The Top 5 Plants Every New Gardener Should Try

Mastering Variety Choices: Your No-Fluff Seed Selection Guide

So, you’re a green gardener, new to the scene, and want to know what to grow to guarantee a quick win. We’re here to empower you with our simple expert tips. Simple stuff. Where, how, and what to plant. 

We’re all farmers here, and we remember what it’s like to be a beginner. Even those with zero gardening experience will feel confident in starting their own with our help. 

If any of the following are true, stick around.

• Are you confused about variety choices?

• Have you received conflicting expert advice?

• Do you have a fear of failure?

We’ll ease you into the gardening world with knowledge and help you gain confidence. This is our no-fluff, beginner's guide to the five easiest plants to grow, no green thumb required. Soon, you’ll be deep diving into our Backyard Gardening blogs for new tips and tricks. 

Why Start with These 5 Plants?

The crops we’ll discuss in this article aren’t fussy. They’re forgiving when mistakes are made. Quick results with these crops will help beginners gain confidence and stay motivated. 

1. Radishes

2. Leaf lettuce 

3. Bush beans 

4. Marigolds

5. Basil

The Bootstrap Farmer way is simple, practical, and free of complicated jargon you may have read in other blogs. We’ll help you with a stellar setup so you can have fun and start harvesting in no time.

The Top 5 Foolproof Plants for Beginners

1. Radishes

Select globe or French breakfast varieties. They mature quickly and have a high success rate. Seasoned growers continue to plant radishes because they: 

• Are the first colorful things on farmers’ market tables in the spring 

• Elevate a simple green salad

• Are versatile enough that you can even roast them

• Can squeeze in just about anywhere for an extra crop between longer growing plants

Steps to grow radishes successfully: 

1. Dig a trench ½ inch deep in a prepared and level garden bed. 

2. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart or in a 2-inch-wide band. 

3. Cover them with soil and gently tamp them down. Tamping soil down creates a good seed-to-soil contact, increasing the chances of germination. 

4. Thin the seedlings when they start to sprout to avoid overcrowding. Beginners may see thinning as a painful task, but we promise, it’s for the best! If seedlings are overcrowded, they won’t reach the proper size. 

Radishes mature quickly, in about 25 days. Watermelon and daikon varieties take much longer, closer to 60 days. Maximize space by planting a row of them around newly transplanted tomatoes, peppers, or sugar snap peas. The radishes will be harvested long before the other crops grow large enough to shade them out, and won’t take much from the soil. 

2. Leaf Lettuce

Leaf lettuce made our beginner’s list for its wide range of options. Choose from: 

• Soft

• Crispy

• Sweet

• Bitter 

• Juicy

• Curly 

• Cut-and-come-again for an extended harvest window 

Varieties are available in green, red, bronze, or multi-faceted colors. The options are seemingly endless! With plenty of water and sunlight, lettuce is relatively forgiving. It’s the golden retriever of the garden, playing nicely with everyone. 

Five tips for successful lettuce:

Plant it alongside tomato plants. They’ll enjoy the shade, and their shallow roots won’t compete for the same resources. 

It performs well in containers, window boxes, and tiered planters. 

Lettuce bounces back nicely after a good watering session. Regular watering enhances the sweet flavor. 

1. Reduce stress and prevent bolting by protecting it from the harsh sun. Practice succession planting the way market gardeners do.

2. Plant lettuce in well-draining and fertile soil. Add a layer of compost if your native soil is thick or clayey.

3. Bush Beans

Bush bean production and its ability to thrive will not cease to amaze you. ‘Provider’ is a proven winner and consistently one of the most reliable options on the market. 

Why we love them: 

• The seeds are large and easy to work with. 

• They grow fast.

• Plants tolerate light crowding, making them ideal for beginners. 

• No trellis required! 

• You can plant them densely without adverse effects. Space them at 6 inches. 

• They serve as an easy primer plant for leafy greens and lettuce. In simple terms, the next crop will greatly benefit from the nitrogen the bean roots make available in the soil. 

