beetroot that you can grow in your garden. From the classic red beetroot to the golden and striped varieties, you have plenty of options to choose from. Experimenting with different types can add a fun twist to your meals.
If you’re limited in space, you can also grow beetroot in containers. Choose a pot with sufficient drainage, fill it with rich soil, and sow seeds about an inch apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll have fresh beetroot in no time. These are one of the easiest vegetables to grow.
Once your beetroot is ready to harvest, you can enjoy it in a variety of delicious recipes. From roasted beetroot, in salads to beetroot hummus, the possibilities are endless.
However, be aware of common pests and diseases that can affect your beetroot plants, such as aphids and fungal infections. Regularly inspect your plants and take necessary measures to prevent and treat these issues.
Now let’s move on to a summer favourite in our garden: tomatoes.
Tomatoes
After exploring the wonders of growing beetroot, it’s time to dive into the world of the tomato. I must admit, there’s something truly satisfying about plucking a juicy tomato right off the vine and savouring its sweet, tangy flavour.
They are not one of the easiest vegetables to grow but they are fairly easy. Just remember when you’re growing tomatoes that they love a sunny position.
Depending on your preferred type of tomato, you can choose fairly large ones or cherry tomatoes. Generally speaking, cherry tomatoes tend to be a smaller plant where the tomatoes are produced in a shorter space of time. They thrive in pots and even grow happily in hanging baskets or window boxes.
Tomatoes are grown as a cordon tomato or bush plant, which are the easiest to grow for beginner gardeners.
When it comes to choosing the best tomato varieties for beginners, consider starting with determinate types like ‘Celebrity’ or ‘Roma’. These varieties are compact, disease-resistant, and produce abundant fruit. To prevent pests like aphids or tomato hornworms, try companion planting with basil or marigolds, as their strong scents deter these unwanted guests.
Now, let’s talk about recipes! Whether you’re craving a fresh Caprese salad or a homemade marinara sauce, homegrown tomatoes are a game-changer. I love tossing sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and fresh basil and drizzling them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing summer salad. And who can resist the aroma of a simmering tomato sauce, picked fresh from your own garden?
As we move on to the next topic, let’s not forget the versatility and abundance of another easy-to-grow vegetable—the courgette.
Courgette
This really is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. I guarantee you will have a glut of courgettes because everyone tends to plant more of them than they need. Are you ready to discover the surprising health benefits of growing courgettes in your garden? Not only will you have a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the delicious taste of homegrown courgettes.
For those with small gardens, there are several varieties of courgette that are perfect for limited spaces. Some of the best options include ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Patio Star’, which are compact and produce high yields.
Courgettes can also be grown in containers. Just make sure to choose a large enough pot and provide adequate drainage. Place your container in a sunny spot and water regularly to keep the soil moist. With proper care, you’ll soon have healthy courgette plants thriving in your container garden.
I tend to grow some in a container and some directly in the garden bed. I have them climbing a trellis in the garden so they don’t take up too much space.
When it comes to harvesting courgettes, it’s best to pick them when they are small and tender. Simply cut them off the plant using a sharp knife or scissors. Store them in a cool, dry place and use them within a few days for the best flavour.
Now, let’s talk about the best part – delicious courgette recipes! From courgette fritters to grilled courgette skewers, there are endless possibilities to explore. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the bounty of your garden.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware of common pests and diseases that can affect courgette plants. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants and take necessary measures to prevent or treat these issues.
Growing courgettes in your garden or container can be a rewarding experience. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the many benefits of growing your own courgettes.
Squash
From the same family, squash is also one of the easiest vegetables to grow. However, they take up a lot of space. Even if you grow them vertically, they still take up space.
They come in many shapes and sizes and there are fun types like spaghetti squash. You can plant seeds in early summer and then harvest them in Autumn to store them over winter.
Are They Easy Vegetables? Not On My List!
Note that these are what I find to be the easiest vegetables to grow in my garden. Other people may have a difference of opinion.
Some people think that one of the easiest vegetables is bell peppers. And yes they are quite easy but they need a very long growing season and they are not cold hardy. Plus it is not a huge harvest so I don’t find them worth the effort.
You may wonder why you can’t plant cucumbers along with all the other salad varieties. Of course, you can, but cucumbers are definitely not one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Or fruit as they are technically a fruit! They are not at all cold tolerant so you need to be careful that you don’t plant them too early. You need to plant them after the last frost date.
Anyone who has a vegetable garden seems to think they should be growing potatoes. However, I rarely do (though I am this year) as I find they take up too much space.
One of the veggies I struggle to grow is carrots as I have clay soil. I can grow a few in containers but you don’t get as many as I would like!
Conclusion
Having your own vegetable garden is so easy, it’s practically child’s play. Just pop some seeds in the ground, give them a little water, and voila!
Who needs grocery stores when you can be a master gardener? It’s definitely not a time-consuming, back-breaking task that requires patience and skill. Nope, growing vegetables is as simple as ABC.
Happy gardening!