With social isolation and an excess of free time on our hands during this past year, many people have taken up gardening as a hobby. With interest in homegrown food and sustainability on the rise, it’s doubtful the appeal of gardening will wither away anytime soon. Whether you’re looking for aesthetically appealing flowers to bring color to your yard or garden-fresh produce to munch on, cultivate your green thumb with these beginner-friendly plants.
Radishes
Quick and easy to grow, radishes are a fantastic plant for budding gardeners. The plant is hardy and does well in loose soil, growing so fast that you’ll be able to harvest in just a matter of weeks. Radishes can be planted multiple times in a growing season, but they do best when sowed in spring and fall—the heat of summer can hinder their growth. Be sure the other plants in your garden don’t shade them from getting plenty of sun.
Cherry Tomatoes
Most tomato plants are long-season—the fruit takes longer to mature, meaning the plant has a higher risk of succumbing to disease or pests. Cherry tomatoes, however, reach maturity faster, leaving less up to chance while still producing a satisfying yield throughout the season.
Tomatoes plants are sensitive to the cold, so when adding them to your garden, buy starter plants from your local nursery or garden center, then transplant them once the threat of frost has passed. Cherry tomatoes also do well when started indoors from seed. Plant them about six weeks before the last frost, then transplant.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a three-for-one deal for new gardeners. Their sunny blooms are a cheerful addition to any garden, and they attract birds, bees, and other pollinators to your plants. Even better—when their heads dry out, you can harvest sunflower seeds for a healthy snack.
Heat-tolerant and pest-resistant, the adaptable sunflower grows quickly in loose soil, but be sure to plant them in a sunny spot that receives 6-8 hours of light. Sunflowers can be started indoors, but if you don’t intend to transplant them outside, choose one of the smaller varieties so their tap root has enough soil to grow.
If you’re planning to get your hands dirty this spring, Mimbach Fleet is ready to help you get started. Stop in today to stock up on seeds and supplies.
