Tom Cooke
Some might consider gardening an art on its own, given that it requires a lot of effort, planning, and skill. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! You can still enjoy an extensive array of delicious produce by growing these 20 low-maintenance and high-yield crops in your garden.
Radishes
If you want instant gratification, radishes are your go-to crop! With a quick growth cycle and minimal soil requirements, they give you fast rewards in no time. They’re the ideal choice for gardeners who want quick success without the wait!
Lettuce
Although lettuce only thrives in cool temperatures, they are low-maintenance and grow quickly. Just make sure to water the plant consistently and harvest leaves instead of the whole plant to encourage steady yields.
Spinach
Spinach grows in just four to six weeks, and its tender leaves can provide multiple harvests from the same plant. It thrives in cool climates and moist soils, making it an easy and rewarding crop to grow.
Beans
This powerhouse crop is packed with protein and works wonders for your soil by naturally fixing nitrogen for future harvests. Easy to grow and available in a range of varieties, it’s a must-have for any food lover’s garden!
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomato plants are low-effort and high-yielding as they produce fruit continuously throughout the season and are easy to preserve. All they need for growth is full exposure to the sun and regular watering.
Cucumbers
These compact plants are prolific producers that don’t require much space and are well-suited to containers. Additionally, they are perfect accompaniments to meals as a good source of water, thus preventing dehydration and detoxifying the body.
Carrots
Carrots don’t need much care and grow reliably in various soils. As a result, they offer a high yield throughout the season. Their versatile usage in cooking makes them a valuable crop to grow at home gardens.
Garlic
Are you someone who can’t get enough garlic in your meals? Growing it in your garden is the perfect solution! It’s easy to plant, doesn’t require much space, and adds a bold, fresh flavor to any dish you make.
Onions
Similar to garlic, onions also have the capacity to enhance the flavor of any meal while adding essential nutrients. They can weather different climates and soil types while still producing a good enough harvest.
Kale
While kale may not be everyone’s favorite, it’s arguably the healthiest leafy green around. It grows continuously when only the outer leaves are harvested and thrive in plenty of sunlight and rich, moist soil.
Green Onions (Scallions)
Scallions make for an excellent addition to broths and other Asian preparations. What’s better is that they don’t need much space to thrive. With little maintenance, green onions grow fast and yield multiple crops.
Beets
Beets prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Since both the roots and greens are edible, growing this crop will give you double the produce. They also have a quick growth cycle and can be grown close together.
Peas
Consistent watering is essential for peas, but they are easy to cultivate and naturally resistant to pests. You can make an endless number of dishes with peas, so growing them in your backyard is a fantastic idea.
Cilantro
If picked often, cilantro crops can be harvested multiple times. It is low-maintenance and grows quickly, providing a fresh supply of leaves for culinary use with minimal effort. Keep your garnish ready at all times!
Mint
Mint is a gardener’s secret weapon—fast-growing, low-maintenance, and thriving in almost any condition. To keep it from taking over your garden, simply grow it in a container and watch it flourish!
Thyme
Thanks to its hardy nature and continuous growth, thyme is the perfect herb for low-maintenance gardeners who want fresh herbs year-round. It thrives with just full sun and minimal water once established, making it a breeze to care for.
Zucchini (Summer Squash)
This crop is a vegetarian’s delight as it can used in multiple forms for salads, pastas, and even baking! Zucchini is a heavy producer and requires rich soil, regular watering, and good sun exposure.
Turnips
Did you know turnip leaves are edible too? They’re easy to grow in moderate sun and well-drained soil, and with minimal care, you can enjoy both the flavorful roots and tender, nutritious greens throughout the season!
Bok Choy
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine and love experimenting with new ingredients, bok choy is the perfect crop to inspire your creativity. It provides a steady supply of fresh, leafy greens and is super easy to grow.
Basil
Who doesn’t like basil, right? Adding a little bit of this leafy deliciousness will enhance the taste of any dish. Regularly trimming this promotes bushy growth and a plentiful harvest along with sunlight and well-drained soil.