The 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow for Beginners
Beginning a garden can seem intimidating when you’re first starting out but it doesn’t have to be! The good news is that some vegetables are incredibly easy to grow, even if you’re just starting out. Whether you are planning a formal garden or just a few pots on a patio, there is something for everyone. I have another list of the 5 easiest vegetables to grow if you prefer to start on a smaller scale.
In this article, I’ll walk you through ten of the easiest vegetables to grow plus including whether they’re best started from seeds or transplants, a few planting tips, and some common mistakes to avoid. Let’s get going! Keep in mind, most of these can be started either by seed or transplants from the nursery this is just my suggestion on what will bring you the most success.
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Radishes
Start from: Seed
- Why they’re easy: Super fast-growing, ready in about 3-4 weeks.
- Planting tips: Sow seeds directly into loose soil, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Common mistake: Planting too close together. Thin them out so they have space to grow.
Radishes are one of the quickest crops you can grow, making them perfect for impatient gardeners! They don’t take up much space and can even be grown in containers. They can also be seeded as many times as you like so the harvest lasts all season.
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Lettuce
Start from: Seed or transplant
- Why they’re easy: Grows quickly, can be harvested multiple times.
- Planting tips: Sow seeds shallowly and keep the soil moist for quick germination.
- Common mistake: Letting them bolt (flower) in hot weather—plant in cooler months or provide shade in summer.
Lettuce is a great choice for beginners since you can start harvesting baby greens in just a few weeks! Plus, you can cut leaves and let them regrow for multiple harvests.
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Green Beans (Bush or Pole)
Start from: Seed
- Why they’re easy: Low-maintenance, high-yielding.
- Planting tips: Sow seeds directly in warm soil, about an inch deep.
- Common mistake: Overcrowding—give them space so air can circulate and prevent disease.
Bush beans grow in small, compact plants, while pole beans climb and need a trellis. Either way, they’re one of the easiest vegetables to grow and will reward you with plenty of beans all summer long.
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Zucchini (or Summer Squash)
Start from: Seed or transplant
- Why they’re easy: Grows fast and produces a ton of fruit.
- Planting tips: Give them plenty of space—each plant can spread out a few feet!
- Common mistake: Not harvesting often enough—zucchinis grow fast and can get too big and tough.
If you want a veggie that practically grows itself, zucchini is the way to go. Just be ready to share with neighbors because they tend to produce more than you’ll know what to do with!
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Carrots
Start from: Seed
- Why they’re easy: Low maintenance and don’t take up much space.
- Planting tips: Sow seeds directly into loose, sandy soil and keep it consistently moist.
- Common mistake: Planting in rocky or compacted soil—this can cause misshapen carrots.
Carrots are slow to germinate, but once they get going, they’re easy to grow. They can even stay in the ground until you’re ready to harvest them. Carrots are also one you can plant multiple times so you have a steady stream of carrots to enjoy all season.
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Cucumbers
Start from: Seed or transplant
- Why they’re easy: Fast-growing and productive.
- Planting tips: Grow them on a trellis to save space and keep the fruit clean. I have tips for that here!
- Common mistake: Forgetting to pick them regularly—overgrown cucumbers get tough and seedy and often bitter.
Cucumbers love warm weather and will take off quickly once summer arrives. They’re great for fresh eating, pickling, or adding to salads. There are so many varieties to experiment with too!
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Peas
Start from: Seed
- Why they’re easy: Tolerant of cool weather and require little care.
- Planting tips: Plant early in the season and provide a simple trellis for them to climb.
- Common mistake: Planting too late—peas don’t like hot weather.
Peas are one of the first crops you can plant in the spring, and they don’t need much attention. Check out my cold weather crops article! Plus, they taste so much better fresh from the garden! Peas can also be planted closer to fall so you can get a second harvest.
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Bell Peppers
Start from: Transplant (easier) or seed (if started indoors early)
- Why they’re easy: Pest-resistant and thrive in warm weather.
- Planting tips: Plant in full sun and stake taller plants to keep them upright.
- Common mistake: Not giving them enough warmth—peppers love heat and grow best in hot weather.
Bell peppers are a great beginner crop, especially if you start with transplants. They take a little longer to mature, but they’re worth the wait! I recommend a smaller variety rather than the standard bell since Zone 6B doesn’t have a super long growing season. This ensures your peppers are ready even though they are slow growing.
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Kale
Start from: Seed or transplant
- Why they’re easy: Hardy and can grow in cool or warm weather.
- Planting tips: Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep plants producing.
- Common mistake: Not watching for pests like cabbage worms—check the undersides of leaves.
Kale is one of the most foolproof greens to grow, and it just keeps going! It’s also incredibly nutritious, so you get a health boost along with your harvest. This is one that benefits from companion planting to combat the bad bugs!
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Swiss Chard
Start from: Seed or transplant
- Why they’re easy: Grows in almost any conditions.
- Planting tips: Pick leaves often to encourage continuous growth.
- Common mistake: Letting it get too old—older leaves can become bitter.
Swiss chard is colorful, easy to grow, and incredibly resilient. It can handle heat better than spinach, making it a great alternative for summer greens.
My Final Thoughts
Starting a vegetable garden doesn’t have to be complicated! With just a little planning and care, these ten veggies will give you a great harvest with minimal effort. If you’re brand new to gardening, start with radishes, lettuce, or bush beans for quick wins. If you want something more substantial, try zucchini or cucumbers. I think growing all ten of these will give you great variety plus wonderful experience for the next year!
No matter what you choose, gardening is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature and enjoy fresh, homegrown food. So grab some seeds, dig in, and watch your garden (and your confidence!) grow. 🌱