If you’ve never gardened before, it may seem a daunting project to undertake. But don’t let that stop you! If you start out with easy plants, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Gardening takes patience and a bit of know-how. Each plant has different needs, but those differences are minor in the grand scheme of things. They all need light and well-draining nutrient-rich soil, for example, but some varieties do well with a bit of shade, too.
Gardeners around the world have recommended these easy vegetable varieties to help you get your feet wet and nurture that green thumb.
Leafy Greens

It may not seem exciting, but there’s a lot you can do with lettuce and other leafy greens. And, they’re pretty simple to grow.
The key is planting leafy greens at the right time: they do better in cool weather, so early spring is your best bet. You can even start them off indoors. The good thing about lettuce and other greens is they have a shallow root system, so they’re easy to plant and maintain. You’ll need lots of sun, as most varieties do not do well in the shade.
Cucumbers

There’s just something about biting into a fresh cucumber that you grew in your own garden. Plus, you can also pickle and can them to enjoy them year-round.
Cucumbers grow well in both containers in the ground. If you’re planting outside, you’ll want to do so in late spring after the soil has warmed up and frost is no longer a concern.
They thrive in the summer months and need full sunlight for around six to eight hours daily. Cucumbers need to be watered consistently, but make sure you have well-draining soil, or it could lead to spoilage.
Green Beans

Green beans are one of the simplest vegetables to grow as they are a no-fuss, no-muss plant. This is one plant, however, you cannot begin inside due to its fragile root system.
Instead, plant your green beans when the threat of frost has passed and the ground is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also a good idea to mulch the soil first and ensure it’s well-draining. Green beans, like lettuce and cucumbers, need six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
Peppers

Bell peppers are such a versatile vegetable. You can eat them fresh or cook them in a variety of meals (chili, soups, stir fry, anyone?). They’re also easy to grow and come in many varieties, well beyond what you see in a typical supermarket.
Peppers tend to be a bit more fragile than some other vegetables and cold weather snaps can damage the potential growth. Instead, save them for when temperatures are consistently 60 degrees or higher. They need nutrient-dense soil, but avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen count. Consistent watering in well-draining soil is key.
Carrots

There are many varieties of carrots, including bolero, YaYa, dragon, danvers, and yellow moon, and they come in different colors. Fortunately, most are easy to grow as well, meaning you could have a colorful harvest after a few months.
Carrots need a lot of water, so you can expect to break out the hose often, especially if you’re in a dry area that doesn’t get much rain. Fertilizer with nitrogen and minimal amounts of phosphorus is essential to growth. Carrots do well with frosts and end up sweeter as a result. Plant them in early spring for a summer harvest or late summer for a fall harvest.
Squash

Squash is another versatile vegetable that does well in soups, casserole dishes, or eaten by itself. Zucchini is one of the easiest to grow and you can expect a robust harvest if you plant them properly.
Squash should be planted directly in your garden. They will likely not survive transplanting from containers to the ground. Plant the seeds at the end of spring in moist soil that gets a lot of sunlight. You will need a bit more hands-on care with zucchini plants as their vines can grow extremely long. A trellis can help keep them under control.
Snow Peas

Snow peas are delicious to snack on or add to a stir fry dish. They also grow in abundance, so if you only plan to eat them sporadically, only grow a few plants.
Snow peas need full sunlight and will need a trellis to control growth much like zucchini. They will be ready to eat within 8 to 12 weeks of planting, which should take place as soon as temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees.
Garlic

Many of us think of garlic as an herb, since we use it to season our food, but it’s actually a root vegetable, and one that’s easy to grow. You can plant garlic in the spring or fall, but if you want bigger heads, fall is your best bet. Unlike many of the aforementioned vegetables on our list, garlic needs some chilly weather in order for its head to separate into cloves.
It needs consistent watering until its leaves start to turn yellow, then you’ll stop completely. Harvesting months are typically July through September, and if properly cured, your garlic can last for months.
Tips for Growing

Each vegetable listed has different spacing requirements, designed to help the plants thrive. In these spaces, however, you can also add companion plants that will aid in growth and pest or disease control.
Plan out your garden based on planting times and make sure those you place close together won’t destroy each other. It’s more common than you realize!
Plant What You (and Your Family) Will Eat

It can be tempting to plant everything under the sun, especially when excitement sets in — and trust me, it will as you watch your first plants grow and flower. However, you should definitely focus more on what you know you and your family will eat.
This helps prevent waste, but it also helps keep your garden from growing too big. If you’re working with limited space especially, keep your focus narrow for at least the first year. You can always expand the next year.