The Urban Patch

Because your garden should bring joy, not a nervous breakdown.

When I first tried growing my own food here in Brunswick 7 years ago, I thought I had to go all in – heirloom seeds, fancy soil mixes and expensive planters. Nek minnit: I ended up with a $200 hole in my pocket with nothing to show for it except for a mess of dead passionfruit vines, ugly DIY trellises, various neglected planters infested with bugs, and a handful of tasteless cherry tomatoes. Needless to say, it took me awhile to discover my love for urban gardening – now with a much simpler and more pragmatic approach the second time round and lessons to share with all of you!

That’s why I’m a big fan of beginner-friendly plants – the ones that don’t mind if you forget to water for a day (or three), still grow if you plant them slightly wonky, and forgive you for not knowing the difference between mulch and compost yet.

Here are my top picks for easy edible plants that actually thrive in Australia’s urban conditions.

🌱 Herbs That Love Neglect (In a Good Way)

Basil – Loves a sunny windowsill or balcony pot. Perfect for summer pasta nights and makes you feel instantly Mediterranean.

Parsley – Will grow happily in partial shade, in the ground, or in a pot. Just don’t overthink it — water when the top feels dry, and it will keep giving.

Mint – Practically unkillable. In fact, keep it in a pot unless you want your whole garden smelling like a mojito (no seriously, do not plant mint directly in the ground, it will take over your entire neighbourhood).

🥬 Leafy Greens for the Eager Harvester

Lettuce – Plant a mix of varieties so you can harvest leaf by leaf and never run out (the “cut and come again” method). Bonus: they grow fast, so you get a quick gardening win.

Spinach – Thrives in cooler months and can be grown in small pots or garden beds. Keep picking leaves regularly to encourage more growth.

Silverbeet – A true Melbourne classic. Hardy, productive, and available in rainbow-stemmed varieties that look gorgeous in the garden. Perfect for sautéing, baking, or throwing into soups.

Asian Greens (like Bok Choy or Pak Choy) – These are speedy growers and perfect for quick stir-fries. Plus, they’re surprisingly frost-hardy in Melbourne. Along with silverbeet, they’re my urban garden winter greens staple.

🍅 Veggies That Make You Feel Like a Pro

Cherry Tomatoes – Easy-going and incredibly rewarding. Give them sun, water, and a little support, and they’ll gift you with sweet fruit all summer.

Radishes – Grows fast (we’re talking 4–6 weeks) and are a great confidence booster for new gardeners. The leaves can also be harvested whilst the roots grow – sauté these up for a greens boost!

Beetroot – A two-in-one crop: you get earthy, sweet roots and tender, edible leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Hardy, low-fuss, and perfect for Melbourne winters. Bonus points for looking stunning when roasted.

🌼 Bonus: Flowers That Help Your Edibles

Planting flowers in your garden isn’t just about looking pretty – they bring in the bees, which means more pollination and better harvests.

Calendula – Hardy, cheerful, and edible. Great for bringing colour to your garden.

Nasturtiums – Spicy edible leaves and flowers, plus they help deter some pests.

Quick Tips for Beginner Gardeners in Melbourne

• Start small. One or two pots is enough to begin. You can always add more.
• Use good potting mix. Even the hardiest plants will sulk in tired dirt.
• Pick often. The more you harvest, the more your plants will grow.
• Don’t stress over perfection. A few holes in the leaves just means something else thinks your plants are delicious too.

And if you need a refresher on how to get started (don’t we all), head over to my Beginner’s Guide: 4 Essentials to Get Growing Fast! Or, if you’re feeling ready and ready to dig (see what I did there) into the detail of a specific plant, check out my A-Z Grow Guides.