Starting a backyard garden is one of the easiest ways to get fresh, homegrown produce without making endless trips to the store. Some fruits and vegetables practically grow themselves, making them perfect for beginners and busy gardeners. If you want to enjoy homegrown food without too much effort, these easy-to-grow options are a great place to start.
1. Tomatoes Keep on Giving
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding plants to grow. They thrive in warm weather, need minimal care, and produce for months. Once they start ripening, you might find yourself giving extras away because one plant can yield more than expected. Just plant them in a sunny spot, give them support, and enjoy fresh tomatoes all season long.
2. Cucumbers Love to Climb
Cucumbers are perfect for backyard gardens because they grow fast and require little maintenance. Train them to climb a trellis to save space and keep the fruit off the ground. They love warm temperatures and regular watering, and before you know it, you’ll have more cucumbers than you can fit in your fridge.
3. Zucchini: The Plant That Keeps Producing
Zucchini plants are like that one friend who won’t stop texting—they never quit. Once they start producing, they just keep going. Give them space, water them regularly, and you’ll have a steady supply of zucchini for grilling, baking, and sneaking into every meal.
4. Bell Peppers Are Low-Maintenance
If you want a colorful addition to your garden, bell peppers are an easy choice. They require very little upkeep, and once they start producing, they keep going until the first frost. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making your garden (and meals) more vibrant.
5. Green Beans Grow in Any Space
Green beans grow quickly and don’t need much attention. Bush beans stay compact, while pole beans will climb a trellis or fence, making them great for small gardens. Just plant the seeds, water them regularly, and in no time, you’ll be harvesting handfuls of crunchy, fresh beans.
6. Carrots Practically Grow Themselves
Carrots are a great no-fuss vegetable. Plant the seeds directly in loose soil, keep them watered, and wait. They take care of themselves underground, and when they’re ready, pulling them up feels like unearthing buried treasure. Try different varieties for fun colors like purple, yellow, or even white.
7. Radishes Are Lightning Fast
If patience isn’t your strong suit, radishes are your new best friend. These little root veggies grow incredibly fast, often ready in just three weeks. They don’t require much care and are perfect for adding a peppery crunch to salads.
8. Lettuce for a Fresh Supply
Lettuce is a perfect plant for beginner gardeners. It grows quickly, doesn’t take up much space, and keeps producing if you harvest the leaves instead of pulling up the whole plant. With a variety of types to choose from, you can enjoy homegrown salads all season.
9. Spinach: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Spinach grows well in both spring and fall and can even handle a little frost. Plant it in a partly shaded area, keep it watered, and you’ll have fresh, tender greens ready to pick in just a few weeks. The best part? It regrows after harvesting, so you can keep enjoying it.
10. Kale: The Hard-to-Kill Green
Kale is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow. It can handle heat, cold, and even a little neglect. Keep harvesting leaves from the outside, and the plant will keep growing new ones. Whether you love kale chips, smoothies, or salads, having it in your backyard is a game-changer.
11. Swiss Chard: Colorful and Resilient
Swiss chard is both beautiful and practical. Its bright stems add color to any garden, and it’s incredibly easy to grow. This leafy green is heat-tolerant and keeps producing for months, making it a great choice for a low-maintenance vegetable garden.
12. Strawberries: Sweet and Simple
Growing strawberries is as easy as planting them and letting them spread. They grow well in the ground, raised beds, or even hanging baskets. Once they get started, they’ll come back year after year, giving you fresh, juicy berries every summer.
13. Blueberries for the Long Haul
Blueberry bushes take a little patience, but once they’re established, they produce fruit every year with minimal effort. They prefer acidic soil and need regular watering, but they’re well worth it. Plus, they attract pollinators, which helps the rest of your garden.
14. Raspberries Grow Like Weeds
Raspberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow because they practically take care of themselves. Plant them once, and they’ll keep coming back, producing delicious berries year after year. Just be prepared to share with birds—they love them too!
15. Blackberries for an Easy Harvest
Blackberry bushes are incredibly low-maintenance and thrive in many climates. They spread quickly and can take over if left unchecked, so giving them a trellis helps keep them in check. The reward? An abundance of juicy blackberries every summer.
16. Potatoes: Plant and Forget
Growing potatoes is as simple as burying a sprouting potato and waiting. They require little attention beyond occasional watering, and when harvest time comes, digging them up is like hunting for buried treasure. Try different varieties for a mix of colors and flavors.
17. Sweet Potatoes Love the Heat
Sweet potatoes are easy to grow, especially in warm climates. They need space to spread, but they don’t require much maintenance beyond occasional watering. If you love roasted sweet potatoes or homemade fries, having these in your backyard is a great idea.
18. Onions for a Foolproof Crop
Onions are one of the easiest crops to grow. Plant them in well-draining soil, keep them watered, and they’ll take care of the rest. They don’t require much attention and can be harvested at different stages for green onions or full-sized bulbs.
19. Garlic Practically Grows Itself
Garlic is one of the simplest crops to grow. Plant cloves in the fall, forget about them over winter, and harvest in the summer. They don’t need much care and store well after harvesting, making them a great addition to any backyard garden.
20. Peas for a Quick, Tasty Harvest
Peas grow quickly and don’t need much space. They love cooler weather, making them a great spring and fall crop. Whether you grow sugar snap, snow, or shelling peas, they’re easy to harvest and perfect for snacking straight off the vine.
21. Beets Are Foolproof
Beets are hardy and grow well in almost any soil. They’re easy to plant and require little care beyond occasional watering. The best part? You get two harvests in one—both the roots and the leafy greens are edible, making them a great addition to any backyard garden.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.