Not everyone in the world possesses a glorious green thumb. I know I certainly don’t! But that hasn’t stopped my love of gardening for one moment. Instead, I’ve learned to choose plants that are so easy to care for, a monkey could do it. Though these plants may require an easier planting and pruning process, the blossoms they provide are no less beautiful. In fact, I often think that it’s the easy plants that look the prettiest. There’s something to be said for an effortless sort of beauty, after all. To help you get started on your gardening journey, I’ve compiled a quick guide to the easiest plants for first-time gardeners. Once you’ve mastered these plants, you can start tackling the rest of your lawn as you move on to bigger and better things.
Herbs
By far, I’ve found that herbs are the easiest plants to care for. Most herbs grow very, very quickly, and they often reach maturity just as fast. If you’re someone who likes instant gratification, these are the plants for you. Basil, parsley, and cilantro are all very easy to care for. Additionally, most of these plants can grow well in pots on your kitchen windowsill. Not only does this free up space in your garden, but it ensures that the herbs will always be easily on hand while cooking. Mint is also a very easy herb to plant and care for. The most important thing to note about mint is that it grows and spreads very quickly. Without proper maintenance, one tiny mint plant can easily take over a whole garden. As such, I’d recommend planting your mint in a container rather than a garden bed. This will prevent it from growing or spreading too much and will make it much easier to maintain in the long run.
Veggies
If you’re seeking a practical use for your garden, veggies are the way to go. Most leafy vegetables are relatively easy to care for and are a good starting place for any first-time gardener. Arugula, chard, and kale are all great options that generally require fairly relaxed care. These plants can usually survive in cooler temperatures as well, so no matter where you live, these veggies will thrive. Tomatoes are also a great option for first-time gardeners. Unlike the aforementioned leafy greens, tomatoes thrive under sunny conditions and warm weather, making them the perfect plant for summer. Tomatoes are pretty resilient, as well, so no matter where your gardening skills lie, you’ll be in the clear.
Flowers
This guide to the easiest plants for first-time gardeners wouldn’t be complete without a bit of fuss-free flora. Annual plants are often the best bet for first-time gardeners because they only live for one growing season. Even if you mess things up astronomically, you’ll be able to start the next season with a clean slate. Marigold, pansies, and impatiens are all great options for beginner gardeners. Larger plants, such as sunflowers, are also pretty fuss-free and will produce stunning growth over the course of one season.
