Starting your first urban garden can feel daunting, but choosing the right plants makes all the difference. For your new planter boxes, begin with these nearly foolproof options that thrive in containers and forgive beginner mistakes.
First, herbs are your best friend. Basil grows rapidly with plenty of sun and regular watering. You can harvest leaves continuously throughout the season. Mint is another champion, though it's best grown alone in a container as it can aggressively spread. Simply provide consistent moisture.
For quick and satisfying results, leafy greens are ideal. Lettuce varieties like loose-leaf or romaine can be harvested in just 30 days by cutting the outer leaves. Spinach also grows well in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Both require well-draining soil.
If you'd like a pop of color, marigolds and nasturtiums are incredibly resilient flowering plants. They bloom profusely in full sun with minimal care and can even help deter pests from your other plants.
Finally, radishes are perhaps the easiest vegetable. The seeds germinate quickly, and you'll have crunchy roots ready to harvest in about a month. They don't even require deep soil.
The key to success is matching your plants to the sunlight your planter boxes receive. Most of these easy starters need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure your boxes have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Welcome to the rewarding world of urban gardening