The Easiest Edibles

Growing your own food is something that many people consider, but few actually do. The logic is undeniable. Fruits and vegetables grow on plants, plants grow almost everywhere you look, so why can’t I just grow some plants that make food for myself, my family, and my friends?

It is a simple enough question, but the reality of vegetable gardening comes with many challenges, even for the seasoned grower. However, some edible plants are easier to grow than others, and those are the ones you should start with. When you are ready to try your hand at growing some of your own food, consider our list of these 8 easy-to-grow edibles, and get started.

1. Peppers

Peppers grow quickly and produce edible treats that range from tiny to large, and from sweet to very hot. Buy small potted varieties to get a head start, then plant them in spring if you live in a cold area, and fall if you live in the tropics. You can grow them in the ground or in pots, and they are resistant to many pests.

2. Blackberries and Raspberries

Blackberries are a type of berry called a caneberry. Raspberries are the same type of fruit. Both can be grown with little care. Some varieties are thornless, making them even easier to grow and harvest. They are great for eating fresh or baking.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are easy, fast growers that can be grown on a trellis. You can also grow them on a pole in a pot, or from a high hanging basket. The cool thing about cucumbers is that you can harvest and eat them at various stages, from small, to medium, to large.

4. Cabbage

Growing Cabbage is fun and simple. Cabbage thrives in less-than-perfect soil and can be grown in containers as well. Since they are fast growing you can plant then in both spring and summer and harvest twice before winter sets in.  

5. Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the world’s most popular foods. Their bright red, juicy, delicious fruit is not only pretty, but pretty easy to grow. Grow them in hanging baskets, and cultivate the little runner plants that form on the ends of long stems, and you can grow more and more plants along with your berry harvests.  

6. Garlic

You can grow Garlic simply by planting the bulbs from a head. Keep a full head of garlic in a cool dry place and it will even begin to sprout on its own. When it does, separate the bulbs and plant them in the soil or in a pot. New shoots will grow another cluster of garlic and the process can be repeated over and over. You will never have to buy this savory favorite again.

7. Tomatoes

Hybrid tomatoes can be grown from plants you find in the garden shop or nursery, but heirloom varieties can be grown from seeds. Grow Tomatoes in pots or in the ground in spring and support them with a simple trellis or staking system. Harvesting your own fresh tomatoes is always a home gardening thrill.

8. Herbs

Last but certainly not least, are Herbs. Parsley, Sage, Mint, Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, and dozens of other Herbs are one of the best things a new gardener can grow. You can use them immediately because you are not waiting for a pepper to get ripe, or a berry to appear and mature. Herbs love to be pruned, so the more you use them, the better they grow. Grow Herbs in a container or in the ground, and spoil yourself with their fresh vibrant flavors. ▲

🤓