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Over the years, I’ve grown all kinds of vegetables—some that thrived with hardly any effort, and others that struggled no matter what I did. Along the way, I’ve discovered a handful of crops that are consistently easy, reliable, and rewarding.
These are the foods I plant every year without hesitation. And they always give me a harvest worth looking forward to. Here are 22 easy-to-grow foods you’ll absolutely want to plant every year.
Carrots
Carrots are a cool-season crop that can be planted in spring and late summer. They are crunchy, sweet, and highly nutritious. Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil that allows for straight growth. Avoid rocky soil to prevent misshapen carrots. Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Thyme
Thyme is known for adding incredible flavor to dishes such as stews, meats, and soups. Thyme does require full sun, but it makes an excellent plant for growing from its cuttings in water and on windowsills.
Spinach
Spinach practically grows itself in the cooler months. I plant it in early spring and again in the fall, and it rewards me with lots of tender leaves. It’s one of my go-to greens for salads and smoothies.
Oregano
Oregano is quite popular among lovers of Italian cuisine. It is a simple herb to grow rather than buy. Grow it indoors or outdoors in the garden.
Lettuce
Lettuce is always part of my garden plan because it grows quickly and doesn’t take up much space. I stagger my plantings to maintain a steady supply, and with just a bit of water and shade in the heat, they keep going strong.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a must-have herb for many dishes. This herb is easily grown in a container at home. You can also easily propagate rosemary from fresh batches bought at the grocery store. This herb needs full sun and maximum daylight exposure.
Beans
Beans are super easy to grow, especially when supported by a trellis or poles to climb. I love that they sprout quickly, and I usually harvest in under 2 months.
Basil
Few herbs are as easily recognized or smell as heavenly as basil plants, so they are popular in home gardens for fresh dish preparations. This plant needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It’s a great herb to grow that won’t take much flourish.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a must in the garden every year. I start them from seed indoors early in the spring. There’s nothing like picking your own sun-ripened tomatoes right off the vine.
Peas
Peas are incredibly easy to start from seed in early spring or fall. Sow pea seeds in groups of two or three in pots or directly in the ground, making sure the fast-growing seedlings have a trellis for support.
Cucumbers
There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool, crisp cucumber straight from the garden. They’re fast growers, perfect for vertical gardening, and the fresh crunch straight from the vine is unbeatable. They do great in my raised beds with just a little support.
Zucchini
Zucchini might be the easiest vegetable to grow. Just toss a few seeds into the ground, and before long, you’ve got more squash than you know what to do with. It thrives in summer heat and requires little attention.
Arugula
Arugula grows so quickly. It’s peppery, flavorful, and one of the first greens I can harvest in spring. As long as I keep it watered, I get multiple cuttings before the weather gets too hot.
Green Onions
Green Onions are unfussy and grow well in most gardens. They add a mild onion flavor to countless dishes. They require well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
Chives
Chives are one of the few perennial vegetables that can thrive in nearly all kinds of soil and weather conditions. These hardy plants are known for their slender, grass-like leaves and delicate onion-like flavor. Chives are a perfect addition to creamy potato dishes, adding a subtle, fresh onion flavor.
Beets
Beets have become one of my go-to vegetables because they’re quick to grow. I like to pick them young when they’re extra sweet, and I’ll toss both the roots and the tops into salads or roast them for dinner. As long as I plant them in loose, well-draining soil and keep them watered, they always do well for me.
Peppers
Both sweet bell peppers and hot chili varieties grow well in vertical gardens, especially when supported by stakes or cages. Encouraging an upright growth habit reduces overcrowding, improves airflow around the plants, and makes harvesting easier. This method also keeps ripening peppers off the ground, reducing pest problems and preventing rot.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another beginner-friendly vegetable to grow. Broccoli thrives in cooler weather, requires consistent watering, and is relatively pest-resistant compared to other vegetables. With proper care, broccoli can yield a rewarding harvest.
Potatoes
Potatoes are highly beginner-friendly because they’re simple to plant and care for. They grow well in a variety of conditions, require minimal maintenance, and can even be grown in containers.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard thrives in raised beds because the soil’s consistent fertility promotes robust growth. The bed’s height also makes leaf harvesting easier.
Radishes
Radishes are among the quickest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready to harvest in 3 weeks. They add a peppery kick to salads and dishes. Plant radish seeds in cool weather and well-drained soil. They need full sun to partial shade.
Kale
Kale is a hearty, nutrient-dense vegetable that grows well in containers or on racks in a vertical garden. This hardy vegetable is the perfect low-maintenance addition to a winter vegetable garden.
