The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Getting Something to Grow

For those seeking a Lazy gardeners guide, because perfection is overrated, and weeds are just misunderstood plants

Let’s be honest. Gardening sounds magical–fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, sun-warmed strawberries you grew yourself. But in reality, it’s often sweaty, buggy, and occasionally soul-crushing when your zucchini plant dies again despite your best efforts and at least three whispered apologies.

Not everyone has the time nor the energy to go full homestead goddess with raised beds, soil testing kits and moon-phase planting schedules. Some of us are just hoping something will sprout, stay vaguely green and not die the moment we look at it funny.

This guide is for you, dear Lazy Gardener. You’re not alone.

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Step One: Start with the Survivors

You want plants that don’t need therapy every time you skip a watering. Look for the tough, forgiving types—your plant world warriors.

Herbs like Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Oregano are low maintenance and love being ignored. Mint will grow in a cracked teacup if you let it (though fair warning, mint will try to take over your entire garden if left unchecked).

Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes are perfect for beginners. They’re prolific, fairly drama free and tend to forgive small neglects. Just stick them in the sun, give them water and they’ll probably reward you with something edible. My favorite is Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes.

Succulents and Aloe are the introverts of the plant world. Low key, low effort and quietly thriving as long as they’re not drowning in love. Or water.

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Step Two: Embrace the “Whatever” Method

I don’t map out my garden in a color coded spreadsheet. I just… plant things. Sometimes I label them. Other times I don’t. Sometimes I forget what I planted entirely and end up waiting for months to figure out if it’s a squash or a particularly ambitious weed.

The “whatever” method goes like this:
• Buy a few packets of seeds.
• Loosely throw them in the ground.
• Water occasionally.
• Hope for the best.

It’s amazing how often this works. Plants want to grow. They’re rooting for you (pun absolutely intended). One summer I found wrinkled potatoes in the back of the cupboard and tossed them on the compost pile. It grew. Now I have what I call “The Accidental Potato Patch”. It did better than most of what I actually plan.

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Step Three: Water (Occasionally)

Yes, plants need water. But you don’t have to install a full irrigation system or walk around with a watering can like a Victorian governess.

Unless you just moved to southern Spain and you’re facing a drought and 40° C heat, then you might want to befriend that hose. Seriously. In that kind of heat your plants aren’t being dramatic, they’re in survival mode. You may find yourself considering watering the garden and yourself at the same time. (Remember when you were a kid running through the lawn sprinklers?)

Even then the lazy trick is to water deeply but less often. A good soak every few days encourage deep roots and tougher plants. Bonus points if you water early in the morning before the sun gets judgmental.

And hey, if it rains? Count that as a job well done. Even if it’s barely enough to wet the dust. You were prepared to water. You meant to water. That’s what matters.

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Step Four: Lower Your Standards (Lovingly)

Is it alive? Is it growing? Is it not actively trying to escape the garden bed?

You’re winning.

Gardening doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread. Sometimes your carrots will come out with legs. Or your Basil bolts and turns into a 3 foot tall mutant. Sometimes the only thriving thing is a rouge Dandelion that you’ve secretly grown fond of. If life gives you Dandelions make Dandelion marmalade, or use in salads.

Perfection is for Pinterest and Instagram. Real gardening is about showing up. Muddy boots, forgotten gloves and all, coaxing life out of dirt, even if it looks a little wonky.

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Step Five: Celebrate the Small Wins

Is one Tomato plant growing? Fantastic 😍 That’s one more Tomato than you had before. Did a Bee visit your Lavender? You’re basically saving the planet, feeding the Bees. Did you remember to water twice a week? That’s a routine! You got this 💪🏻

In any gardening endeavor small wins are to be celebrated, even more so in the lazy garden. You’re not here for endless weeding or soil PH debates. You’re here because watching something grow, no matter how small, makes your soul exhale. And if all fails and nothing grew this year? Be proud of yourself because you tried, you made an effort. Next year you try again. That’s the secret, the garden doesn’t care if you mess it up. It will still be there next season, waiting for another chance.

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Final Thoughts

Lazy gardening isn’t about neglect. It’s about finding joy in simplicity, in trying and learning along the way. It’s planting a few seeds with hope instead of pressure. Letting nature do most of the work while you cheer her on from the shade, iced coffee in hand. Feeling your confidence grow together with every little victory. So plant with joy and don’t stress if it’s crooked or if the dog digs it up twice (happens to me all the time). Just keep going. Something will grow, probably something unexpected and that’s the beauty of it.

A lazy gardener’s guide is sometimes all you need to get going. Happy Gardening and don’t forget to celebrate your wins.

You might enjoy this post 🌱 Weeds: The One Thing Thriving in My Garden 🙈

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