Edible Landscaping Ideas
If you want an edible landscape, you should consider using perennial herbs and vegetables to grow in your garden. They’re both easy to grow and are great for urban vegetable gardens.
Perennial herbs
Perennial herbs are a great addition to an edible landscape. These plants provide food for butterfly caterpillars, repel pests, attract beneficial wildlife, and they can add a rich layer of flavor to dishes. Whether you are an avid gardener or looking to improve your landscaping, adding a few perennial herbs to your vegetable garden can be a great idea. Some easy-to-grow varieties are suited to most gardening locations.
Chamomile has many uses. It can be eaten as a cooked vegetable or brewed into tea. You can use it to make herbal remedies and as a household cleaner. When dried, chamomile is said to be an effective insect repellent.
Last update on 2026-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rosemary is another traditional herb that you may have seen at a dinner table, but it is also a medicinal plant. You can use its leaves in various dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. The flowers are also edible.
Herbs are an excellent addition to an edible landscape, especially when planning a large garden. They are easy to grow, and they can be grown in containers or even in beds. Most herbs don’t need much space and will provide you with a harvest for years to come. If you are a beginner, starting with a small garden is best. Start with a few herbs and add more as you progress.
Parsley is another herb that is well-suited for edible landscaping. It is very drought-resistant, and it has a flavor that repels pests. In addition, it has a pleasant fragrance that attracts insects and butterflies. This perennial herb is especially beneficial near tomatoes and carrots.
Willow herb, or fireweed, is another perennial herb attractive to humans and animals. It is a good source of vitamins A and C and has attractive foliage. Willow herbs can be planted in a variety of places, from the ground to in containers.
Marshmallow is another plant that is a great addition to an edible landscape. The leaves are fibrous and have a mild taste. It can be roasted to make a sweet marshmallow or used in a recipe as a pot herb.
Sage is a perennial herb grown in full sun or light shade. Often, it will produce two crops of leaves through the first frosts of the year. As a culinary herb, it is popular at holiday time. Also, sage has a history of medicinal use.
Lemon balm is an aromatic herb that grows in various settings. The lemony taste of its leaves is a popular flavor for many recipes. Besides its citrusy taste, lemon balm is also known to repel ants and flies.
Echinacea is another perennial herb that has a wide range of medicinal uses. In addition, it is often used as an ornamental plant.
Last update on 2026-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Container gardening
If you’re looking for a way to add some color to your yard, consider an edible container garden. Container gardening is ideal for the beginner and advanced gardener, and you can grow a wide range of plants in a limited space. It’s also a great way to keep pests away from your edibles.
There are many different types of containers to choose from, ranging from ceramic pots to metal jugs. Some are better at holding moisture than others. For example, glazed ceramics hold more water than terra cotta. The best choice for a container is one that provides enough support for the plants to grow.
One of the most popular ways to create an edible container garden is to plant a combination of vegetables and herbs in a small, rectangular container. You can use a variety of sizes and shapes of pots to create an interesting display.
For instance, you can grow a variety of vegetables, including green beans, carrots, and lettuce. These crops have shallow root systems, so they’re better suited for containers. They can be harvested in bulk or in small portions.
Alternatively, you can plant a wide range of herbs and aromatics in a single container. Many are perennials, so you’ll want to move them to a cool, dry place in the winter to keep them healthy. In addition, you may want to add ornamental grass, such as yarrow, or a scented geranium, to add some visual interest.
Other examples of edible container gardens include fruits and flowers. For instance, you can grow strawberries or even edible nasturtiums. Also, you can try growing lemon verbena. This tall, lacy plant is perfect for the back of a larger ornamental container.
An edible container garden is a great way to provide produce for your family. Even in the middle of summer, you can still enjoy fresh produce. But, you will need to be vigilant about watering and fertilizing. Unlike an in-ground landscape, your soil will dry out faster on hot days.
Another benefit of container gardening is the ability to re-arrange your garden. You can easily change the plants you are growing and move them to a spot that receives more sunlight or shade. To keep your new plants in top shape, you may need to apply fertilizer and water regularly.
However, it’s important to remember that containers do not provide abundant space, so you’ll have to keep your design in mind. A container with a few rows of yarrow or lemon balm can help screen out the sun and provide some much-needed shade.
Another excellent way to create an edible container garden is to plant your edibles in raised beds. By placing a raised bed in front of the container, you can protect your produce from the elements.
Last update on 2026-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Urban vegetable gardens
Urban vegetable gardens are the rage due to the rising cost of food and environmental concerns. It’s a great way to make your backyard, side yard, or balcony into a green oasis. You can combine container gardening, dual-purpose plants, and grow lights to create a successful edible landscape.
One of the easiest ways to create a successful urban vegetable garden is to use containers. Containers are lightweight and can be used to house a variety of vegetables. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about lugging watering buckets around.
Another edible landscaping trick is to stagger your harvesting seasons. If you are growing tomatoes, for example, you can plant a few in late spring, and then plant some in early summer, and then some again in early fall. This will help keep your tomato plants from getting too out of hand.
You can also create a lettuce wall or a vertical garden to get the most of your outdoor space. Vertical gardens are a great choice if you have limited space. You can use vertical planting walls, fences, or shelves to build an impressive edible landscape.
Many online resources and books help you build an edible landscape. Rosalind Creasy is a landscape designer who has published over twenty books on the subject. She advises that it’s best to choose a good watering system before you begin.
For example, a rainwater catchment or hose can provide a consistent water supply to keep your plants well-hydrated. Also, keep the soil moist for the seedlings you put in. Remember that you don’t want to overwater your plants, which could kill them.
To get the most out of your yard, incorporate fertilizer and organic insecticidal soap. Check your plants often to determine if they need water.
It’s not uncommon for vegetable gardeners to use five-gallon buckets to grow vegetables. If you’re using containers, buy ones with adequate drainage. In addition, you may need to rotate your crops to prevent the disease from affecting them.
Most importantly, you’ll be amazed at what you can grow in your urban vegetable garden. You can also take advantage of your city’s infamous zoning laws. A side yard or a rooftop can both work as a productive landscape, as long as you make the most of your space and do your research.
In addition to the above-mentioned items, you’ll need to decide on a spigot or irrigation system to ensure that your planters stay hydrated. Also, plan ahead to avoid lugging around a bucket of water.
The most effective way to achieve this is to buy self-watering planters. These will keep the soil consistently moist but will eliminate the hassle of watering. Likewise, a rooftop is a great location for an edible garden because it can absorb rainfall and reduce runoff.
