Five of the Easiest Plants to Grow Outdoors (Even If You Have a Black Thumb)
If you’ve ever looked at a plant and thought, “I’ll probably kill that,” then congratulations—you are not alone. Some of us just don’t have that natural green thumb, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little bit of backyard greenery. The secret? Choosing plants that thrive on neglect. Here are five of the easiest plants (and flowers!) to grow outdoors, so you can look like a gardening genius without all the effort.
1. Marigolds: The Cheerful Overachievers
Marigolds are basically the golden retrievers of the plant world—bright, happy, and impossible to mess up. These little sunbursts can handle heat, poor soil, and a bit of forgetfulness when it comes to watering. Bonus: They also help keep bugs away, so they’re basically doing double duty in your garden.
2. Lavender: Smells Great, Needs Almost Nothing
Lavender is that low-maintenance friend who never demands attention but always looks amazing. This plant loves full sun, well-drained soil, and being ignored most of the time. Plus, you get that lovely scent wafting through your yard, making you feel like you live in a fancy European countryside instead of just outside the hardware store where you bought it.
3. Hostas: The Set-It-and-Forget-It Champions
Got shade? No problem. Hostas thrive in low-light areas, and once they’re in the ground, they basically take care of themselves. They’re leafy, lush, and come in a variety of greens and variegated patterns. The only downside? Deer love them, so unless you want an all-you-can-eat buffet for your local wildlife, you might need a fence.
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea): The Survivors
Coneflowers look like something out of a wildflower meadow, and the best part? They thrive on neglect. Drought? No problem. Crummy soil? They’ll manage. Forgot to water for a week? They’ll barely notice. Plus, butterflies love them, so you’ll get some free backyard entertainment.
5. Mint: The Indestructible Garden Invader
If you like the idea of growing your own herbs but fear commitment, mint is the plant for you. It grows fast, it spreads like crazy (seriously, plant it in a pot unless you want it to take over your yard), and it’s perfect for mojitos, tea, or just impressing people by saying, “Oh yes, I just picked this fresh from my garden.”
Bonus Idea!
If you live in a warmer, year-round climate, don’t forget succulents! They are super easy to care for, don’t die with a little neglect, and will thrive to the point where you are always looking to give some away!
So there you have it—five (actually six if you count the bonus!) outdoor plants that even the most forgetful, distracted, or plant-cursing individual can keep alive. Give them a try, and before you know it, you’ll be that person casually mentioning their ‘thriving garden’ like a pro. Just don’t get too cocky and start buying orchids—that’s a whole different level of commitment!
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
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