Grow What You Love: Choose the Best Plants for Your Garden
When you’re planning a garden, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planting all the things. But before you dive in, here’s a question worth asking: What do you actually want to grow?
It’s not just about logistics — it’s about creating a space that reflects your tastes, your goals, and even your values. In this post, we’ll explore how picking the right plants can make your garden a source of joy, save you money, and even help you live a little more sustainably.
Start with what you’ll actually eat
When it comes to deciding what to grow, it’s simple: start with what you love to eat. Sure, it’s tempting to plant a little bit of everything, but focusing on your favorite foods makes your garden more rewarding — and less overwhelming. After all, your garden should feel like a joy, not another chore on your to-do list.
If you’re just getting started, start small. Once you’ve gained some confidence, you can branch out and try new vegetables or varieties. Treat your garden as a place of growth and discovery — it’s a process where you’ll learn something new with every season.
Make your garden work harder for you
Beyond growing what you love, there’s a practical side to your plant choices. Some crops can save you money, reduce waste, and even keep your pantry stocked long after the growing season.
Saving money
Have you noticed how pricey those tiny bundles of herbs are at the grocery store? Growing your own lettuce, basil, or parsley means fresh ingredients whenever you need them — and fewer grocery runs. Plus, you’ll waste less since you’re harvesting just enough for dinner, not a week’s worth of wilting greens.
Stocking up
Ever had a bumper crop of tomatoes or peppers? These veggies are garden MVPs because they’re so easy to preserve. Turn them into sauces, salsas, or even dried snacks, and enjoy your harvest all year long. Bonus: You’ll know exactly what’s in your food.
Reducing waste
Nothing’s worse than tossing out spoiled produce. Growing quick-to-spoil crops like leafy greens or herbs in your own garden gives you total control. Pick what you need, when you need it, and say goodbye to soggy spinach at the back of the fridge.
Maximizing Space
Vertical gardening is a game-changer for small spaces. By growing upwards instead of outwards, you can make the most of a small garden, patio, or even a balcony. Plants like pole beans, peas, cucumbers, and indeterminate tomatoes thrive when given the chance to climb, making them perfect for vertical setups. Herbs like mint, oregano, and thyme also do well in hanging planters or vertical wall gardens.
Using trellises, stakes, or hanging systems not only saves space but can also improve airflow and make harvesting easier. Vertical gardens also create a lush, layered look that’s as stunning as it is practical.
Match plants to your gardening style
Not all plants play by the same rules. Some are low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, while others need a little extra TLC. Knowing what you’re signing up for can save you a lot of frustration.
If you’re just starting out, stick with fast-growing veggies like lettuce, radishes, or kale, or easy herbs like cilantro and dill. They’re quick to mature, giving you that instant gratification we all love. Fruiting plants like zucchini and peas are also great options — they’re ready to harvest in 60 days or less.
Feeling ambitious? Go for tomatoes or peppers. They take a bit more care (think pruning, pollination, and pest management), but the payoff is worth it. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be slicing into homegrown tomatoes in no time.
Choosing the right plants is the foundation of a garden you’ll love and care for. By growing what you enjoy eating, maximizing the value of your efforts, and matching plants to your gardening style, you’re setting yourself up for success. Start small, stay curious, and let your garden grow along with you. Every seed you plant is a step closer to cultivating a space that’s not just beautiful, but uniquely yours.
