Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out. One of the keys to success is choosing the right plants to grow and knowing how to care for them. Fortunately, there are many easy-to-grow vegetables that are enjoyed by people all around the world. From juicy tomatoes to crisp lettuce and crunchy carrots, there are plenty of options to choose from.
By understanding which vegetables thrive together and which ones don’t, you can create a thriving garden that produces a bountiful harvest. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the most popular and easy-to-grow vegetables, along with companion planting suggestions and plants that should not be planted together.
20 of the easiest-to-grow and globally-grown vegetables, along with some companion planting suggestions, including plants that should not be planted together:
Tomatoes:
Companion plants include basil, marigold, and carrots. Do not plant with fennel or potatoes.
Zucchini:
Companion plants include beans, corn, and marigolds. Do not plant with other members of the squash family.
Cucumbers:
Companion plants include beans, corn, and radishes. Do not plant with aromatic herbs.
Lettuce:
Companion plants include carrots, radishes, and chives. Do not plant with Brassicas or Nightshades.
Peppers:
Companion plants include basil, marigold, and onions. Do not plant with beans or other members of the nightshade family.
Carrots:
Companion plants include onions, garlic, and chives. Do not plant with members of the Umbellifer family.
Green beans:
Companion plants include corn, potatoes, and radishes. Do not plant with members of the onion family.
Spinach:
Companion plants include strawberries, beans, and peas. Do not plant with Brassicas.
Radishes:
Companion plants include spinach, peas, and lettuce. Do not plant with members of the Brassica family.
Broccoli:
Companion plants include spinach, beets, and onions. Do not plant with members of the Nightshade family.
Cauliflower:
Companion plants include celery, spinach, and beans. Do not plant with members of the Brassica family.
Cabbage:
Companion plants include celery, onions, and beets. Do not plant with members of the Nightshade family.
Onions:
Companion plants include beets, carrots, and chamomile. Do not plant with beans or peas.
Garlic:
Companion plants include strawberries, tomatoes, and roses. Do not plant with beans or peas.
Potatoes:
Companion plants include beans, corn, and marigolds. Do not plant with members of the Nightshade family.
Sweet potatoes:
Companion plants include beans, corn, and radishes. Do not plant with members of the Brassica family.
Pumpkins:
Companion plants include corn, beans, and marigolds. Do not plant with other members of the squash family.
Squash:
Companion plants include beans, corn, and marigolds. Do not plant with other members of the squash family.
Beets:
Companion plants include lettuce, onions, and garlic. Do not plant with pole beans.
Peas:
Companion plants include carrots, radishes, and turnips. Do not plant with onions or garlic.
Remember that companion planting is not an exact science, and some plants may thrive together in some regions but not in others.
Some examples of plants that belong to the brassica and nightshade families:
Brassica family (also known as the cruciferous family):
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Turnips
- Mustard greens
- Radishes
Nightshade family (also known as the Solanaceae family):
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Peppers (including chili peppers, bell peppers, and jalapenos)
- Eggplants
- Tomatillos
- Goji berries
- Tobacco
Note that not all plants in these families will necessarily have the same companion planting requirements or restrictions, and there may be some variation depending on the specific variety of the plant as well as your location and climate.
Growing vegetables is a great way to get fresh, healthy produce while also enjoying the beauty and satisfaction of gardening. Whether you have a small backyard plot or a few containers on an airy balcony, there are many easy-to-grow vegetables that can thrive in a variety of environments.
By using companion planting techniques and avoiding incompatible combinations, you can create a garden that is not only productive but also beautiful and sustainable. With a little bit of patience, care, and attention, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious harvest of your own homegrown vegetables. So why not give it a try and see what you can grow?