Hey everyone! I'm looking to dive into gardening because my adorable two-year-old gifted me a black pot with seeds from their playgroup for Mother's Day. I've been taking care of it by watering regularly, keeping it near a sunny window, and even repotting it as it's grown! It brings me so much joy to see this little plant thrive. However, gardening as a whole intimidates me a bit. I want to start with plants that are beginner-friendly, but I have a few criteria: 1) They shouldn't take over my garden, 2) They need to be low-maintenance due to some health issues I have, 3) I'd like plants that deter cats (but aren't overly aggressive), and 4) I want to attract wildlife without inviting too many bees since I'm allergic. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
Herbs are an excellent choice for beginners! Parsley, arugula, and coriander are not very demanding and you can easily snip them for cooking. If you have space, lavender is also a sturdy plant, though keep in mind that bees absolutely love it!
Consider hardy geraniums; they’re tough, slug-resistant, and can grow in various soils. They may attract bees, but opting for double varieties can help minimize that. If you have a shady spot, ferns are fantastic as they don’t flower, thus not attracting bees. Daffodils are also easy to manage and add a pop of spring color!
If you're looking for edibles, lettuce is a great option. It won’t attract many insects, and the different varieties look stunning in the garden!
Gladioli and dahlias are lovely and easy to grow! They can be budget-friendly too if you buy bulk corms. Traditionally, you should dig them up before winter, but you can break the rules and leave them in the ground for less work, just be ready for some potential losses.