Growing vegetables at home might seem like a beautiful way to save money and have fresh food ready, but if you have what’s as known as the opposite of green thumb, it can feel impossible. Luckily, this article is going to share some easy to grow fruits and vegetables to help you build a thriving garden.
Green Thumb vs. Black Thumb
Don’t feel bad if you have a history of killing plants before they can thrive. Just because you were once a black thumb does not define your future as a sustainable homesteader or gardening hobbyist.
Having a green thumb generally refers to someone’s gift or affinity for growing plants. But, etymologically speaking, the phrase has some fascinating origins. Famed horticulturist and celebrity gardener James Underwood Crocket coined the term “from the fact that algae growing on the outside of earthenware pots will stain a person’s thumb (and fingers) if he or she handles enough pots.”
An even older theory suggests that it refers back to the time of King Edward I of England, who especially loved green peas and who would seasonally offer a generous prize to the worker who shelled the most peas.
Easy To Grow Fruits and Vegetables for Those With Opposite of Green Thumb
No matter If you are brand new to growing or feel like the classic black thumb, here are several easy to grow fruits and vegetables that will encourage your new relationship with gardening.
Tomatoes – So Easy A Black Thumb Can Do It
Tomatoes will be your new best friend because they are straightforward to grow, both inside and outside. In addition, tomatoes work great with vertical gardening, which is especially inviting for those with smaller gardens and limited growing space.
Alternatively, you can also grow your favorite selection of tomatoes inside decorative containers that you curate indoors. Finally, if you want to venture into hydroponics, tomatoes are a fantastic choice for beginners looking for a fresh-tasting, generous harvest.
How to Grow Romaine Lettuce
From leaf lettuce like spinach and kale to heads of lettuce like iceberg and romaine, you have many options here. These greens are generally straightforward for beginners to grow. You can find seeds just about anywhere — go check out your nearest garden center.
Like tomatoes, you may decide to explore the benefits of establishing an indoor hydroponic garden. Otherwise, you can grow lettuce in a traditional garden. It would be best to be wary of the temperature outdoors because although lettuce can handle moderately cold temperatures, these greens will not thrive with frost or freezing temperatures.
Cucumber Growing Tips
There is nothing more satisfying than taking a bite of a fresh cucumber during the hot summer months. Cucumbers can be grown on vines if you have adequate garden space. Or, you can choose to grow them in containers on your balcony or in your kitchen.
Cucumbers help add flavor and nutrients to your salads, soups, or rice bowls. They are a fantastic healthy snack. Plus, because of their high water content, you can also use these crunchy green gems in your pressed juices or smoothies.
Growing Squash In Pots
For all green thumb ‘wannabees,’ it might be worth trying to grow summer squash. Like cucumbers, they don’t require a lot of space and are a versatile vegetable. Summer squash can be grown outdoors or indoors. It works amazingly well in container gardens or raised garden beds in your backyard.
Provided you give these tasty vegetables the ideal growing environment, including light, temperature, and nutrients, you will be surprised at how well squash will thrive in space-saving pots around your house.
Become Your Best Green Thumb
When it comes to growing fruits and vegetables, the three most important things to pay attention to when reading the plant growing instructions will be specific watering, lighting, and space requirements.
The good news is that you can transform yourself from someone with the opposite of green thumb into a thriving, harvesting, and happy green thumb regardless of your past.
So whether you have a small plot of land dedicated to growing a few different vegetables or find yourself producing container edibles because of limited space, you can plant some of these easy vegetables to grow all year round.