18 Jul How to Create an Edible Garden This Summer

If you’re like most people, incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet is something that you’re mindful about. 

They are nutrient-dense and packed with good-for-you vitamins and minerals. But many people are rightfully conscious about pesticides and herbicides that are used on a lot of commercially-grown produce. This is why it makes a lot of sense to grow your own. A lush garden of verdant vegetables and succulent fruits can take up a wide swath of land though. 

That is, unless you incorporate it into your landscaping! Here are a few ideas to help you begin your green thumb journey. 

“Edible landscaping,” as it’s known, is simply incorporating food-producing plants into your landscape. Think fruits and vegetables, but don’t overlook fresh herbs and edible flowers as well. 

They can be as beautiful as they are useful when you add them into your existing garden style. And you can use as many or as few as you would like to add color, texture, height, fullness, and more. 

If space is at a premium, consider these ideas!

• Plant potted herbs and arrange them on a patio
• Use a window box for cherry tomatoes 
• Incorporate a rainbow of pepper types in with your flowers
• Consider a trellis or arbor for grapes
• Use your front yard fence to train berries to grow 
• Lettuce and radishes will live in perfect harmony with your flowers
• Edible flowers like begonias, day lilies, peonies, and roses are gorgeous and can also be eaten 

Be certain to do your homework before you lay the groundwork for your edible landscape. Some plants require more sun, shade and/or water, or like a certain type of soil to flourish.

 That’s why it’s so important to take inventory of your surroundings and your climate prior to getting too far down a planting path. Maintenance should also be taken into consideration, as some fruits and vegetables will require much more TLC and attention than others. 

Your local nursery or home and garden store is a great first stop when you are considering an edible landscape. You can ask questions of the experts, describe your home and vision, and start to gather ideas for your plan.

 Take lots of pictures and notes, and then spend some time mapping out how to best utilize your space before you get started. 

Happy planning and Bon Appetit! 

For assistance with all of your Marion, Cedar Rapids or Iowa City Corridor custom home building needs, please feel free to contact us. We would be delighted to work with you.

Please feel free to share!