8 Easy-to-Grow Veggies (and Herbs) for Your Sustainable Garden

Growing your own vegetables and herbs is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to embrace sustainable living. As we have previously mentioned in our sustainable cooking tips post, it reduces your reliance on store-bought produce, cuts down on packaging waste, and ensures you’re eating fresh, organic food straight from your garden. And the best thing is, it is not that hard to do!

Even if you’re new to gardening or have limited space, starting with easy-to-grow veggies and herbs can help you cultivate a greener, more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Here are some of the best plants to start with for a sustainable garden!

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a garden favorite due to their versatility and ease of growth. Whether you’re growing cherry tomatoes or larger ones, they thrive in both garden beds and containers. They’re also excellent for reducing plastic waste, as store-bought tomatoes often come in plastic packages.

Growing Tips: Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight, so plant them in a sunny spot. Water consistently and provide support with stakes or cages as the plants grow. Cherry tomatoes are especially easy for beginners, offering a quick and abundant harvest.

Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow and provides a quick, fresh harvest for salads and sandwiches. It grows well in containers, making it a great option for small spaces or patio gardens. By growing your own, you will be able to avoid the plastic packaging and water-intensive commercial farming associated with store-bought lettuce.

Growing Tips: Lettuce prefers cool weather, so plant it in early spring or fall if you can. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest the outer leaves as needed. To enjoy a continuous supply of lettuce, plant new seeds every couple of weeks.

Radishes

Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables, often ready to harvest within just a few weeks after planting. They’re a great choice for new gardeners who want to see fast results and enjoy fresh, crunchy vegetables at the table. Both the radish and its greens are edible, which helps reduce food waste.

Growing Tips: Radishes grow best in cool weather, so it is best to plant them in early spring or fall. They prefer loose, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds directly into the soil or containers and thin them out as they grow to give each radish enough space to develop.

Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Mint)

Herbs like basil, parsley, and mint are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. They’re perfect for beginners, as they can thrive in small spaces like windowsills, balconies, or patios. Plus, growing your own herbs saves money and avoids the plastic packaging that often comes with store-bought herbs.

Growing Tips: Basil and parsley love full sunlight and well-drained soil, while mint can tolerate partial shade and tends to spread quickly—so it’s best to grow mint in containers. Regularly prune your herbs to encourage new growth and prevent them from flowering too early.

Zucchini (Courgettes)

Zucchini is a superb producer, meaning a single plant can yield a large amount of vegetables throughout the growing season! Zucchini is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize their harvest while minimizing the effort. Plus, both the zucchini and its flowers are edible, making it a zero-waste crop.

Growing Tips: Zucchini plants need full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather. Harvest zucchinis when they are small and tender for the best flavor, and to encourage further production.

Carrots

Carrots are also easy to grow, and their crisp, sweet flavor is far superior when picked fresh from your garden, as opposed to many store-bought ones. They’re ideal for cooler weather and can be grown in garden beds or containers with deep enough soil. Growing your own carrots helps reduce reliance on commercial farming practices, which often involve heavy use of pesticides.

Growing Tips: Plant carrots in loose, sandy soil to allow the roots to grow straight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Carrots are a cool-season crop, so plant them in early spring or fall for the best results.

Peppers

Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy chili peppers, these plants are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. They’re perfect for small gardens or container gardening and offer a fresh alternative to buying peppers that have been shipped long distances.

Growing Tips: Peppers need lots of of heat and sunlight, so plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Harvest peppers when they reach their desired size and color for the best flavor.

Spinach

Spinach is a fast-growing leafy green that’s rich in nutrients. It’s ideal for beginner gardeners because it’s easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times during the growing season. Growing spinach at home reduces the need for store-bought varieties, which are often packaged in plastic.

Growing Tips: Spinach thrives in cool weather, so if you can, try to plant it in early spring or fall. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Spinach can be grown in both garden beds and containers.

Grow Your Own for a More Sustainable Future!

Growing your own vegetables and herbs is an enjoyable and practical way to embrace sustainable living. By doing this, you do not only reduce your environmental footprint by avoiding plastic packaging and long-distance food transportation, but gain access to fresh, organic produce that’s free of pesticides. Whether you’re planting a full vegetable garden or starting with a few pots on a windowsill, these easy-to-grow plants will help you on your path to sustainable consumption. You can start small, with just one or few, and try new veggies and herbs as you get better with it. Remember: every small step contributes to a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle.