Nurturing vegetables through blight, frost, and general adversity is not an easy task, especially when everything seems dead. Does it seem like you’re just digging holes in the dirt, with no results? 

Some vegetables are low-maintenance, requiring little more than a shovel to thrive. They’re also prolific growers that will result in a bountiful harvest with minimal effort. While individual tastes may differ, a few of the same varieties consistently top the rankings each year, whether in terms of cost savings, yield, or culinary value. Even those who have professed that everything withers and dies under their touch will find success in growing these crops, which should be on every gardener’s must-grow list for the 2025 season. 

 

1. Peas   

Peas are a staple garden crop that warrant little complaint. The vines will clamber up trellises beautifully, sending up tendrils of quaint white flowers. While choosing which peas to grow, it’s easy to get confused on the terminology. Traditionally used in Chinese cooking, snow peas, along with sugar snap peas, can be eaten whole. Shelling peas are those usually found in the frozen aisle in supermarkets. By contrast, no part of the sweet pea should be eaten, despite its name.  

2. Tomatoes   

Tomatoes are a vegetable in which the contrast between grocery and home-grown is particular salient. With their pendulous, rotund forms naturally sparking joy, tomatoes are among one of the most fun crops to grow. Many new varieties of tomatoes are on the market for the enterprising gardener, going beyond the usual reds: Black Krim, Cherokee purple, and Sungold. Though you may encounter occasional issues such as blight, aphids, and gophers, the reward is immense once you get the hang of it. To prevent gophers from entering your garden beds, install a gopher net underneath. 

3. Onions 

Onions can be virtually grown anywhere, regardless of where you are, and they’re one of the easiest crops to grow. They are usually grown from tiny onion bulbs called sets or transplants, though seeds are available. Day-neutral onions, also called intermediate-day onions, can withstand a variety of climates, forming bulbs regardless of the length of sunlight. Yellow Granex is an exceptionally sweet onion suitable for onion rings; candy onions are a day-neutral variety popular due to their large, mild-flavored bulbs. 

4. Shallots  

Shallots, like onions, can be grown in similar conditions. Leaner and milder flavored than onions, shallows pair well with a variety of stews and meat dishes. They can be garnished on pizzas or roasted whole as a side dish. Like with onions, it’s faster if you start with sets. In France, French grey shallots are considered ‘true shallots’ because they are grown only by bulb and not seed. Cuisse de Poulet is a curious variety of shallot known for its resemblance to a chicken leg, a comparison that is reinforced by its tapered ends and rose gold color. 

 

5. Potatoes  

Potatoes are comforting in their ability to be regrown year after year, when other crops have failed. They’re robust and able to be grown anywhere, from a raised garden bed to a cardboard box. You can also use last year’s potatoes to propagate new potatoes through growths called ‘eyes’ – wait for them to sprout before planting. Once the eyes have sprouted, place the potato in the ground, cutting into smaller sections if necessary. 

6. Hibiscus              

Although it might seem strange that hibiscus is on the list, the ruby-red calyxes of the Hibiscus sabdariffa are what goes into many iconic drinks – if you’ve ever had a hibiscus drink from Starbucks, then you’re familiar with the flavor. Also known as roselle, hibiscus is best grown during spring or early summer, before the heat of summer arrives. The calyxes are ready to be harvested 7 – 10 days after the flower has finished blooming. 

7. Basil           

 Herbs are a staple in many gardeners, and basil deserves a special mention. In the heat of summer, basil thrives. A prolific grower, basil will grow to towering proportions if left undisturbed. Some varieties, like Dark Opal basil, a stunning variety known for its intense purple foliage, can be grown for ornamental uses. Basil has a fresh, peppery flavor that makes it the hallmark of many Mediterranean dishes. 

8. Strawberries       

If you ever had a bad experience with growing strawberries, it’s time to cast off these negative feelings. Strawberries are slow starters, but once you navigate past the learning curve, they’re easy to grow – even a small strip will yield a couple of gallons of strawberries. The ideal environment for strawberries is a location with lots of sun, moist soil, and some fertilizer. Pests however, are more a cause for concern, though they can be mitigated with precautionary measures such as pest deterrent plants. To prevent birds from looting the spoils, install a row cover over your garden beds. 

9. Squash       

Squash isn’t the most exciting or popular crop to grow, but it does have its benefits: it is a prolific grower, reaching maturity in only 50 – 60 days. It also looks charming when displayed on an arched trellis, with the added benefit of reduced risk of disease. Although zucchinis can grow to large proportions, it’s wise not to let them grow that big, as they become inedible and taste bitter. 

10. Beans      

Beans are a reliable, quick-growing crop that can be grown several times for a continuous harvest – as long as you don’t get sick of them. Apart from the occasionally groundhog attack or grasshopper, which can be deterred with row covers, beans are generally resilient crops. 
They can also be surprisingly attractive, with the Scarlet Runner variety bearing striking orange blossoms and variegated purple pods. Shelling beans can be a time-consuming task, but some gardeners may actually enjoy the monotony.