Hey there, aspiring garden gurus! If you’re itching to dip your toes into the wonderful world of gardening but don’t want to break the bank, then you’re in for a treat. Momma’s here to spill the beans (and the seeds) on the best edible plants for beginner gardeners (while sticking to a budget). Get ready to flex those green thumbs and feast your eyes on these easy-to-grow, cost-effective wonders!
1. Tomatoes
Ah, the humble tomato – a staple in gardens big and small. Not only are tomatoes incredibly versatile in the kitchen, but they’re also one of the most prolific and cost-effective edible plants for beginner gardeners. Whether you’re growing cherry tomatoes in pots on your balcony or beefsteak tomatoes in a sunny backyard plot, you’re sure to enjoy a bountiful harvest without breaking the bank.
Best of all, if you’ve got an especially bountiful crop, canning these beauties up for the winter continues to save you money later in the year. Or! Can your own homemade salsa to use, to gift, to barter, or to sell as a cottage craft.
2. Lettuce
Salad lovers, rejoice! Lettuce is not only easy to grow but also incredibly cost-effective compared to buying pre-packaged greens from the store. With a little sun and regular watering, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves all season long. Plus, there are countless varieties to choose from, so you’ll never get bored with your salad bowl!
Beware, bunnies also love the lettuces. Which is great if you want to feed the wildlife. Not so great if you want to feed yourself. You may need to plant these in raised beds or behind deeply dug fences to stop hungry little nibblers cleaning out your baby greens.
3. Herbs
Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to any dish, and luckily, they’re also some of the easiest and most affordable plants to grow at home. From basil and cilantro to mint and rosemary, herbs thrive in pots or garden beds and require minimal maintenance. Plus, you’ll save a bundle compared to buying packaged herbs from the grocery store, making them a budget-friendly staple for beginner gardeners.
Beware that some herbs (I’m looking at you, mint), are especially prolific growers. Which is great for the bounty, but will also require being grown in a container to stop them from taking over everything.
4. Zucchini
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than zucchini. These prolific plants produce an abundance of tender, delicious squash that can be enjoyed grilled, roasted, sautéed, or baked into bread and muffins. With just one or two zucchini plants, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family or stock your freezer for the winter months ahead.
A word: Don’t plant too many of these. You will end up inundated with zucchini. Even with zoodles and zucchini chips and zucchini breads and zucchini soup, you will have far more than you can possibly use. Yes, you can barter these away to friends and family for other crops or even services. But eventually, they’re gonna be exhausted with them too and hide away in their house where you can’t foist the unwanted bumper crop on them anymore. Just leave a few bags of the excess on the doorstep and call it a gift. Ooooooor make up extra batches of pickles, chips, or zucchini bread and sell them at a craft fair or farmer’s market.
5. Green Beans
Another cost-effective option for beginner gardeners is green beans. These hardy plants are easy to grow from seed and produce a generous harvest of crisp, flavorful beans throughout the summer. Whether you prefer them steamed, stir-fried, or tossed into salads, fresh green beans are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Can up the extra for winter use! Or, blanch them and freeze them.
6. Radishes
If you’re short on space or patience, radishes are the perfect edible plant for you. These fast-growing root vegetables are ready to harvest in just a few weeks and require minimal care and attention. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen, adding a peppery kick to salads, sandwiches, and more. If you’re not a fan of them raw, try them grilled or roasted.
And don’t just consider the root. The greens are also edible! They’re a fantastic addition to salads. However, you can also cook them like other greens, such as turnip or collard greens. Slow cooked with a smoked turkey leg? Yum!
But wait! There’s more!
More great crops for beginners:
- Bell Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Peas
- Green Onions/Scallions
- Squashes
More highly prolific crops:
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Kale
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Cabbage
- Squashes (Summer and Winter)
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Eggplant
So there you have it, folks – my top picks for budget-friendly edible plants for beginner gardeners. Whether you’re growing tomatoes on your balcony or lettuce in your backyard, these easy-to-grow wonders are sure to bring joy, flavor, and plenty of savings to your garden adventures.
For even more information, check out these posts on How to Start a Garden on a Budget and How Gardening Saves You Money.
Happy planting! Momma
P.S. If you’re looking for a way to fund your gardening adventures, check out my FREE Guide on How to Make an Extra $1000.
