What to plant so you don’t have to care for it but can still reap the harvest?

At our dachas and gardens, we strive to create a space that will delight us not only during the summer but also for the coming months. Many dream of greenery, but not everyone is willing to spend time on daily plant care. If you're wondering what plants you can plant to minimize maintenance and reap a bountiful harvest, this article is for you. I, Ivan Ogorodnikov, an experienced author and editor-in-chief of "growwise-en.techinfus.com," have analyzed the best options to help you grow delicious and healthy produce with minimal effort.

What will we talk about in this article?

During our research on this topic, we surveyed experienced gardeners and analyzed information from specialized literature and online resources. As a result, we identified several groups of crops that adapt well to temperate climates and require minimal attention. Let's consider the following aspects:

• Rules for choosing unpretentious crops
• Top plants you can plant without much care
• Technologies that simplify the growing process
• When is the best time to plant and harvest?
• Practical tips for minimizing maintenance

Rules for choosing unpretentious crops

To successfully select plants that require minimal care, it's important to consider several factors. It's important to remember that some plants are adapted to specific conditions, and their ability to withstand drought or sudden temperature changes can play a crucial role in the success of your efforts. Below, I've outlined several key criteria to consider.

Disease resistance

The less susceptible a plant is to disease, the less often you'll need to carry out preventative and curative treatments. For example, tomato varieties that are resistant to late blight can make your life much easier.

Unpretentiousness to soils

Some crops can grow in virtually any type of soil. This is convenient, especially if you don't want to spend time preparing beds and applying fertilizer. For example, turnips thrive in this way, requiring little attention or fertilizer.

Growth rate and maturity time

Choose plants that mature quickly. This will allow you to harvest quickly and be ready for the next season. Vegetables such as radishes and lettuce produce quick results.

Top plants you can plant without much care

We've compiled a list of the most low-maintenance crops suitable for your garden or vegetable patch. All of these plants are high-yielding and easily tolerate poor or depleted soils.

Legumes

• Peas: It's resistant to low temperatures and doesn't require frequent watering. It can be planted in the fall or spring for an early harvest.
• Beans: It grows quickly and requires minimal care. It enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is beneficial for other crops.

Roots

• Carrot: It doesn't require frequent watering and can grow well even in poor soil. Care mainly consists of weeding.
• Beet: It also produces a good harvest with minimal input. It can be planted both in spring and late summer.
• Turnip: A plant that adapts well to various types of flower beds, rarely gets sick and stores well.

Green

• Parsley: A cold-resistant plant that can be harvested over a long period of time. It requires little or no special care and practically grows on its own.
• Dill: Very unpretentious, seeds germinate even in less than ideal conditions.
• Onions on a feather: It can be grown from bulbs and requires little attention.

Technologies that simplify the growing process

Modern technologies and agronomic methods can significantly reduce the time we spend caring for plants. Let's look at several strategies for minimizing effort when growing.

Mulching

This method helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth. A layer of mulch made of straw, sawdust, or textile covering reduces the need for watering and makes garden bed maintenance easier.

Green manure

Growing green manure crops, such as phacelia or lupine, enriches the soil, improving its structure and boosting the yield of other plants. Green manure crops are easily integrated into the agricultural cycle and can significantly simplify garden maintenance.

Use of disease-resistant varieties

Choosing varieties bred specifically for ease of care and resistance to pests and diseases will significantly reduce the amount of maintenance required. Read variety descriptions and reviews from other gardeners.

When is the best time to plant and harvest?

Success in growing vegetables and herbs also depends on the timing of planting and harvesting. To achieve optimal results, it's important to consider your local climate. I've researched extensive agronomic data and prepared planting tips for various crops.

Seasons

Some plants are best planted in the spring, while others are best planted in the fall. For example, carrots easily tolerate fall planting, while cucumbers should only be planted in warm weather.

Lunar calendar

Some gardeners follow the lunar calendar to choose planting times. Some believe it's best to plant during the waxing moon. If you're willing to experiment and test your intuition, try aligning your garden beds with the lunar rhythm.

Practical tips for minimizing maintenance

I've put together some simple tips to help you cut down on time and expense in your garden, making it easier to maintain and more productive.

• Check the condition of the soil and plants regularly to determine the necessary care in time.
• Use drip irrigation to avoid wasting time on manual watering.
• Group plants by type and maturity date for easy harvesting.
• Create sunflower and sun shades to protect delicate plants.
• Pay attention to composting - using waste to enrich the soil will save you time and effort.

It's time to take stock. Choosing low-maintenance yet high-yielding crops, and choosing the right techniques and agronomic methods will help you create a garden that will delight you with minimal effort and constant attention. I hope my advice will help every gardener and summer resident contribute to the world of greenery and natural products.