For many, there’s a unique pleasure in nurturing a tiny seed into a fully-grown plant, and subsequently consuming the fruit (or vegetable) of one’s labor. This satisfaction and the appeal of fresh, homegrown vegetables are what drive many to embark on the gardening journey.
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Recently, New Zealand-based gardening enthusiast and content creator, Carrie, shared her insights on her YouTube channel about seven beginner-friendly vegetables to grow in your garden. Carrie, who started with little gardening knowledge, found herself engrossed in the activity after seeing the lush abundance of her vegetable garden in just a year.
- Tomatoes: As one of the most ubiquitous garden vegetables, tomatoes are not only a practical choice for their many culinary uses but also a gratifying one for beginners. Seeing big, red, juicy tomatoes flourish in your garden can be very encouraging. The number and variety of tomato plants you should grow depend on factors such as household size, how often you cook, and personal preference.
- Cabbage: While cabbage might not be the most obvious choice for a beginner gardener, Carrie shares that growing this hearty vegetable is a big confidence booster. Apart from its versatility in various recipes, cabbage thrives well in colder climates, making it a worthy addition to any beginner’s garden.
- Zucchini: This prolific vegetable, however, requires caution. Too many zucchini plants can lead to an overwhelming yield. Nonetheless, they are fantastic for various dishes, from zucchini bread to zucchini noodles. Be sure to wear gloves while handling these plants as they can cause skin irritation.
- Leafy Greens (Lettuce and Kale): Carrie groups leafy lettuce and kale together, noting that while they serve similar culinary purposes, they have different growth patterns. Kale, the hardier of the two, can grow almost tree-like in warm climates without frost and is a relatively easy leafy green to grow. Romaine or butter lettuce, however, can be more temperature sensitive.
- Peppers: Peppers are not only easy to grow in warmer climates, but they also offer a wide variety of types, flavors, and spice levels. They can add a unique zest to your home-cooked meals, and excess peppers can be dried and crushed into homemade chili flakes.
- Green Onion (Spring Onion): One of the most frequently used vegetables in cooking, green onions are easy to grow, both in the garden and indoors using only the bulbs and some water.
- Cucumber: This refreshing, juicy vegetable is an excellent addition to various dishes. Cucumber plants require a trellis for optimal growth and are compatible with zucchini as companion plants.
In addition to her vegetable recommendations, Carrie touched on the concept of companion planting, where certain vegetables grow better when planted near each other. An example she gave was of tomatoes and basil, where the basil helps to protect the tomatoes from pests.
For beginner gardeners, starting with these seven vegetables can provide a satisfying and fruitful (or vegetable-full) gardening experience. Carrie’s advice is valuable for those looking to dive into the world of vegetable gardening and start growing their food at home.
