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20 plants even first-time gardeners can grow easily
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20 plants even first-time gardeners can grow easily

If you don't know whether you've got a green or a brown thumb, these 20 plants should help you learn. Gardening may not be your strong suit if you can't grow these. 

 
1 of 20

Pansies

Pansies
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It’s interesting that the word “pansy” is used to describe someone who isn’t tough, because these flowers are. They can survive various temperatures, and while they do best in direct sunlight, they’ll still grow even if they’re a little shaded. 

 
2 of 20

Snapdragons

Snapdragons
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Great news. Snapdragons are great for first-time gardeners. They don’t require much water and grow well in the sun. They’re also a fun and incredibly unique flower, adding lots of character to your garden. 

 
3 of 20

Marigolds

Marigolds
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Like most plants, marigolds have environments and conditions that suit them best, but they will find a way to thrive even if you’re trying to ruin them. Okay, maybe they’re not that tough, but they can survive a brown thumb. 

 
4 of 20

Zinnias

Zinnias
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First-time gardeners should be thrilled to hear that zinnias are easy to grow. They’re beautiful! After being planted in the spring, they continue to flower throughout the summer, making for a satisfying gardening experience. 

 
5 of 20

Sunflowers

Sunflowers
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Sunflowers are great for first-time gardeners for many reasons. They’re easy to grow and immensely satisfying to see thrive. You also get a little treat in the seeds. Win win. 

 
6 of 20

Coneflowers

Coneflowers
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Coneflowers are survivors. They’re great for beginners because they can withstand a drought. If you forget to water once or twice, they won’t shrivel up and die. 

 
7 of 20

Impatiens

Impatiens
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Impatiens are darling little flowers that add character to any garden. While they do need moist soil to grow, they are still good for beginners. Growing impatiens will help you on your journey to becoming a better gardener. 

 
8 of 20

Morning glories

Morning glories
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Morning glories are easy for beginners because they grow like wildfire. Seriously, you need to be careful where you plant them if you don’t want morning glories popping up everywhere. But they don’t require a ton of water and do great in sunlight, making them easy to maintain. 

 
9 of 20

Lavender

Lavender
Shutterstock

Not only do lavenders do best in well-drained soil, they require it. They can withstand droughts, constant sunlight, and bees and butterflies. There are unending reasons for a first-time gardener to plant lavender. 

 
10 of 20

Sweet peas

Sweet peas
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Sweet peas are another good flower to grow if you want to become a better gardener. They like well-drained soil, but they need something to support their growth. They’re great for a lesson in trellises. 

 
11 of 20

Nasturtium

Nasturtium
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Grow nasturtiums if you want a treat at the end of your gardening experience. They don’t need a tremendous amount of water, and their leaves are edible. You can bite them as they are or incorporate them into meals. 

 
12 of 20

California poppies

California poppies
Shutterstock

California poppies are bold in color and easy to grow. They self-seed, making it easy for them to grow again the next year. They’re also great for pollinators, so you’ll be promoting the growth of other organisms by planting California poppies. 

 
13 of 20

Wax begonias

Wax begonias
Shutterstock

Wax begonias are another flower that will help you become a better gardener. They need to be watered consistently, but too much will be detrimental. They also grow better in the shade, so planting them will be a lesson in location. 

 
14 of 20

Lupines

Lupines
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If you’re after another fun flower for your garden, take a look at lupines. They have a conic shape, come in all sorts of colors, and grow several feet tall. They’re also easy for first-time gardeners, and they attract butterflies. 

 
15 of 20

Fuchsias

Fuchsias
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Fuchsias can be temperamental in heat, so be aware before planting. However, they can last all year if brought inside over the winter. They also require some pruning to encourage new flowers, so fuchsias will give a beginner gardener lots of practice with important skills. 

 
16 of 20

Cosmos

Cosmos
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Cosmos do exceptionally well in the summertime because they can withstand intense heat. They’re also great flowers to grow out in a field or large, open space. They add beauty and whimsy to any outdoor space. 

 
17 of 20

Geraniums

Geraniums
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Geraniums are a very low-maintenance flower. They don’t need too much water, and they thrive in the sun. They can grow in flower beds, but they also do well in boxes and baskets. They’re excellent to start with if you’ve never touched a plant. 

 
18 of 20

Daffodils

Daffodils
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Plant daffodils if you’re a first-time gardener who wants to get started in the winter. They’re simple to maintain, and they bloom in late winter and early spring. 

 
19 of 20

Daylilies

Daylilies
Shutterstock

Daylilies also do well in well-drained soil, and they can withstand heat. They can also withstand humidity, so they’re a great flower to grow in the Midwest. They have a long flowering season, so there’s a lot of bang for your buck with daylilies. 

 
20 of 20

Ornamental onions

Ornamental onions
Shutterstock

Onions are good vegetables to grow for first-time gardeners, and ornamental onions are good flowers. They do well in rock gardens and can withstand critters. They also love the sun so that they can thrive in various places. 

Acacia Deadrick

Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time. 

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