10 of the best fruit and vegetables to plant now for a hassle-free harvest
This practical guide from the Guardian lists ten reliable, easy-to-grow crops that reward gardeners with plentiful yields and good flavour while demanding minimal fuss. Focused on reliability and simple care, the article recommends varieties and basic sowing/planting tips for [[vine tomatoes]], [[mangetout]], [[courgettes]], [[chard]], [[rhubarb]], [[autumn raspberries]], [[winter squash]], [[kale]], [[beetroot]] and [[French beans]]. It highlights site and spacing advice, timing for sowing and planting out, and cultivar suggestions such as [[Tigerella]] and [[Defender]], alongside notes on watering, feeding, support and winter storage. The tone is encouraging for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, emphasising crops that resist pests, produce well in limited space or store over winter, so readers can maximise harvests with manageable effort. Practical planting windows and container options are included to suit allotments, balconies and small gardens.