Hey everyone! I'm diving into gardening with a raised bed setup and want to keep things simple. I plan to start with just one raised bed and looking for recommendations on crops that I can just plant and forget about until harvest time. I'm open to both perennials and low-maintenance annuals that won't require constant attention. I'm based in Southern California, so any tips would be awesome!
3 Answers
Sweet potatoes are a solid choice! They're great for suppressing weeds, and you can even eat the leaves. Also, chives are a gem because you can snip what you need and they'll just keep growing back. And don’t miss out on edible chrysanthemums, also known as ‘Tung hao.’ They add a nice touch!
You can't go wrong with herbs in a raised bed! Basil is fantastic, but keep in mind, it's not super hardy. If you're okay with a little early care, peppers might be a hit too! They're pretty rewarding once they get going.
Nasturtiums are a great option! Both their flowers and leaves are edible. You might also want to try parsley and basil, but just a heads up, they do need some water. You may not have much luck with plants you let sit too long without care, but give it a shot!
Totally get that! I'm balancing plants I want to nurture and those I can leave alone. I'm planning to throw some holy basil in this year!
I keep hearing about sweet potatoes! Even though I'm not a fan, if they're such good cover crops, I might give them a go. Edible mums sound intriguing too!