Easy-to-Grow Plants for First-Time Gardeners

By Vivian El-Salawy on May 29, 2018

Succulents have been one of the greatest tends within the past year. They’re a great way to personalize your own space, as well as bring a little life to it without putting in much effort. For many, a small, simple succulent becomes the beginning of their desire to have a green thumb. However, branching out into other types of plants, whether indoor or outdoor, may require a little more effort, which is why it’s important to explore some easy-to-grow plants for first-time gardeners.

Herb Garden

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The great thing about an herb garden is that you can choose to grow them indoors or outdoors, as long as they get at least four hours of sunlight per day. Watering them is easy too, because typically they only need to be watered when the soil that they are potted in is dry to the touch. This is usually dependent upon the types of herbs you choose to grow. Basil, for example, requires for there to always be a level of moisture in its soil, whereas herbs such as lavender require for the soil to be entirely dry before the next watering period. A few herbs that I chose to grow are basil, rosemary, sage, and cilantro. Maintaining my small, relatively beginner herb garden every morning has become a pleasant routine that I am happy to incorporate into my day. Best of all, the garden encourages me to cook more and to utilize my herbs in my cooking. I made a delicious sandwich the other day just by adding a little bit of basil to it.

Marigolds 

Marigolds are a standard, idiot-proof flower that you can grow on your balcony. Simply purchase some seeds, pot them accordingly, and follow the instructions on the packet. The best time to plant marigolds are in the springtime. They bloom beautifully, and depending upon your location, will generally last until fall. What better countdown to football season than a gorgeous addition to your outdoor area.

Aloe

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While aloe is a type of succulent, it also presents various benefits that you can utilize within your own household. Simply break the leaf as close to the plant as possible on an aloe vera plant, lay the leaf down on a cutting board and slice off both ends of it. The gel from the leaf can then be used to treat sunburns, which is perfect for after a nice, summer day at the beach. The gel also treats cold sores, can be used as a moisturizer, and helps boost your immune system.

Air Plants

Air plants are the perfect option for those that want some form of greenery in their household, but are too afraid of houseplants. Air plants are epiphytes, which means that they are plants that grow without dirt. The key to their survival is air circulation, so if you live in a dorm that has poor air circulation, they may not be the best option for that space. In order to water them, all you have to do is place them in the sink and lightly rinse them. You can leave them in the sink overnight to let them dry, and then place them back up afterwards. They typically dwell in areas with a fair amount of sunlight, and in warmer parts of the room as well. These make for a really great atmosphere, and they are an easy way to bring a unique flair to your space.

Money Trees

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A money tree is also known as a “Good luck” tree, so perhaps it isn’t a bad idea to start off with this easy, well-sized plant. They’re great for apartment spaces – especially for a living room or bedroom. It’s braided trunk reminds most people of small, braided bamboo plants. It’s leaves are also uniquely large. Outdoors, in South American swamps, this plant can grow up to sixty feet tall – you probably wouldn’t even recognize it. However, indoors, they typically remain between three to six feet in height. They grow best in bright, indirect lighted areas. They usually do well with being watered about once a week, and can be sustained in moderately humid environments as well. However, they most often do not do well as a result of overwatering or overexposure to bright sunlight. If you find that your plant’s leaves start losing their brightness, consider moving it further away from the light, or moderating how much you water it.

Gardening is a great way to release stress. It’s a healthy routine to incorporate into your day, and best of all, it brings life to your indoor and outdoor spaces. Taking care of something as small as a little plant can brighten up not only your own day, but those around it.

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