Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, there are some easy-to-grow flowers and vegetables that can brighten up your garden and enrich your diet. Together we'll explore some of the simplest plants to garden, how to care for them, where to buy them, and the benefits of doing so. To enhance your gardening experience, we'll also mention Auris' Actiflor product, designed to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.

Flowers that are easy to grow

Let's start with flowers, which can transform your garden into a colourful, fragrant haven. Petunias, for example, are perfect for adding a splash of bright colour. They are hardy, flower abundantly and require little maintenance. Plant them in full sun and water them regularly without flooding.

Geraniums are another excellent option. They are particularly hardy and can tolerate a variety of climatic conditions. To care for them, simply plant them in well-drained soil, expose them to the sun and water them moderately. Lavenders, on the other hand, are renowned for their soothing fragrance and ease of care. Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil and water sparingly.

Finally, marigolds (or calendulas) are easy to grow and resistant to disease. Plant them in full sun and water sparingly. They often self-sow, giving you continuous flowering without any extra effort.

Vegetables that are easy to grow

Let's move on to vegetables, which will not only beautify your garden but also provide you with tasty harvests. Cherry tomatoes are an excellent option for small spaces. They're easy to grow, very productive and simply need to be planted in full sun, watered regularly and supported by stakes.

Radishes are ideal for beginner gardeners thanks to their rapid growth and low maintenance. Sow the seeds in the ground, water regularly and harvest within a few weeks. Herbs such as basil, parsley and thyme are also very easy to grow. Plant them in pots or in the ground, in full sun, and water sparingly. They're perfect for adding to your dishes.

Finally, lettuces such as lettuce and rocket grow quickly and are easy to harvest. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil, water regularly and harvest the young leaves for the best flavour.

Where can you buy your plants and seeds?

You can buy your plants and seeds at most local garden centres, which often offer a wide choice and personal advice. Plant markets and supermarkets with gardening departments are also good options. For added convenience, many specialist online shops offer a wide selection of plants and seeds, often with detailed descriptions and growing guides.

The benefits of gardening

Gardening has many physical and mental health benefits. On a physical level, it helps to maintain regular activity, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and mobility. Regular gardening can also strengthen muscles and improve coordination and balance.

Mentally, gardening reduces stress and anxiety, giving you a sense of well-being and satisfaction. It's also a great way to stimulate the brain, by planning, planting and tending plants, which can help prevent cognitive degeneration. What's more, gardening is often a social activity, whether by joining a gardening club or exchanging tips and plants with neighbours.

Actiflor by Auris: a helping hand for your garden

For those looking to optimise their gardening, Auris' Actiflor product can be an excellent complement. Actiflor is designed to enrich the soil, improving plant growth and health. By using Actiflor, you can increase soil water retention, magnetise the water, improve aeration and promote faster, more vigorous plant growth.

To use, simply mix Actiflor into the soil around your plants. This product is particularly useful for flowers and vegetables, as it stimulates biological activity in the soil, creating a richer, more favourable environment for your plants.

Gardening is a rewarding and accessible activity, offering many physical and mental health benefits. By choosing flowers and vegetables that are easy to care for, even those without a green thumb can enjoy this activity. Don't forget to visit your local garden centre or browse online shops to find everything you need, and consider using products like Actiflor to enrich your soil and maximise the growth of your plants. So, why not try planting a few petunias or cherry tomatoes and discover the joys of gardening?