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When you first get interested in gardening, it can be a bit overwhelming. Most people remember growing some sort of bean plant in grade school in a little cup. As an adult, you see other people’s gardens and think, I grew that bean plant in elementary school, why not a garden? And then people start talking about growing seasons and soil composition… yah, it can get complicated very quickly. There are some really easy vegetables to grow; perfect for that first backyard garden.

I am not a complicated person. I don’t like complicated. I like easy. Guaranteed results. That kind of stuff. If you’re like that too, here’s a list of plants that are totally easy and useful.

Easy Vegetables to Grow

• Lettuce: Get starts from a farmers market or store. Put in large pot with potting soil or garden soil. Water. In a month or so, start using leaves for salad. If you have slugs, put aluminum foil all around the edge of the pot. Don’t plant in July or August.
• Rosemary: Again, get a start from somewhere. They make popular gifts, so you may already have one. Plant in ground or pot. Water occasionally. More, if you live in a dry area.
• Raspberries: Plant bush in an un-trafficked area of the yard. Make sure it gets some sun. Water after planting. Cut old growth after harvesting berries. Water with lawn if you live in a drier area.
• Zucchini: Plant seeds in the ground after the last frost. (ask your gardener neighbor when that is). Water. When the flowers start showing, watch for little zucchinis after the blooms get all wrinkly and dead looking. If you don’t see any, your local bees may be on strike and you will have to fertilize yourself. All you need to do is a Q-tip. Rub the end of the Q-tip on the “boy” flower until it’s covered with pollen. Then rub Q-tip on “girl” flower to transfer the pollen. The center of the flower is remarkably similar to people in the whole “boy” and “girl” thing…
• Green Beans: There is a reason that thousands of elementary schools use bean seeds for their plant growth science units. They’re super easy to grow! Put in dirt and water. It’s that easy. If the package says “vine”, you will need a stick, stake or string between sticks to hold up the vine. If the package says “bush”, you don’t need that. Plant after the ground has warmed up and the temperatures are regularly above 60 degrees.

Gardening is like gambling. Once you’ve gotten a few wins under your belt, it’s hard to stop. But there is nothing like eating fresh food you grew. The taste is better than anything you’ve eaten. Take a gamble on one of these 5 easy vegetables. You won’t be sorry.