One of the most common issues you may face is lack of space.
Fortunately, there is a very effective method to battle the lack of space called edible landscaping!
Edible landscaping is the technique of planting edible foods in place of purely ornamental plants within a landscape.
These fruits, vegetables and herbs can be anything from herbs like basil to full grown squash; they’re all there for one goal: To provide you with more than just decoration!
Edible Landscaping also allows homeowners an easy way get their hands on healthy eats without compromising space.
Planting an Edible Landscape
Edible landscaping is a great way to add some interest and diversity into your garden.
The plants are forgiving, making it easy for beginners, or gardeners who want an edible landscape without all the hassle!
Here are some examples of plants that work GREAT with edible landscaping:
Sweet and hot peppers
Sweet and hot peppers are quite tough, but not too difficult to grow.
They provide tons of color as the plant changes colors because it grows larger in size!
Beans
Beans are one of the first plants I ever grew. They’re great because they can grow really large, and their flowers always have a nice aroma to them! I was able to cover my trellis in beans with these vines – it looked awesome!
Herbs
Herbs are a win-win! One benefit of growing your own herbs is that you save money and have access to fresh, organic vegetables all season long!
There’s also something satisfying about picking them in the garden for dinner tonight or drying them out as tea leaves next year.
Berries
Berries are not just delicious but they can also serve a dual purpose. Thorne bushes, like brambles or blackberries that grow in the ground make for good hedges and provide privacy too!
Kale
You might be surprised by the many varieties of kale out there. From regular and dino kales to flowering ones, they all have their own unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else!
Ornamental cabbage
The ornamental cabbage is not the most flavorful cabbage, but you still can eat them!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most common vegetables grown and can be used in edible landscaping, as they come in a variety colors from red to purple.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a delicious and colorful vegetable that tastes great. The leaves can vary in color from green to deep purple.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a plant that has delicious red stalks like Swiss chard. People or animals shouldn’t eat the leaves, but if you do they will be quite refreshing!
Edible Flowers
What’s an edible landscape without some edible flowers? I mean, you can’t go wrong with this one!
Planning Your Edible Landscape
It is important to plan your edible landscaping projects during winter so that you have plenty of time for complicated tasks like drawing out a design, ordering seeds and starting them indoors.
It is not advisable to try planting right away since there are many things involved in this type of gardening project, which can be done much more easily later down the line when needed, rather than all at once!
Step 1: Review Your Property and Draw a Basic Layout
The first step is to take a good look at the land you have to work with.
This includes pictures! It’s also important if you draw an accurate layout of your lot, accounting for any permanent structures or outbuildings on it as well as landscaping that will stay in place once construction begins (e.g., rock gardens).
If you’re looking to get an overhead view of your property that will show the current landscape, then Google Maps is a great way.
Step 2: Find Your Zone and Learn Your Property’s Peculiarities
One very important thing is to find your zip code online.
Next, take a walk around your property and make notes of any peculiarities.
For example, what areas are totally shaded? What parts receive full sunshine or partial sun on certain days of the week (and during different seasons)?
Do you notice that water collects in one spot after storms because it’s at higher elevation than surrounding ground level area?
Is there an area where other plants compete with herbs such as roses for light shade, but not deeply fertile soils?
These are crucial examinations you should make in order to create the best plan for your edible landscaping.
Step 3: Make a List of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits and Trees You Want
Now you can start planning your garden. First, think about what types of vegetables and herbs that you want to grow in it – maybe there’s a favorite salad or leafy green vegetable from the grocery store shelf that you can’t live without, and now you can grow it organically at home!
If you plan to plant trees, don’t forget how large they can possibly grow and just what a difference vertical space will make in your landscape.
The same goes for any plant that reaches higher than 2-3 feet off the ground like bushes or shrubs – account for their size when determining where to place them!
Another way to add some greenery and make your backyard more inviting is by planting an edible garden.
All of the same principles apply, as with any other kind of landscaping project!