Plant them in a sunny spot with ample drainage, and you’ll be filling your harvest basket in no time. Harvest regularly to maintain a continuous supply. 

Sow more seeds every three to four weeks to ensure you always have fresh beans. Pick them when they’re tender for the best texture and flavor. Once they start to bloat, they become woody and lose their flavor. 

4. Marigolds (Edible Flowers)

Marigolds are a fool-proof annual flower that offers triple-layer benefits. They’re almost impossible to kill! 

• They boost pollination by attracting bees and butterflies with their aromatic, bright flowers. 

• Their pungent scent is unappealing to many pests, including deer. 

• They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, including gorgeous bicolors, bright oranges, and fluorescent yellows. 

• Remember the color wheel? Complement your violets and blues with marigolds for a standout garden. 

Marigolds tolerate many types of soil, don’t mind being under- or overwatered, and are edible, to boot! If you’re short on time, mix the long, thin seeds into a dampened seed-starting mix and spread them evenly over the soil surface. Tamp them in with your hand or foot, and wait for them to sprout. Thin to proper spacing (8 to 10 inches) when they start to grow. 

5. Basil

Basil is the home gardener’s best friend. It’s:

• Easy to care for

• A great companion to lots of other crops

• Versatile in the kitchen

• Available in traditional Genovese and more unique flavors, such as Thai, cinnamon, or lemon. 

• Loved by pollinators.

Basil does not tolerate frost or prolonged cold temperatures, so start seeds indoors. A heat mat can accelerate germination. Harden off plants and transplant them once the temperatures allow. The timing will vary by your region’s USDA hardiness zone. We’ve explained the new zones here. 

If you don’t have an indoor seed-starting area, wait until outdoor temperatures are consistently 50°F (10°C) or higher. Discover how to start seeds indoors and grow food year-round here. 

When your plants have two to three sets of true leaves, pinch them back just above a growing node. This will encourage the plant to branch out, making the base sturdier and the plant bushier. Harvest frequently to maintain this growth pattern and prevent bolting. 

Plants will begin to flower if:

• They’re under stress.

• They aren’t harvested regularly.

• They’ve come to the end of their life. 

Setting Up for Success With Tips From Professionals

Keep these in mind when setting up your new garden. 

Fill Your Tool Arsenal with High-Quality Items 

The basics include:

1. A simple swivel hoe to cultivate weeds

2. A solid rake to incorporate amendments and shape garden beds 

3. A pair of good pruners for ergonomic harvesting

4. Seed-starting supplies 

Consider installing a raised bed or two if you have mobility issues, or simply prefer the sleek look of metal. 

Start Small For Best Results

We can remember the days of flipping through seed catalogs and circling something on every page. It can be tempting to try ten new things every season. Start small, level up each season, and minimize the risk of failure until you gain experience in the field. 

Once you’ve mastered these veggies, move on to cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, kale, and carrots. 

Avoid Rookie Gardening Mistakes 

• Don’t ignore weeds. Add this chore to your weekly to-do list to avoid frustration. 

• Ensure your garden receives plenty of sunlight. 

• Start cold-sensitive seeds indoors to ensure their success.

• Follow the spacing recommendations on seed packets. With some experience under your belt, you can push the boundaries a little. 

• Maintain healthy soil by conducting annual soil tests and applying targeted amendments to address specific soil needs. Use our beginner-friendly amendments guide and review Soil Test Interpretations and Fertilizer Management for Lawns, Turf, Gardens, and Landscape Plants, by the University of Minnesota Extension.

Boosting Your First Harvest: Bootstrap Pro Tips

We’ve compiled tips from professionals for beginner home gardeners. Here’s what they said. 

1. Start with a few fail-proof, high-demand crops, like the five we discussed here. These provide a solid foundation and will help build your confidence. Work up to more advanced ones. 

2. Rotate your crops each season to minimize disease and pest pressure. This also keeps the soil healthy and balanced. 

3. Install an irrigation system. Watch the forecast and water more during prolonged drought conditions. Forgetful? Use a watering timer. 

