I'd like to grow a few veggies - any tips for a rubbish gardener?

[Highlove]

Just that. I've got a reasonably good sized garden. But don't have loads of time. I want something easy that doesn't need much maintenance. And ideally, as she gets a bit older, I'd like my toddler to get involved filthy or at least recognise that veg doesn't just come from Tesco.

What should I start with? Any tips?

Tia.

Herbs are good - grow the ones to suit your cooking and you can then say that dandelions and nettles are tasty and deliberate like the other herbs

I've already got a few herbs going, just the usual easy stuff - thyme, rosemary, mint and bay. Am really thinking proper veg. Just not sure what the easiest ones to start with are!

Oh - just discovered there's a gardening board so I've posted there too. As my interest is partly because I'm a keen cook, all ideas from here still welcome!

I don't think there is such a thing as easy and low maintanence unless you grow in the house and even then you still have to faff. Anything above ground and you have the constant battles with pests.

The easiest stuff we found was what could be grown in hanging baskets like strawberries and tomatoes... I just hang them on the line so it's only the flying pests to bother with.

Maybe select a couple of root veg and concentrate on them until you get it right?

Potatoes are dead easy, and new potatoes are especially worth it, as the flavour when they're cooked just after digging is so so much better than shop bought :)

Courgettes are straightforward and put out loads (loads) of gear from July-October if you keep on top of the feeding and watering.

Beetroot are straightforward and tasty.

Potatoes are dead dead easy.

Runner beans are also easy to grow. Chillies do well in a conservatory or on a windowsill.

Leeks aren't any trouble. At this time of year you could sow broad beans, and plant onion & garlic sets.