Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been getting my hands dirty in the garden for quite a while now, and let me tell ya – starting out can feel pretty overwhelming. But don’t worry! At ShrubHub, we’ve put together this super helpful guide of the absolute best plants for beginners that are practically impossible to kill (well, almost!).
Why These Plants Rock for Beginners
Before we dive into our top picks, here’s why these plants are perfect for newbies
- They’re super low-maintenance (perfect for busy folks!)
- They’re tough as nails and can handle some neglect
- Most of them come back year after year
- They’ll make your garden look amazing with minimal effort
Top 15 Plants That Are Perfect for Beginners
1. Hostas
These shade-loving champions are basically indestructible! They come back every year with gorgeous foliage ranging from deep greens to cool blue-tinged leaves. Perfect for those tricky shady spots where nothing else seems to grow.
2. Daylilies
OMG, these are like the Toyota Camry of the garden world – reliable and long-lasting! They’ll:
- Bloom all summer long
- Survive in full sun or partial shade
- Come back year after year
- Pretty much take care of themselves
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
If you’re worried about forgetting to water (been there!) sedums are your new BFF. These succulents are
- Super drought-tolerant
- Perfect for sunny spots
- Great for borders
- Amazing late-season bloomers
4. Lavender
Not only does it smell amazing, but lavender is also:
- Super resilient
- Loves hot, sunny spots
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Makes your garden smell like heaven!
5. Coneflower (Echinacea)
These native wildflowers are absolute champs in the garden. They:
- Handle drought like a boss
- Keep blooming all summer
- Attract butterflies
- Look gorgeous in bouquets
6. Marigolds
These little sunshine-colored flowers are perfect for beginners because:
- They grow super fast
- Keep blooming forever
- Actually help keep pests away
- Come in gorgeous orange and yellow shades
7. Zinnias
Want instant color? Zinnias are your answer! They:
- Grow quickly from seeds
- Love summer heat
- Make amazing cut flowers
- Come in tons of colors
8. Boxwood
Need something evergreen? Boxwoods are perfect because:
- They stay green all year
- Need minimal pruning
- Work great in containers
- Make awesome hedges
9. Catmint
This tough-as-nails plant gives you:
- Pretty purple blooms
- Amazing fragrance
- Drought tolerance
- Long blooming season
10. Black-eyed Susans
These sunny flowers are basically happiness in plant form! They:
- Come back every year
- Bloom like crazy
- Handle poor soil
- Spread naturally
Pro Tips for Success
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to!):
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Start Small
Don’t try to plant everything at once! Pick 3-4 plants from this list and master those first. -
Location, Location, Location
- Sunny spots: Try zinnias, lavender, or coneflowers
- Shady areas: Go with hostas or Japanese painted ferns
- Dry spots: Sedum and lavender will be your best friends
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Watering Tips
Most beginners overwater – these plants prefer deep, occasional watering rather than daily sprinkles. -
Mulch Is Your Friend
A good layer of mulch will:
- Keep moisture in
- Block weeds
- Make your garden look neat
- Save you tons of work!
Plants to Avoid When Starting Out
While we’re focusing on the easy stuff, here are a few plants you might wanna skip until you’ve got more experience:
- Celery (super picky about conditions)
- Large tomatoes (prone to diseases)
- Brussels sprouts (take forever to grow)
- Spinach (bolts easily in heat)
Ready to Get Growing?
Starting a garden doesn’t have to be scary! With these beginner-friendly plants, you’ll be well on your way to creating a gorgeous outdoor space. Remember, even experienced gardeners kill plants sometimes – it’s all part of the learning process!
Need more help? Feel free to drop a comment below or check out our other gardening guides. We’re here to help you grow!
Happy planting, y’all!
P.S. Don’t forget to grab your gardening tools and get ready for some dirt under those fingernails – it’s totally worth it!
Cucumbers Are an Easy Fruiting Plant to Grow
Cucumbers are the true low-maintenance plants of summer. The resulting fruit might not taste as sweet as watermelons, but theyre so easy to grow (and just as juicy!). Youll get your harvest in about 65 days, just when your body is craving hydration in the warmest months. Cucumbers will give you all the H2O you need.
I love harvesting cucumbers for fresh summer salads. And dont forget, you can make pickles to have for the rest of the year.
Space your cucumber seeds about 3 to 4 inches apart along the base of a trellis. Keep these plants watered, and youll get fruit all season long.
Learn more about growing cucumbers.
Sugar Snap Peas Are a Snap to Grow
Sugar snap peas are my favorite protein to grow in the cooler parts of the year, when theres still a chance of frost. Their flavor is unlike anything you can find at the grocery store.
Your peas will need a strong trellis to climb. Peas grow so great from seed if you soak them overnight first and then plant them one every 4 to 5 inches along a trellis. Peas do need about 75 to 90 days to start fruiting, but once theyre mature, they keep producing for weeks to come, if not months.
Peas are a for-sure plant for me to grow every spring and fall in my garden.
Learn more about growing sugar snap peas.
9 Plants You Should ALWAYS Grow
FAQ
What flowers are easy to grow?
These easy-to-grow flowers will help you gain confidence in the garden. Easy annuals such as sunflowers and zinnias are simple to start from seed, perennials require little care and return year after year, and bulbs are practically foolproof when planted properly. Start with just one easy plant, or select a few and get growing!
What is the best plant for beginners?
Garden Designer Raine Clarke-Wills of Raine Garden Design says it’s without a doubt the very best plant for beginners. This invaluable plant gives so much back, not only to encourage wildlife, but for endless color in the garden between May, right through to December, she continues.
Are outdoor plants good for beginners?
Outdoor plants can transform your garden, balcony, or patio into a lush and inviting space, and gardening for beginners can be easy and fun! With a few handy tips and the right plants, you’ll be on your way to a green thumb in no time.
How do I choose the best outdoor plants?
Plus, spending time in a garden is a great way to reduce stress, get fresh air, and connect with nature. To choose outdoor plants that are resilient and forgiving, prioritize those that are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and require minimal or no pruning.
Is lavender easy to grow?
‘ Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any backyard, and it’s relatively easy to grow,’ says Tom Monson, Owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping. Grow this Mediterranean plant in a sunny spot – somewhere where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, Tom advises.
Are French marigolds a good plant for beginners?
‘French marigolds are an annual that belongs in every garden,’ says Nancy. ‘All they need is a sunny spot to grow, making them the perfect plant for beginners. ‘They are equally at home in a container, a flower bed, or even in a vegetable garden. They can be directly sown in the garden, so no need to start inside.