You may have read the reports during the pandemic about how it seemed everyone had started gardening. Statistics are often difficult to prove, but some reports stated that over 18 million people in the US had started gardening for the first time as lockdowns provided ample free time to do so.
In the UK, the chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society reported that 3.5 million individuals had begun gardening, and other countries saw similar trends in people taking up this pastime.
One online store, Patch, witnessed plant sales increase by 500%, and they reported that 3 months’ worth of stock was sold in 2 weeks.
Now that the pandemic is largely over, many people have found they have less time to devote to their garden, but many plants require minimal maintenance and are ideal for beginners or those who are strapped for time.
Are plants difficult to care for?
Some plants do take a lot of maintenance and will only grow in the right environment. Tropical plants such as orchids can be difficult to keep alive and help to flourish, and others such as the Boston fern can grow well but only if you can replicate its native environment.
Even if you’re a complete beginner with plants, there are lots of resources online. Websites such as goodplantcare.com aim to help gardeners with advice on caring for their plants and garden in general.
But some plants are very easy to care for, such as cacti which require the tiniest amount of maintenance.
Why is it good to have plants around the home?
Flowers bring a garden to life, attract beneficial insects that will reduce the likelihood of pests, and increase pollination. They are aesthetically pleasing too, as are house plants.
There is some scientific evidence that points to plants being excellent at reducing stress in people as they help to provide a calm environment, and they also improve air quality.
There are even science-backed health benefits of houseplants, including improvements in some symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety.
What are the best choices of plants for beginners?
With all the benefits that plants can bring, why wouldn’t you want to put some in your home and garden? Well, for many people the main concern is maintenance, and possibly the cost.
Some plants are expensive, and if you don’t know how to care for them they could die quickly which could be dispiriting for any beginner. However, there are plenty of options for those newbie gardeners who want to bring their backyard alive and add some nature to their homes.
Best houseplants for beginners
If you don’t have a garden then there are lots of indoor options you can choose from. And another benefit is that houseplants may cut down on dust by 20%, so you could ditch your air purifier and breathe easier.
Here are five houseplants suited for beginners, or those gardeners who are a little forgetful, or live busy lives.
1 Snake plant
Snake plants are very popular because they look good and they’re easy to care for.
It is said that snake plants can bring good luck too. However, snake plants are poisonous to pets so keep them away from cats and dogs.
To look after your snake plant, simply water it every two weeks, keep it in a warm place, allow it to get sunlight, and wipe the leaves now and again with soft tissue.
2 Air plants
As the name suggests, these plants use the atmosphere for nutrients and moisture. They are very easy to care for and they don’t need any soil. A terrarium is a good choice to keep air plants, but don’t seal them in as they need air movement.
3 Succulents
Succulents store water which gives them their swollen leaves but they only need watering every two weeks. In colder weather, you should water them even less, so this plant needs little maintenance. Just give them light, don’t let them dry out, and wipe the leaves now and again as dust will slow their growth.
4 Chinese evergreen
You’ve likely seen a Chinese evergreen in an office or a friend’s home as they are very popular, and they are very easy to grow.
These plants like humidity, but as long as the room they are in is warm they will be okay. You need to avoid over-watering and make sure they have some indirect sunlight.
5 Spider plant
These plants can grow very well indoors and need little care. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, keep them in a warm area, but avoid direct sunlight. You will need to give spider plants a bit of pruning now and then, and some fertilizer. But, overall, spider plants are a good entry point for a beginner.
Best outdoor plants for beginners
If it is your backyard that you want to liven up, then there is no need to fret as nature has provided some easy-to-care-for plants for the outdoors too.
1 Lavender
This herb is very easy to grow but it flourishes when in the right environment. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean so it likes fast-draining soil and plenty of bright sunlight. It won’t survive in cold conditions or the shade for long.
You could improve your wellness with herbal teas, and growing lavender will provide you with your own supply.
2 Snapdragon
Snapdragons attract bees which is ideal for increased pollination in a garden, and they make a beautiful addition to any backyard.
Snapdragons like the sun, and soil that drains fast, and avoid overwatering. These plants only need to be watered during dry spells, and when the ground has dried out.
3 Peonies
You might be told that peonies are difficult to grow but all they need is sun and fast-draining soil but they do need watering. Many gardeners make the mistake of letting peonies dry out. The RHS states that peonies should be watered regularly during dry spells in their first year to help them get established.
4 Pansies
Pansies are very simple to grow, but if you want to make life easier, buy established plants from your local garden center or nursery instead of planting seeds. Pansies like moisture, so water regularly, but don’t let the soil become soggy.
5 Sunflowers
Sunflowers grow very fast, are resistant to pests, and can tolerate heat well. In fact, sunflowers grow best in direct sunlight, ideally up to 8 hours a day.
Sunflowers only need watering once a week normally, but they do need soil that is nutrient-rich as they are heavy eaters. If you can cover these basics you can expect to see your sunflowers grow up to 2 meters!
Summary
Plants bring aesthetic value to a garden and the indoors, and they can be highly beneficial for mental and physical wellness too. And some can be used in your diet or as part of a wellness routine.
For example, sunflowers can be harvested for their seeds, and lavender buds can be turned into tea. Indeed, if these plants aren’t to your fancy, then why not choose some easy-to-grow herbs instead with parsley, dill, and mint?
Now you are aware that many plants are easy to grow, maybe it’s time to join the growing ranks of gardeners and plant lovers.