Southern Living
Gardening Ideas
These Are the Best Plants If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb

These Are the Best Plants If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb

By Grace Haynes

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Unfortunately, not all of us are born with a green thumb. And for those of us with a less-than-perfect track record of keeping plants alive, gardening can seem like a pretty intimidating art. If you want to overcome your lack of inherent ability and grow your own garden some day, first try mastering a few dependable, no-fail plants. You’ll not only develop your skills but also grow your confidence and be able to take on more challenging blooms in the future. Before you get started, make sure you’re avoiding common gardening mistakes like overwatering and overfertilizing. You’ll want to brush up on a few tips from expert gardeners as well. And don’t forget, you can always ask our expert, the Grumpy Gardener, any questions you come across during the process. Now you’re ready to try your hand at these low-maintenance plants that are perfect for beginners.

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Lantana

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Heat and drought are two common factors that lead to gardening failure. Pick a long-lasting bloom that will withstand the heat of a Southern summer and survive a drought, like lantana. This flower thrives in full sun and doesn’t require much water. Common lantana blossom into red, orange, or yellow flowers, while hybrids and other selections come in a larger range of colors. Reliable lantana is great to mix with other plants, so put them in a garden bed or window box.

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Daylily

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Another dependable perennial and Southern garden staple is the daylily. It will also survive the stifling heat and is painless to grow. This flower comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and June is the peak season of growth. For best results, daylilies should be watered regularly and planted in well-drained soil. Grumpy says daylilies are “the easiest perennial” and great for beginners. Daylilies are also easy to hybridize too, which will fill your garden with even more color.

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Herbs

Laurey W. Glenn

Herbs are another great option for newbies. Try these three favorites: rosemary, oregano, and sage. Pick a sunny spot in your kitchen window, and provide basic care to keep these perennials alive. Choose a pot with good drainage, and make sure not to overwater the seeds. Invite friends over for dinner, and impress them with the fresh herbs seasoning your home-cooked dishes.

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How To Dry Herbs

Have an overabundance of fresh herbs in your garden, or leftovers from your farmers' market haul? Follow this simple tutorial to dry your fresh herbs so they'll be ready to use in your favorite recipes. Store your dried herbs in a sealed container.

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House Plants

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Stop by your local grocery store, and pick up an easy, affordable houseplant like an orchid or succulent. These plants are easy wins for beginners and require little maintenance to lengthen their lifespans. Place orchids in bright but indirect light, and only water it once a week. Follow Grumpy’s tips for caring for your succulents.

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