19 Low-Maintenance Veggies You Can Plant and Forget

If you’re looking for vegetables that will thrive with minimal attention, you’re in the right place. Some plants just seem to grow effortlessly, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those who want to spend less time tending to their crops. These plant-and-forget veggies are hardy, low-maintenance, and resilient, ensuring they continue to grow even when neglected. From leafy greens to root vegetables, there’s something for every garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these vegetables will reward you with a healthy harvest without much effort.

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Kale

Kale is a hardy leafy green that can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Once planted, it grows well with minimal care, thriving in both cool and warm climates. Kale requires occasional watering but does not need frequent attention or fertilizing. Its resilience to pests and disease makes it an excellent choice for gardeners with limited time.

With its ability to withstand frost, kale continues growing even as temperatures drop. It can be harvested continuously, as older leaves are removed, allowing the plant to produce fresh growth. This vegetable can be left to grow on its own while still providing a healthy yield throughout the growing season.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another leafy green that thrives with little care. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and does not require constant watering. Once established, Swiss chard will grow steadily, providing a continuous supply of fresh greens for months. It tolerates both heat and cool weather, making it adaptable to different climates.

This vegetable’s ability to grow in poor soil conditions and low maintenance needs make it a perfect plant for gardeners who want an easy option. The plant can be harvested multiple times as it regenerates quickly, producing fresh, nutritious leaves with minimal effort.

Beets

Beets are low-maintenance root vegetables that do well with minimal care. They thrive in loose, well-draining soil and need only occasional watering to grow. Beets can survive in both warm and cool climates, making them versatile for different seasons. They are relatively resistant to pests and will grow without needing much attention once planted.

The root and the beet greens can be harvested at different times, allowing for extended periods of enjoyment. This vegetable is a great option for gardeners who want a productive plant that requires minimal intervention and still yields delicious results.

Garlic

Garlic is an easy-to-grow vegetable that requires little care once planted. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and can be planted in the fall or early spring. Garlic needs occasional watering, especially during dry spells, but it does not need much attention otherwise. It is a great option for those who prefer to plant something that will grow with minimal maintenance.

After planting, garlic grows with minimal care until it’s ready to be harvested in late summer or early fall. This vegetable’s ability to grow in a wide range of climates makes it a reliable and rewarding choice for gardeners with busy schedules.

Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing vegetables that can be harvested in as little as three to four weeks. They do well in a variety of soils and climates, and they require very little maintenance once planted. Radishes prefer cool weather but can grow in warmer temperatures as well. Regular watering ensures healthy growth, but they are generally resistant to pests and diseases.

Radishes are a perfect choice for those looking for a plant that requires minimal care. They can be left to grow in the garden while still producing a harvest in a short period. This makes them ideal for gardeners who want a fast, easy vegetable without a lot of upkeep.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a quick-growing vegetable that can be planted in the early spring or fall. It prefers cooler weather and does not need constant attention once established. Lettuce grows well in a variety of soil types and requires only regular watering. With its ability to grow quickly and produce leaves throughout the season, it is an excellent plant for those who want low-maintenance produce.

Lettuce can be harvested continuously as it grows back after leaves are picked. This makes it a great choice for a “plant-and-forget” vegetable, as it will continue to provide fresh, crisp leaves with little effort.

Peas

Peas are a hardy vegetable that thrives with minimal care. They prefer cooler weather and can be planted early in the spring for an early harvest. Peas do not require a lot of attention, but they do need some support, such as a trellis, to grow properly. They are relatively pest-resistant and can grow in a variety of soil types.

Once planted, peas will grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as 60 days. They are great for gardeners who want a vegetable that produces a high yield with minimal effort, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardening.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific vegetable that grows well with minimal care. It can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and only needs occasional watering to thrive. Once established, zucchini will produce an abundant crop with very little attention. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy vegetable to grow even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Zucchini’s ability to grow quickly and provide a large yield makes it a favorite for gardeners who want to plant and forget. It continues producing throughout the summer with little intervention, allowing for a steady supply of fresh vegetables.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an easy-to-grow root vegetable that thrives in warm climates. They require minimal care and can grow in poor soil as long as it is well-drained. Once planted, sweet potatoes need only occasional watering, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance crops.

