Top 5 Things To Plant In Your Backyard

Whether you’re a natural at nurturing seedlings into plants or just thinking about starting a garden, figuring out what to grow is just as important as remembering to feed and water your soil babies. Here are the five easiest things to plant in your backyard.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes require very little space, and they’re harvest ready in just three months. Those are just two reasons why adding tomatoes to your backyard or patio garden is a fantastic idea. In fact, tomatoes grow so readily in above-ground containers you can even put some on your balcony or porch steps and have enough juicy red fruit to make salsa or enjoy fresh salads all summer long.

Herbs

It’s easy to grow herbs from seeds or you can purchase live herb plants and transfer them to your backyard. Growing your own rosemary, parsley, chives and basil ensures you always have fresh herbs on hand rather than splurging on that pricey packet from the store that often goes bad before you use it up. When you need herbs for seasoning or garnish, just head to your garden and take a quick snip.

Lantana

Lantana looks like a summer sunset, with yellow-gold and coral blooms perfect for adding color to a patio or backyard. They’re fairly low maintenance and drought-resistant, and they thrive well planted in the ground or in containers. Brighten your outdoor space by using lantana as ground covering or plant some in hanging baskets — the flowers’ nectar may even attract butterflies!

Black-Eyed Susan

These classic blooms have a wildflower feel that suits an artfully casually backyard garden, yet there’s also a quiet elegance to this native North American plant. Once cut, they’ll look brilliant tucked into a dinner table centerpiece or starring in a colorful arrangement by your front door. As a bonus, Black-Eyed Susans are perennials, so they’ll self-seed and be ready to enjoy year after year.

Lettuce

Experts say it’s possible to grow about 5 months’ worth of lettuce from one packet of lettuce seeds. Spend about $10 for three or four types of lettuce, and you can top your tacos and sandwiches all season long for pennies. And for gardeners eager to start their harvest, lettuce seeds deliver edible leaves in as little as 30 days.