Top 10 Must-Have Garden Plants For A Stunning Outdoor Space

When it comes to gardening, there are a lot of plants to choose from, which can be overwhelming for beginner gardeners. Here are some of the best outdoor plants for those who are just starting out:

1. Marigolds

What:

Marigolds are annual flowers that come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow and take care of, and they can be planted in both garden beds and containers.

Why:

Marigolds are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are low-maintenance and have a long blooming period. They are also known for their ability to repel pests, making them a natural solution for pest control in your garden.

Benefits:

• Low-maintenance
• Long blooming period
• Natural pest control

Ideas:

Plant marigolds in garden beds or containers for colorful blooms all season long. Mix them with other annual flowers like petunias and snapdragons for a bright and cheerful display.

How to:

To plant marigolds, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Dig a hole for each plant and space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water them well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Tips:

• Choose a variety that is appropriate for your region
• Plant marigolds near vegetable plants to repel pests
• Keep an eye out for spider mites, which can be a common pest for marigolds

2. Sunflowers

What:

Sunflowers are tall, annual flowers that come in a range of sizes and colors, including yellow, orange, and even red. They are relatively easy to grow and take care of, and they make a stunning addition to any garden or landscape.

Why:

Sunflowers are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are easy to grow and have a high success rate. They are also known for their ability to attract pollinators, making them a natural choice for gardeners who want to support local wildlife.

Benefits:

• Easy to grow
• Attracts pollinators
• Stunning addition to any garden or landscape

Ideas:

Plant sunflowers in a sunny spot in your garden or landscape for a dramatic effect. They look beautiful when planted in groups, and they can also be used to create a natural privacy screen or fence.

How to:

To plant sunflowers, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Dig a hole for each plant and space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water them well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide support for taller varieties with a stake or trellis.

Tips:

• Plant sunflowers in the spring, after the last frost
• Choose a variety that is appropriate for your region
• Water regularly, especially in hot, dry weather

3. Tomatoes

What:

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens and for good reason. They are relatively easy to grow and take care of, and they offer a delicious and nutritious harvest.

Why:

Tomatoes are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are easy to grow and have a high success rate. They are also packed with nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

Benefits:

• Easy to grow
• Delicious and nutritious
• High yield potential

Ideas:

Plant tomatoes in a sunny spot in your garden or in containers on your patio or balcony. Opt for determinate varieties if you have limited space, or go for indeterminate varieties if you have more room to grow.

How to:

To plant tomatoes, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Dig a hole for each plant and space them 2-3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Water them well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide support for taller varieties with a stake or trellis.

Tips:

• Plant tomatoes in the spring, after the last frost
• Choose a variety that is appropriate for your region
• Prune tomato plants regularly to encourage growth and discourage pests

4. Herbs

What:

Herbs are a great addition to any garden, especially for beginner gardeners. They are easy to grow and take care of, and they can be used in recipes or for medicinal purposes.

Why:

Herbs are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are low-maintenance and offer a range of health benefits. They are also versatile and can be used in everything from cooking to home remedies.

Benefits:

• Low-maintenance
• Health benefits
• Versatile uses

Ideas:

Plant herbs in containers on your patio or balcony for easy access. Choose a variety of herbs that you like to use in your cooking, such as basil, oregano, and thyme.

How to:

To plant herbs, choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with potting soil. Plant your herbs according to their specific needs, spacing them apart as necessary. Water them well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide plenty of sunlight, as most herbs require full sun.

Tips:

• Harvest herbs regularly to encourage growth
• Use herbs fresh or dry them for later use
• Experiment with different flavor combinations in your cooking

5. Succulents

What:

Succulents are low-maintenance plants that come in a range of shapes and sizes. They are popular for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in dry conditions.

Why:

Succulents are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are easy to care for and have a high success rate. They are also versatile and can be planted in containers or as part of a landscape design.

Benefits:

• Low-maintenance
• Drought-tolerant
• Unique appearance

Ideas:

Plant succulents in containers on your patio or balcony, or incorporate them into a landscape design for a unique and modern look. Mix and match different varieties for a varied and interesting display.

How to:

To plant succulents, choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant your succulents according to their specific needs, spacing them apart as necessary. Water them well after planting and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Provide plenty of sunlight, as succulents require full sun.

Tips:

• Avoid overwatering, as succulents are prone to root rot
• Propagate your succulents by taking cuttings and rooting them in soil
• Experiment with different planting combinations and container styles

With these plants in your garden, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful and confident gardener. Remember to choose varieties that are appropriate for your region and to keep an eye on your plants for any signs of pests or diseases.