TheNaturePlanet

The most frustrating thing about growing vegetables at home is dealing with pests. In fact, many vegetables are naturally "pest-resistant" and can thrive without frequent pesticide use. Below are several typical examples that are easy to grow, rarely troubled by pests, and perfect for beginners.

First, let’s talk about vegetables that repel insects with their odor. Garlic is a classic example. It emits a strong, pungent smell that insects find daunting, keeping them far away. When planting garlic at home, select plump garlic cloves, insert them point-up into loose soil about halfway deep, water to keep the soil moist, and place them in a sunny spot on the balcony. In about two to three months, you can harvest garlic bulbs, and you can also snip some garlic sprouts for stir-fries in the meantime—killing two birds with one stone.

Another category includes vegetables with "protective coatings" on their leaves or rapid growth cycles, allowing harvest before pests multiply. Lettuce is a good example. Although its tender leaves look vulnerable, they have a waxy surface that acts like an "insect-proof armor." Additionally, from sowing to harvest, it takes only about 40 days, a short growing period that catches pests off guard. To plant lettuce, scatter seeds in loose soil in a partially shaded area. When the seedlings develop several leaves, thin them out to ensure adequate space, water regularly, and apply organic fertilizer. This way, you can enjoy fresh lettuce in successive harvests.

Next are vegetables with a "distinctive taste," such as bitter melon. Its bitter flavor drives insects away after just one taste, and its vines grow rapidly, making it a great shade plant in summer. In spring, soak the seeds in warm water to germinate them, plant them in a large flowerpot, set up a small trellis for climbing, provide plenty of sunlight and water (avoid overly strong fertilizers), and when the green bitter melons mature, harvest them for stir-fries or cold dishes—both refreshing and heat-relieving.

Finally, root vegetables grown underground, such as potatoes, are excellent for home cultivation. Potatoes reproduce via tubers: cut potato pieces with (eye buds) into small chunks and bury them in loose soil. Their leaves contain alkaloids that deter insects from feeding. Ensure sufficient sunlight, avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging, and when the leaves turn yellow and wither, dig up the soil to harvest round potatoes. Whether stir-fried as potato shreds or stewed as potato chunks, they are common household dishes, and homegrown potatoes taste more reassuring.

When growing these vegetables at home, simply provide appropriate sunlight, water, and soil, occasionally check for small pests, and manually remove them in a timely manner. You can harvest fresh and healthy vegetables without the hassle of spraying pesticides, enjoying both the fun of gardening and adding green, delicious dishes to your table. If you’re still deciding what to plant, give these a try!