There’s nothing quite like fresh produce in the summertime. Planting a garden has so many wonderful benefits beyond providing fruits and vegetables. Indeed, gardening can be a fun family activity or a relaxing solo retreat. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, here are some easy plants for a garden to get yours growing.
For your table
When we think of planting a garden, bright summer vegetables are usually the first things that spring to mind. Three of the easiest (and most delicious) vegetables you can grow are:
- Summer squash
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
All three require full sun and well-drained soil. You can plant different varieties of each, depending on the climate where you live. Cucumbers thrive in warm weather, which is great news if you’re planting later in the season. If you’re ready for a greater challenge, try:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
These two plants require more care but are well worth it in the end. They require full sun and well-drained soil as well. Both tomatoes and peppers can be planted in containers outside, which makes planting a vegetable garden even easier.
Easy plants for a garden to enhance your meals
Now that you’ve made a game plan for your produce, it’s time to think about seasoning. Planting a garden with fresh herbs is an easy way to enhance your food and beverages. Some of the best herbs for novice gardeners include:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Dill
- Parsley
All five plants require well-drained soil and can be planted in indoor containers. Each plant has its own personality. For example, cilantro is short-lived and blooms quickly, yielding your herbs rather quickly. Mint has a tendency to spread, so plan accordingly if you’re planting in the ground. However, all of them will survive with just a little bit of attention from you, making them wonderful starter herbs.
A feast for your eyes
Now that you’re well-fed, it’s time to consider a garden for pleasure. Flowers are a feast for your eyes and create a lovely atmosphere to enjoy your fresh meals. Planting a garden with flowers is easy if you choose the right varieties. Here some flowers for beginner gardening:
- Sunflowers
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Hydrangeas
Sunflowers are beautiful and easy to grow. As their name suggests, they require plenty of sun. Marigolds and pansies are summer classics, with bright, happy blooms. The best part of all, both plants are undemanding and easy to keep alive!
Hydrangeas are also easy plants for a garden. They’re gorgeous all summer and don’t require deadheading (removing the dead flowers to encourage further growth). They need full sun to partial shade.
No space? No problem
Planting a garden might seem impossible if you don’t have a roomy backyard. However, there are easy ways to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers with little space. First, look up! If you don’t have enough ground space, you can plant a vertical garden. The sky is the limit (literally) when planting vertically. It can be as simple as leaning an old ladder against your wall and stacking pots on top of the steps. You could also build a trellis to match your home’s style.
Look to your windows too. Herbs and flowers in windowsill pots put them at arm’s reach, and they’ll give your home curb appeal. Paint the windowsill pots a bright, cheery color for a little extra oomph.
Grow in a home you love
Your home is more than where you sleep. It’s where you make memories, recharge and nourish your family. Since your home is such a central aspect of your life, it’s important to partner with financing experts during the home-buying process. First Centennial Mortgage can make financing simple, so you can focus on what’s important and leave the details to the professionals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.