Concerns about food contamination from pesticides have many people considering home gardening. While starting a home garden may seem daunting, there are a variety of easy-to-grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs that require minimal maintenance. These options ensure your family has access to nutritious meals all year long—and the best part is, it’s a fun and easy activity that kids can enjoy too!
Whether you have a lot of space or a little space to work with, these four fantastic florae can be grown in a spacious garden, on an apartment balcony, or inside on your countertop. Don’t worry - no green are thumbs required!
Green onions this is an easy beginner plant to grow on your countertop any time of year. Save the root end of your green onions and place them in a clear container of clean, room-temperature water. Submerge the roots but keep the tops above the water line. Place in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. As they grow, trim as needed!
Strawberries can be planted in pots or the ground in late spring following the last frost. Be sure to choose a location that will receive six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Because strawberries prefer well-drained soil, consider planting them in a raised bed with plenty of room. Be sure to water and fertilize regularly, and prepare for fresh, juicy berries at home!
Basil is an easy indoor or outdoor plant that will thrive with at least six hours of sun each day. Place seeds in a container and cover with ¼-inch of soil, keeping the soil moist until seeds germinate. Move to six inches apart once leaves develop, and be sure to water regularly. You can remove leaves for cooking once the plant is six inches tall.
Potatoes are a low maintenance choice to grow at home in the ground or large pots of high-quality potting mix. Cut your potato into chunks with at least two growth points. Dry them and plant in a sunny location about six inches deep and one foot apart. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize as needed, and voila – you’ll soon be harvesting fresh potatoes.