I'm in Massachusetts (zone 6) and I've been a bit hesitant to get into gardening this year since I'm pregnant and thought it might be too much for me to handle. But with the weather warming up, I'm starting to have some regrets! I genuinely enjoy gardening, though I'm not that skilled yet, and I'm looking for some easy plants to try this spring. I'm due in late June, so I'll be waddling around during the busy planting season and likely won't be too comfortable kneeling or bending over a lot. I remember how tough it was to manage my garden while caring for my first child, and I'm not sure how much I'll be able to maintain once the new baby arrives. Vining plants seemed like a good option, like peas, because they might be easier to care for without much bending. I have an 8'x4' raised bed and a squash arch that I thought could be fun to turn into a pea tunnel. I've struggled with squash and cucumbers due to powdery mildew, so I'm on the hunt for other low-maintenance vines. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
Peas and radishes are a hit with little kids. They can help plant and pick them! Also, consider adding some pumpkins or watermelons; they’ll thrive with minimal upkeep and should be ready when you’re feeling more mobile. Plus, they’ll shade your bed and help keep weeds down.
Other great options are potatoes and carrots, which are more forgiving and can be harvested later in the season. Throw some lettuce seeds around in shady areas too; those grow easily and need less attention. Just make sure you don’t overcommit yourself now!
If you're thinking about tomatoes, I'd suggest going for some hybrid varieties as they tend to be pretty resilient. Just steer clear of cherry tomatoes since they require more frequent picking. You can find some good recommendations for disease-resistant ones online!
Definitely go for peas! They're super easy to plant and require minimal care. You can even plant some potatoes—just have someone dig the holes for you, drop them in, and let them grow. For herbs, rosemary is a tough one that can withstand some neglect, and jalapeños are surprisingly resilient too. Just sprinkle those seeds when the weather warms up and you should be good!
Absolutely! Peas and beans are your best friends. Set up some trellises for them, and before you know it, you'll be snacking right from the vines with hardly any effort! You won't have to bend much for them either, which is a bonus.