Things You'll Need:
- Space
- At least 6 hours of sunlight
- Favorite seeds or plants
- Water
- Dedication
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Step 1
USNA Growing Zone mapKnow your zone. The Continental US is divided into growing zones in order to show the best plants to grow in any area of the country. For example, a Peanut tree that will thrive in the southern states would not last a single season in Wisconsin. Zone charts can be found in most seed catalogues or at US National Arboretum website (www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html). This interactive site shows the zones for North America and is easy to use and understand. Once the growing zone has been established, looking at the space available is the next step.
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Step 2
Sketchup design from the gallery by Stuart MayhewWhether you have a large backyard, or a balcony, edible landscaping is possible with the proper planning and care. Of course, the more space you have the greater the possibilities including the addition of fruit trees and shrubs. However, even container growing on a balcony has a wide variety of plants to choose from. When planning the space, it is wise to utilize a software program designed for landscaping. Sketchup is a great tool (www.sketchup.com) allowing for 3D design of landscaping. It is a free downloadable program. This will help in choosing the plants to include in your landscaping.
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Step 3
Chives, an all purpose edibleSurprisingly, many of the fruits and vegetables available in the grocery stores are also some of the choices available when planning your landscaping. With the right combinations, it is possible to create pleasing gardens. Lettuce, kale, sugar snap peas, beans, tomatoes and peppers all come in various shades and colors. In the case of the peas, the flowers are also edible, as are those of the chive, nasturtium, pansy, daylilies, dill and chamomile. Yarrow, dill and fennel all have fernlike leaves that just beg to be touched. Make sure to include herbs in your garden as well. Thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, and parsley all provide incredible fragrance to both the garden and the kitchen. Fruits are also available in all sizes. Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are all available for container growth, with some dwarf apple and pear trees also available for patios depending on the zone. Choose your favorites.
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Step 4
Once the plants have been chosen, and the garden planned, preparing the soil is the next important step. Keeping in mind that these are all edible, going organic is something to seriously consider. Adding kelp, compost, mulch and peat to your soil will add structure and nutrition while balancing the acidity. Planting beans and peas among other items will also help the nutrition of your soil, as they both are nitrogen-fixing plants. In fact, after the growing season is complete and you are removing them from your garden, break off the roots and place in your compost or right back into the soil. The little nodules you will see there are nitrogen and provide a great boost for your plants.
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Step 5
Strawberry pot, great for a balcony or patioIntermixing plants will also help to confuse any pests. For example, large group plantings of lettuce and kale will attract bugs, while intermingling them with pansies, chives and other herbs will keep the bugs confused. Planting set onions right next to tomatoes keeps the little animals away as well. When planting, remember to place the low growing plants such as lettuce, spinach, greens and pansies to the front, while planting taller items like tomatoes, pole peas or beans and sunflowers to the back. Strawberries, and other vine fruits and vegetables, work well in the foreground or in hanging baskets. Edible plants come in all shapes and sizes and there are no strict rules to follow, experimentation is the key. Making sure the plants selected have the appropriate sunlight and water needs will cause the garden to flourish.
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Step 6
Harvesting is the last and best step for a gardener. Its been said that food prepared as close to the source as possible is the best and there is nothing better than fresh picked strawberries for cereal in the morning, or a salad plucked right from the garden for lunch. With the proper care, an edible garden will provide years of healthy fresh food for you and your family.
