Are you looking to start a vegetable garden but unsure where to begin? Growing vegetables at home can be incredibly rewarding, and some crops are perfect for beginner gardeners. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to grow five of the easiest vegetables: lettuce, peas, radishes, tomatoes and zucchini. We’ll cover planting tips, growing times, common pests and harvest advice so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in no time!

Go here for natural ways to control pests and here for advice on starting a compost pile, where plant waste can be recycled into natural fertilizer.

1. Lettuce: A Fresh and Fast Favorite

How to Plant Lettuce:
Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and it thrives in cooler temperatures. You can either plant lettuce from seeds or started plants.

• From Seeds: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them 1/4 inch deep in moist soil. When the weather warms, transplant them outdoors or sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable.

• From Started Plants: Transplant started lettuce plants outdoors when the soil temperature is around 50°F.

Time to Harvest:

• From Seeds: 30–60 days.

• From Transplants: 30–45 days.

Common Pests & Problems:
Lettuce is vulnerable to aphids, slugs and snails. Keep an eye on your plants and remove pests manually. To prevent slug damage, try using copper tape around the base of the plant or natural slug repellent.

Other Tips:
Lettuce thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for early spring or fall gardens. Ensure soil is well-drained and keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Peas: A Cool-Season Crop with High Rewards

How to Plant Peas:
Peas can be grown directly from seed. Plant them 1–2 inches deep and 1–2 inches apart. Peas prefer cooler weather, so plant them early in spring, as soon as the soil is workable, or in the fall for a late-season harvest.

• From Seeds: Sow directly into the garden, spacing rows about 18 inches apart.

• From Started Plants: It's less common to find started pea plants, but if available, transplant them early in spring.

Time to Harvest:
Peas are ready to harvest in about 60–70 days, depending on the variety.

Common Pests & Problems:
Watch for aphids, powdery mildew and root rot. Ensure proper spacing to promote good air circulation and reduce fungal issues. To prevent aphids, consider planting companion plants like garlic or onions near your peas.

Other Tips:
Provide pea plants with support, such as trellises or cages, to help them grow upward and avoid sprawling on the ground. Peas can be harvested as soon as the pods are full but still tender.

3. Radishes: The Fast-Growing Crop

How to Plant Radishes:
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, perfect for beginner gardeners looking for quick results. Plant radish seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-drained, loose soil (they’re such fast growers that started plants aren’t necessary).

Time to Harvest:
Radishes typically mature in 20–30 days, depending on the variety.

Common Pests & Problems:
Radishes are relatively pest-free but can be affected by aphids or root maggots. If root maggots are a problem, try using row covers to protect your radishes from the larvae.

Other Tips:
Radishes grow best in cool weather, and they thrive in soil that has been loosened before planting. Thin your plants to avoid overcrowding, and harvest early to avoid them becoming too woody.

4. Tomatoes: A Garden Favorite for All Seasons

How to Plant Tomatoes:
Tomatoes require a warm growing season to thrive. You can start them from seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery.

• From Seeds: Start indoors in small pots, keeping them under grow lights. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed to 60°F.

• From Started Plants: Space tomato plants 18–36 inches apart in full sun. Tomatoes can also be grown in containers if space is limited.

Time to Harvest:

• From Seeds: 60–85 days, depending on the variety.

• From Transplants: 50–80 days.

Common Pests & Problems:
Tomatoes are susceptible to aphids, whiteflies and blight. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Mulch around the base of the plant to keep moisture in and prevent soil splashing on the leaves.

Other Tips:
Provide tomato plants with plenty of sunlight and water them consistently. Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and prevent diseases. (Learn more about growing tomatoes here.)

5. Zucchini: The Abundant Summer Vegetable

How to Plant Zucchini:
Zucchini is a fast-growing and prolific vegetable, making it a favorite among gardeners. It can be planted from seeds or started plants.

• From Seeds: Plant zucchini seeds directly into the soil after the last frost date, about 1 inch deep and 2–3 feet apart. Zucchini plants spread quickly, so give them plenty of space.

• From Started Plants: Space plants 2–3 feet apart. Zucchini thrives in well-drained soil with full sun.

Time to Harvest:
Zucchini typically takes about 50–60 days to mature, depending on the variety.

Common Pests & Problems:
Zucchini can be prone to squash bugs, cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. Check your plants regularly for pests, and remove them by hand. Powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicides or natural solutions like baking soda and water sprays.

Other Tips:
Zucchini plants require plenty of water, especially during hot weather. Harvest zucchini regularly to encourage more fruit production. If you're growing them in containers, choose a large pot to allow for the plant's rapid growth.

Final Thoughts

These five vegetables—lettuce, peas, radishes, tomatoes and zucchini—are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in your garden. With proper care, they’ll provide you with fresh, home-grown produce in no time. Be sure to start your seeds or plants at the right time, monitor for pests and enjoy the harvest as it comes in. Happy gardening!