Sweet potatoes grow quickly and can be harvested in late summer or fall. They produce high yields with little intervention, making them a rewarding vegetable for gardeners who do not have time for regular upkeep.

Carrots

Carrots are a great low-maintenance root vegetable that grows well in loose, well-drained soil. They need only occasional watering to thrive, and once planted, they can grow with minimal attention. Carrots are relatively pest-resistant and can grow in a variety of soil types, making them adaptable to different climates.

These vegetables grow steadily with little care and can be harvested when the roots reach the desired size. Carrots are an excellent option for gardeners who want a productive vegetable that requires minimal upkeep.

Spinach

Spinach is a fast-growing vegetable that requires minimal care once planted. It thrives in cooler weather and grows well in various soil types. Spinach needs regular watering but does not require frequent fertilization. It grows quickly, making it an excellent option for gardeners who want a low-maintenance crop.

This leafy green can be harvested continuously as it grows back after each cut. It can be left to grow with little attention, providing a steady supply of nutritious leaves for months.

Chives

Chives are a hardy herb that grows well with little care. They thrive in well-draining soil and only need occasional watering. Once planted, chives will continue to grow year after year with minimal intervention. They are highly resistant to pests and diseases, making them a reliable herb for low-maintenance gardening.

Chives can be harvested regularly throughout the season, offering a continuous supply of fresh herbs. Their ease of care and perennial nature make them an excellent choice for gardeners who want a plant that requires very little upkeep.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a low-maintenance vegetable that thrives in cool weather. Once planted, they need only occasional watering and minimal attention. They grow well in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both heat and frost. These vegetables are relatively pest-resistant and can grow with minimal care.

Brussels sprouts will continue to grow through the fall and can be harvested when the sprouts reach the desired size. Their ability to thrive with little maintenance makes them an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer to plant and forget.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that grows well with little attention. It prefers cool weather and can be grown in a variety of soil types. Cabbage needs regular watering but does not require frequent fertilizing. Once established, it will grow steadily with minimal intervention, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardening.

Cabbage can be harvested in late summer or early fall, providing a fresh, nutritious vegetable with little care. Its resilience and ease of growth make it a reliable option for gardeners who want a low-maintenance crop.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that can grow with minimal care if placed in the right conditions. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and need regular watering but little else. Once planted, tomatoes will continue to grow and produce fruit with very little maintenance. They are relatively pest-resistant and can tolerate a variety of weather conditions.

Tomatoes can be left to grow on their own, yielding fresh fruit throughout the growing season. With their ability to thrive with minimal attention, tomatoes are perfect for gardeners who want a high-yielding plant that requires little upkeep.

Beans

Beans are low-maintenance vegetables that thrive with minimal care. They grow well in a variety of soil types and need only occasional watering. Beans prefer warmer temperatures but can grow in cooler weather as well. Once planted, they require little attention and are relatively pest-resistant.

Beans will grow quickly and provide a bountiful harvest with minimal effort. They are a great option for gardeners looking for a productive vegetable that thrives with very little upkeep.

Turnips

Turnips are a hardy root vegetable that grows well in a variety of soil types. They need minimal care and thrive in cooler weather. Once planted, turnips require occasional watering but do not need frequent attention. They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them an easy vegetable to grow.

Turnips grow steadily with little intervention and can be harvested when the roots are large enough. Their ability to thrive with minimal care makes them a great plant for gardeners who want a low-maintenance vegetable.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are an easy-to-grow leafy vegetable that requires very little care. They thrive in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate both heat and frost. Collard greens need only occasional watering and minimal attention once planted. They are resistant to pests and diseases, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardening.

Once established, collard greens will provide a steady supply of leaves that can be harvested throughout the growing season. Their resilience and low-maintenance needs make them a great choice for gardeners looking for an easy crop.

Okra

Okra is a warm-weather vegetable that requires minimal care once planted. It grows well in well-drained, fertile soil and needs only occasional watering. Okra is highly resistant to pests and can grow in a variety of climates, making it a reliable and low-maintenance vegetable.

Okra produces an abundant crop throughout the summer, with little intervention required. It is perfect for gardeners who want a productive vegetable that grows easily without much effort.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.