Although a well-kept lawn looks beautiful and is often the standard in a residential yard, it can also be dull and unnecessarily difficult to maintain. Grass requires constant irrigation, and it’s not even edible!
Going for an eye-catching garden landscape filled with food is now a trend. Instead of spending all your time and energy on an ornamental lawn, you can cultivate an edible landscape garden.
This article will run you through some tips to transform your dull lawn into a produce-filled garden.
Starting with Small Spaces
Always remember that creating an edible landscape garden should be fun for you. It is easy to be overwhelmed if you try to make a significant change all at once.
It is a good idea to start small. Of course, you will want your garden to be large enough to be worth the hard work, but you can start small by growing food in containers or planting edible plants in your yard.
Keep It Away from Foot Traffic
The last thing you want is for a family member to step into your garden accidentally!
You may want to keep your edible garden further away from the sidewalk, street, or walkways leading to your front door. Pets and children may easily stomp on your newly planted veggies if they are out there in the open.
You can add rocks, solar lights, a small fence, or other landscaping accessories to keep your plants safe.
Go For the Low-Maintenance Edibles
When creating an edible landscape design, you want to go for vegetables that are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
Start small and grow low-maintenance plants that require less watering, pruning, and fertilizing to avoid being overwhelmed.
If you love fresh produce and want to enjoy the (literal) fruits of your labor, you will undoubtedly want to create a low-maintenance edible garden.
Edible Ground Cover
If you have a large area of your yard that you want to convert into a productive garden, you could try growing ground covers.
Ground covers help to suppress weeds and maintain lush, beautiful landscapes. They also add great texture and color to any yard.
Some popular ground covers to consider are herbs like oregano, thyme, and marjoram. These herbs can also withstand foot traffic and release delicious fragrances into the air.
Adding Ornamentals and Structures
Your edible landscape may not be limited to edible plants. You can add ornamental plants and structures to add dimension and intrigue. Trellises and statues are a great way to break up the greenery.
Grow some of your favorite flowers like marigolds and sunflowers. They can add color and fragrance to your garden.
Getting Enough Sunlight
Fruits and vegetables need plenty of sunlight to grow. Shady areas may be suitable for some herbs and vegetables, but you need direct sunlight for fruits.
Stay away from planting them under trees and overhangs. They may provide some protection, but you will sacrifice fruit production. It is best to grow most of your fruits and vegetables in full sunlight.
Conclusion
Your yard is only limited by the extent of your imagination. You can turn your dull lawn into a beautiful and valuable edible landscape that you can be proud of.
Having an edible landscape garden is a great way to add color, beauty, and nutrition to your life. You can even save money on groceries and enjoy your own fresh produce.
Whether your goal is to grow just a few plants or develop an elaborate garden, you can use the edible landscape ideas in this article to achieve your goal.
Are you looking for a grow your own food blog in the US to get more edible landscape inspo? Blossom & Broom offers tips and design inspiration for your home and garden aesthetics. Check out our other informative articles today!
