Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to shake off winter and get your hands in the soil. If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own vegetables but weren’t sure where to start, you’re in good company: every seasoned gardener was a beginner once.
The good news? Research from experts such as those at the University of Maryland Extension shows that starting vegetables from seed isn’t just budget-friendly — it can also lead to stronger, more resilient plants.
Even if you’re working with a tiny balcony or a raised bed, there are plenty of beginner-friendly crops that will have you harvesting fresh, homegrown produce in just a few weeks. Let’s dig in!
1. Garlic
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Garlic is one of those crops that seem to go with just about everything when it comes to cooking, but it is also one of the simplest for beginners to grow. Southern Living suggests you plant individual cloves in the fall or early spring and water sparingly. After seven to eight months, you’ll be rewarded with plump heads of garlic ready to be pulled up and harvested. Keep a few cloves behind to replant, and you’ve got yourself a near-endless supply of garlic for your garden.
2. Okra
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Next on our list is a Southern favorite, okra. Not only is this vegetable great for multiple dishes, but Gardenary shares that they also have fairly large seeds, so it is easy to see where you are sowing them. Simply make small holes about 1 to 1.5 inches deep, pop in 2 to 3 seeds, and cover with soil. A bit of watering, some warmth and light, and you’ll have fresh sprouts in no time.
3. Lettuce
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Quick to grow and incredibly simple to care for, lettuce is truly a dream vegetable for beginner gardeners. The Old Farmer’s Almanac even calls it the perfect crop for those just starting out. All you need to do is sow the seeds directly into the soil — this can be as early as four weeks after the last frost of the year. The best part? You’ll start enjoying fresh, homegrown lettuce in just 30 to 50 days! Plus, you can harvest it continuously by snipping the leaves as needed, giving you a steady supply of crisp greens straight from your garden.
4. Radishes
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Radishes are the ultimate fast-growing crop! Sometimes called the “speed demons” of the gardening world, some varieties can go from seed to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks, according to The Spruce. Planting them is as simple as scattering seeds directly into loose, well-drained soil during the cooler months of early spring or fall. With moderate watering and minimal upkeep, radishes thrive in lower temperatures, making them a great pick for beginners or those short on time.
5. Peas
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A surprisingly forgiving and easy-to-grow plant, peas are the next on our list of beginner-friendly veggies. The team at Homes & Gardens shares that these little seeds should be planted directly outdoors in early spring, pretty much as soon as you can work the soil. From there, just give them sturdy support for their climbing needs, a sunny spot, and some regular watering. Their harvest window starts around 60-70 days, meaning you’ll enjoy sweet, tender pods in no time flat.
6. Tomatoes
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At first glance, tomatoes might not seem like the easiest plant to grow, but surprise, even beginner gardeners can grow them without many problems! While there are many varieties, Epic Gardening recommends cherry tomatoes as some of the best for first-timers. Start seeds indoors around 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then just transplant them outdoors after the threat of cold has passed. Offer them sun, rich soil, and consistent watering, and within 70-100 days, you’ll have some juicy, delicious fresh tomatoes to enjoy.
7. Cucumbers
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If you’re looking for a fast grower that does well with minimal attention, then cucumbers are going to be the veggie for you. These green vegetables are great for newbies to gardening, as all you have to do is plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost date. These sun-loving climbers enjoy a trellis, a space to crawl, and consistent watering to keep their fruits juicy and crisp.
8. Summer Squash
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Talk about bombproof! Summer squash is an amazing vegetable that is easy to grow and has a high yield, making it a must for any beginner gardener. Better Homes & Gardens recommends sowing the seeds outdoors pretty much as soon as the soil warms up after the last frost. Make sure to do so in a sunny spot; give it fertile soil and regular watering, and you’ll have some squash in as little as 50 days. Their prolific nature means you’ll likely soon have more squash than you know what to do with, making them great for sharing.
9. Green Beans
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Next on our list, we’ve got the humble green bean, which is a go-to for first-time gardeners. All these guys need, says the team at Martha Stewart, is some well-drained soil and a sunny spot that doesn’t have too many neighbors blocking their growth. Since green beans germinate and grow very quickly, meaning you’ll have fresh beans in about 50 or so days. Do note that bush beans will produce just a bit faster than pole beans if that matters to you!
10. Corn
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Last but certainly not least on this list is corn, which is surprisingly simple for beginners to grow! Plant the seeds directly in warm soil once the last frost has passed, making sure to space the seeds apart (8 to 12 inches apart in rows that are 2 ½ to 3 feet apart, according to Iowa State University) for best results.
Corn matures in about 70-100 days and requires little more than full sun, fertile soil, and regular watering. After that, you’ll have delicious corn just in time for that summer barbecue or early fall harvest!
