If it’s your dream to start a vegetable garden but you feel overwhelmed by where to begin, you’re definitely not alone. Even celebrities with barely any time in their schedule can start small. That’s exactly what Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge shared in her recent Instagram video. She showed off her relaxed, unfussy backyard setup. No elaborate landscaping or expensive equipment. Just approachable, real-world gardening that you too can emulate.
With the simple caption "I grow", the actress shared her impressive mix of veggies, including cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchinis, tomatoes, plus citrus trees and a variety of herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and dill.
Her video is the perfect reminder that you don’t need to be an expert to start a garden. What you do need is a plan, and it can be a simple one. With a few reliable plants and a routine that doesn’t steal your entire weekend, you can start your garden right away using Alexandra Breckenridge’s down-to-earth maintenance routine.
Choose Beginner-Friendly Plants
Start with simple plants that don’t demand perfection from you. Think of these as little “confidence boosters” for new gardeners.
- Herbs: Rosemary or Basil
Herbs grow quickly, they’re forgiving, and incredibly rewarding, as you can use them for so many things in the kitchen. For example, rosemary handles heat, cold, and inconsistent watering. It’s basically the unicorn of the gardening world, and you would have to try very hard to kill it. If you’re starting indoors or live in a warmer climate, basil is a great herb as it’s fast-growing. Both of these herbs will give you early wins. Try this Bonnie Plants Rosemary Live Edible Aromatic Herb Plant from Amazon; it comes in a 2 or 4-pack. - Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes offer the most classic garden feeling. They grow well in containers, love sunshine, and produce a steady supply of fruit. Try this Bonnie Plants Husky Cherry Red Tomato Live Vegetable Plant from Amazon, which also comes in a 2 or 4-pack. - Lettuce or Mixed Greens
Lettuce grows super fast and barely requires any effort to grow, giving you near-instant gratification. Another plus is that you can harvest the leaves continuously throughout the season as a cut-and-come-again crop. Try this Seephony Lettuce & Salad Greens Variety Pack from Walmart.
Select Your Growing Setup
Alexandra Breckenridge’s garden is relaxed and easygoing. Containers can help you replicate this look with almost no commitment.
First, choose your containers. Go for 12-16-inch pots with drainage holes. They’ll be easy to move, easy to water, and they’re perfect for patios or small spaces if that’s what you’re working with.
This YNNICO Large Plant Pot Set from Amazon is even self-watering if you tend to forget that kind of thing, or want something that will be easy to maintain.
If you choose ground space, pick an area that tends to get a lot of sun – at least 6 hours a day – and loosen the soil with a hand towel. Add compost to enrich your soil and keep your garden healthy.
Alexandra's Shopping List
Grow the exact herbs Alexandra Breckenridge is planting at home with this all-in-one seed kit, featuring 25 heirloom varieties and everything you need to get started.
Alexandra uses this ready-to-plant coco coir potting mix, which includes worm castings and perlite, to get her crops off to the best possible start.
Made from wood pulp, these seed trays are just like the ones Alexandra uses. When the seedlings are big enough the pots can just be transplanted to avoid shock.
Your 10-Minute Weekly Routine
The magic of a garden is all in your maintenance routine. This is when it thrives, with small, steady care, not hours of work. Here’s a 10-minute routine that you can easily follow each week:
- Minutes 1 to 3: Water Check. Stick your finger one inch into the soil. Dry? Give it some water! Moist? Leave it alone.
- Minutes 3 to 5: Quick Trim. Snip dead leaves, leggy stems, or flowers past their prime. This keeps plants healthy and productive.
- Minutes 5 to 7: Harvest Something. Don’t think that you can’t pick things because they are finally growing; that’s one of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make. Pick basil leaves, snip lettuce, or take a handful of cherry tomatoes, as this encourages more growth.
- Minutes 7 to 10: Scan for Pests. Look under leaves for aphids or holes. If you see pests, spray with a safe, beginner-friendly spray like Safer Insecticidal Soap, which you can find on Amazon.
Build Room to Grow (Only if You Want To)
After you’ve started with a few plants and you’re comfortable, try scaling up, just like Alexandra Breckenridge has done. Growth should feel empowering, not stressful! Here are some tips for this:
- Add some colorful flower pots
- If you have the space, expand to a small raised bed
- Try a new herb or seasonal vegetable
Ready to Begin?
With a few easy, starter plants, simple containers, and 10 minutes a week, you can create an accessible garden that fits any lifestyle. Alexandra Breckenridge’s Instagram-worthy starter garden isn’t just about perfection; it’s about joy and curiosity, which you’ll need when you start planting.
