10 Easy Vegetables You Don't Need a Green Thumb to Grow

Radishes

The tangy bite of a fresh radish complements a simple salt-and-butter topping, or a more complex salad, tart, or shrimp pasta. "Radishes are fast-growing vegetables that can be harvested within a month," says Cutsumpas. "Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil and keep them evenly moist."

Lettuce

One of the easiest vegetables to grow, lettuce may not sound like an especially exciting addition to your garden, but it provides a generous crop of leaves you can use in salads, sandwiches, and more. "Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in containers or garden beds," says Cutsumpas. "Sow the seeds in well-drained soil and keep it consistently moist."

Green Beans

With well-drained soil, a sunny spot, and neatly-trimmed neighboring plants that allow for air circulation, green beans thrive, providing home gardeners with a bright, crunchy vegetable that’s delicious served raw or cooked. "Green beans are relatively easy to grow and can be planted directly in the garden," says Cutsumpas.

Zucchini

Fair warning: A few zucchini plants can shoot out tendrils and vines that conquer a garden if not properly trellised (so they require some work)—but from their blossoms to their fruits, these warm-weather plants are a must for casseroles, pasta dishes, and baked goods. They thrive in sunny spots with moist soil, says Cutsumpas.

Cucumber

Water-loving cucumbers like fertile soil and plenty of room to spread out—but don’t require much hands-on effort, unless you want to keep the shape of the plant trimmed. "Cucumbers are vigorous climbers, so provide them with a trellis or support structure," says Cutsumpas. Serve them in salads, make pickles, or opt for less-expected preparations, like sautéeing or roasting.

Carrots

Carrots are incredibly versatile in a variety of recipes, high yielding, and one of the easiest plants to grow in your garden. "Carrots require loose, sandy soil for proper root development," says Cutsumpas. "Sow the seeds directly in the garden and keep the soil moist during germination."

Amaranth

Amaranth plants are famous for their grains, but "the greens of this plant are edible, delicious, and widely used throughout the world," says Hayes-Hodge. The plant comes in several varieties, but all have greens that can be sautéed as you would spinach leaves, she says.

"Amaranth is a beautiful, quick growing green that stands up to summer heat without bolting—going to flower—too quickly. Cut it back regularly," says Hayes-Hodge. "Some cultures favor green amaranth and some red; both are delicious in my opinion."

Cucamelon

 Impress your friends and family with tiny cucamelons, which resemble a cross between miniature watermelons and cucumber (and taste like the latter). "One of my favorite plants to grow, cucamelons are tenacious, creating a mat of vines that will take down any but the sturdiest of trellises," says Hayes-Hodge. "Once they start [to fruit], they don't stop fruiting until the first frost." Add diced cucamelon to salads for what Hayes-Hodge's colleague calls "gluten-free croutons."

Sungold Cherry Tomatoes

Few plants taste like summer more than just-picked tomatoes. Hayes-Hodge's go-to are Sungold cherry tomatoes, a disease-resistant hybrid with flawless flavor. "If you have kids, or even if you don't, cherry tomatoes are a great way to graze from the garden," she says. "In peak season, if you happen to end up with an excess of cherry tomatoes, freeze them on a sheet tray and then tumble them into airtight freezer containers. When you're ready for some fresh tomato flavor in the winter, pull those golden marbles out and toss them in a pot of anything and let them burst—a taste of summer incarnate."

Microgreens

Tiny microgreens are quick-growing and flavorful. "They can be grown outside or indoors on a sunny windowsill, making them ideal for those that don't have much outdoor space," says Cutsumpas. "In just 10 to 14 days you will have freshly sprouted seeds that are packed with nutrition and flavor."