Perfect Plants for Seed Starters: The Top Crops Even Beginners Can Grow

Starting plants from seed can seem daunting, but some vegetables, herbs and flowers are so easy to grow that even novice gardeners will have success These resistant, robust plants germinate readily, grow quickly, and transition well when moved from indoors to outdoor gardens

If you’re new to growing plants from seed, try starting with any of these super simple options. You’ll gain confidence while filling your garden with homegrown goodness.

Easy Vegetable Seeds for Beginners

Many of the best plants for beginners produce bountiful harvests in a short time Here are top picks

Lettuce

Fast-growing lettuce thrives when directly sown in prepared garden soil, but can also be started 4-6 weeks before your last frost date for a head start on the season. Sow seeds 1⁄4” deep and keep them lightly moist Move seedlings outdoors after hardening off

Peas

Sugar snap, snow and shelling peas are easy crops for spring planting. Sow large seeds 1-2” deep as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Peas sprout in 7-14 days and don’t mind some cold weather. Provide support for vines.

Radishes

Perfect for impatient gardeners, radishes mature in just 3-4 weeks from sowing. Sow seeds 1⁄2” deep in average soil. Thin seedlings to 2” apart. Radishes grow well in cool conditions and tolerates frost when mature.

Beans

Beans are another fast-growing, frost-tolerant favorite. Sow seeds 1-2” deep after danger of frost when soil warms to at least 60°F. Bush beans produce earlier than pole types but both grow rapidly from seed.

Spinach

This super-healthy leafy green can be directly sown in very early spring 1⁄2” deep and thinned to 4” apart. Or start indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Grow in full sun or light shade.

Beets

Beet seeds sprout readily in prepared, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1⁄2-1” deep, 3-4 weeks before last frost. Thin seedlings to 2-4” apart. Beets tolerates frost when mature. Harvest young leaves as “greens.”

Sunflowers

Towering, cheerful sunflowers are simple to start indoors 4 weeks before last frost date. Sow seeds 1” deep. Dwarf varieties grow quickly, producing flowers in as little as 50 days after sowing.

Carrots

Slow to germinate but quick to grow, carrots can be sown directly in prepared garden soil 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds 1⁄4” deep and keep soil moist for best germination.

Cucumbers

Warm-weather cucumbers grow rapidly from seed once soil warms above 60°F. Sow 1” deep in rows or hills spaced 3’ apart. Provide a trellis for vining types. Pinch main stem to encourage branching vines.

Herbs Even Beginners Can Grow from Seed

Many classic culinary herbs grow eagerly from seed indoors or out. Here are some of the easiest:

• Basil – Fast-growing, sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Likes warm conditions.

• Cilantro – Sow directly in garden 2-3 weeks before last frost date. Tolerates some cold.

• Dill – Quick to sprout and grow. Direct sow early spring or start indoors. Handles light frosts.

• Oregano – Tiny seeds, but grows reliably indoors or out. Start 10-12 weeks before last frost.

• Chives – Moderately slow-growing. Start seeds 12 weeks pre-frost. Transplant out early spring.

• Thyme – Very small seeds but germinates readily. Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost date.

• Parsley – Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to speed germination. Grow in cooler temps.

Easy Flowers for Beginners to Start from Seed

You can fill gardens, beds, pots and borders with beautiful homegrown flowers. Simple options include:

Marigolds

A garden classic. Sow seeds directly in soil after danger of frost passes, or start inside 2 months before last frost date. Fast growing.

Zinnias

Extremely easy to grow from seed. Direct sow after frost danger passes or start seeds inside 4-6 weeks pre-frost. Thrives in heat.

Cosmos

This pretty, feathery flower grows reliably from seed sown directly in average soil in spring after frost danger passes. Blooms all summer.

Sunflowers

Great for kids’ projects! Start large seeds indoors 4 weeks before frost or direct sow once soil warms. Provide support for tall types.

Petunias

A summer favorite for pots and gardens. Start tiny seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before frost date. Move to garden after hardening off. Need at least 6 hours of sun.

Nasturtiums

Beautiful edible flowers. Direct sow after frost threat passes. Can also start earlier indoors. Grow quickly in poor to average soil.

Morning Glories

These carefree vines produce hundreds of colorful trumpet flowers. Soak hard seeds before direct sowing in spring. Provide a trellis or fence.

Calendula

Cheat winter by starting this medicinal flower indoors 6-8 weeks before your frost date. Move seedlings out to garden after hardening off.

Pansies

Give these cold-tolerant beauties an early start indoors 10-12 weeks pre-frost. Move to garden beds or containers after hardening off.

Simple Tips for Seed Starting Success

Follow these guidelines to ensure your beginner garden thrives:

• Start seeds at the right time based on your region’s last frost date. Follow seed packet directions.

• Use clean containers and fresh seed starting mix to prevent disease.

• Sow seeds at the recommended depth according to package directions.

• Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing seeds. Keep soil moist, not soaked.

• Provide adequate warmth and light. A heating mat or grow lights ensure strong seedlings.

• Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

• Handle new transplants gently. Disturb roots as little as possible.

• Water and protect transplants until they become established.

Even novice gardeners can experience the rewards of growing plants from seed. Focus on easy vegetables like lettuce and radishes, resilient herbs like basil and dill, and simple flowers like zinnias and cosmos. Your seed starting confidence will grow by leaps and bounds.