How would you love to have the best of both worlds or can you have the best of both worlds? The answer to that question is YES. When it comes to gardening we are free in letting our imagination run wild as those creative juices flow. There are so many benefits to gardening, but what if we dare to get away from the traditional (growing ornamental Plants) and introduce the new (edible plants) as a landscape design, talk about thinking outside of the box. One major concern when growing food crops is safety, growing our very own edible garden or landscapes puts us in the driver’s seat where we are in full control of growing our food crops in a safe and healthy manner.
Another name for an edible garden is called foodscaping, which simply means integrating edible plants into ornamental landscape. It’s also the crossbreed between landscaping and farming.
How to Landscape with Edible Plants
When it comes to creating a landscape design (with ornamental plants) the first thing that comes to mind is creating something that’s visually appealing which can have a positive impact on our health both mentally and physically. With edible plants, this can also happen but it first starts with a plan.
Edible Garden Plan Design
- Choose ornamental edible plants that are not appealing to wildlife
- Think about edible plants that will give you a rainbow color effect
- Go for simplicity which will create balance
- Considering grouping plants together that has the seem watering needs along with creating beauty and attracting beneficial insects and pollinators
- Incorporate several containers throughout your edible garden, these containers can have colorful plants installed in them.
- Adding structures can really bring that flavor, a fence or an arbor is a great idea when it comes to the support of vining fruits
- Soil does matter, ensure the soil you’re using is the right fit for your edible garden. A good garden soil that has good water drainage is ideal
- For added nutrients, the use of composting or natural organics such as dry cow, horse or chicken manure, etc… is a must because remember you’re growing foods to be consumed.
- Garden insect pests can become a problem, when faced with this issue using safe methods such as these homemade remedies or using organic pesticides is the safe way to go
- The planting location is also important, get to know the light requirements of your edible plants and give them that which will encourage proper plant growth along with providing you with a good harvest
Bonus Points
Garden plants can be pretty costly, to save on your spending why not start if you prefer with seeds or seedlings which can help you stretch that dollar.
2. Incorporate some edible perennial plants which can save you time especially if you’re always on the go. Some edible perennials include Broccoli, wild leek, grapes, garlic, asparagus, sweet potatoes, sorrel, artichoke, watercress, blueberries, raspberries, groundnut, sage, chives, catnip, lavender, mint, parsley, fennel, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, lovage, peach, pear, bananas, apricots, apple, citrus, kiwi, nectarine and cherry. Incorporating a few flowering plants will also benefit.
3. Some edible flowering plants include chives, chrysanthemum, lilac, scented-leaved geranium, chamomile, elderflower, rose, hibiscus, squash blossom, nasturtium, daylily, apple blossom, Chamaemelum, begonia, borage, bee balm, anise hyssop, violet, calendula, lavender, and marigold.
The Benefits of an Edible garden
- Protects the environment and reduces energy inputs
- Provides convenience
- Maintaining and edible landscapes can be very recreational, fun, and a good source of exercise
- Growing your food crops in a safe and healthy way
- Can help to save those hard-earned dollars.
- With a more improved taste
- Eating fresh year-round
- Having an abundance of food crops available
- Can help to reduce stress
- Getting children involved, passing this knowledge on to the next generation
- Food independence.
- Some flowers when mixed with vegetables is known to keep animals and bugs at bay
The final word on landscaping with edible plants
Landscaping with edible plants can be so much fun while saving you a ton of money over time, these gardens are making waves as many homeowners are taking advantage of these garden methods.
author: https://gardenofedengardencenter.com/how-to-landscape-with-edible-plants – Norman