4. Track your wins! When a crop fails or you forget to water, don’t get too down on yourself. You’ll always have the wins to fall back on. 

If you’re itching to learn more and dig deeper into the world of market gardening, read Starting a Market Garden | Market Gardening 101. 

Next Steps: Keep Growing With Confidence

We hope you’re feeling confident after reading this guide. Return to it as needed for reference. Remember, it’s normal to experience some crop failures. We all make mistakes, but that’s how we learn. Keep a record of what works and what helps your garden thrive. 

When you’re ready to begin, we’ve created the ultimate backyard bundle kit just for you. It’s a one-stop starter set, complete with 6-cell plugs, 1020 deep trays, 3.3” pots, and optional humidity domes. 

Watch the video below, Unboxing and Strength Testing the Ultimate Backyard Gardener Bundle.

Check back for more of our Gardening 101 series made for beginners. No complex terminology, just fail-proof suggestions, easy fixes, and answers to all your questions. Next up: Leveling up with gardening tools for beginners. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the best time to plant each of the top 5 new gardeners’ crops?

Radishes are an early-season crop that can be direct-sown as soon as the soil can be worked. Choose a cold-hardy lettuce to start indoors as early as March for an April transplant. Basil, marigolds, and bush beans are not frost-tolerant. Keep them indoors until the temperature consistently reaches above 55°F (12°C). Marigolds can tolerate short periods of 40°F (4°C), but it’s not ideal.

Can I grow these beginner plants in containers?

Yes, all these crops will thrive in containers. Do not overcrowd them, and water them frequently to prevent drying out. Explore our full collection of grow bags here. 

What do I do if my plants don’t sprout?

Review your sowing process to discover the issue. 

Did you sow the seeds too deeply? Plant seeds about 2-3 times as deep as they are wide. Pay attention to whether they need to be covered with soil or require sunlight for germination. 

Were the indoor conditions right? If you suspect it was too cold, put the seed trays on a heat mat next time. 

Check seeds for viability by performing a germination test:

1. Place 10-20 seeds on a wet paper towel or thin kitchen towel. 

2. Put the towel in a sealed bag in a warm place. 

3. After several days, count the seeds that sprouted. 

4. The percentage of seeds that sprouted is your germination rate. 

5. If this number is lower than expected, sow more than one seed per cell. This will increase your chances of having at least one seedling per cell. Thin as needed.
   Seeds are resilient, and plants want to live. Try again, and don’t give up! 

What if we get a late spring frost?

Have frost blankets available in case of a late-spring frost or a sudden temperature drop. Lay them in an accessible place to help you remember to use them. 

How much sunlight do these plants need?

Most plants require full sun, which means they receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Look for varieties that thrive with partial sun if needed. 

How often should I water each one?

Water consistently after transplant, and two to three times a week through the season. If the sun is hot or conditions are drought-like, water more. Listen to your plants. If they are droopy, wilting, or showing signs of stunt during warm weather, give them some water. If the soil around them is still damp, hold off to avoid drowning the roots and damping off. 

What crops are best for kids to help with in the garden? 

All the crops discussed in this article are great for kids to help with! Direct sown radishes will help teach them patience. Explore different ways to use basil in the kitchen. Use lettuce to teach them about healthy eating habits. Enjoy seeing how amazed kids are by the productivity and resilience of bush beans. Marigold seeds are easy to work with, so ask for their help sowing seeds indoors. 

Can marigolds be planted with vegetables to help control pests?

Yes, marigolds are effective and easy-to-grow companion plants. They will serve as a natural pest repellent. 

What’s the easiest way to tell when to harvest my beginner garden?

Use the days to maturity as a “rad”iness guide. Globe radishes will be one to three inches in diameter. French breakfast types will be two to three inches in diameter. Any larger, and they’ll start to get pithy and dry inside. You’ll learn more each year about the crops you’re growing.