How to create an edible landscape
For decades, the bouquet has been separated from the garden bed by two opposing customs and characteristics; One for beauty, the other for food. However, this practice restricts the efficiency of every garden and does a disservice to all of us. Edible landscape decor is married to function so we can both get and live a better life because of it.
Historically, we as gardeners had to choose whether to grow vegetables or flowers, choosing one and leaving the other because they did not mix well. Often the reason for this is that the vegetable plants are considered ugly and ugly - you do not want to show anything in your possession, except for its designated chaotic place.
Admiring the edible nature overrides this idea, emphasizing that function and beauty do not contradict each other. A landscape is multifunctional and must be beautiful to do so!
What is Edible Landscape?
The edible landscape is a deliberate mix of functional plants that produce food with ornamental plants that are grown for their beauty. This practice is also known as food gardening. It takes the common practice of insulated garden spaces and throws the door.
In conventional terrain, so much space is wasted. Between perfectly cut lawns and often unused spaces around ornamental plants, tons are possible. Plants can be grouped together, arranged according to sunlight preferences, tucked away in empty spaces, and ugly plants hidden behind beautiful ones.
Top 5 Benefits of Enjoying Edible Nature
Food security - Our current diet is unstable, which has recently been proven by epidemics. A little bump, and we could be without daily staples for months. Growing your own food is very important because it operates outside the current system and, therefore, is highly resilient to unpredictable situations.
Finances - Growing your own food costs less than getting it from a grocery store. Across the United States, thousands of families do not have access to fresh vegetables because they are too expensive to store. “Food deserts” are a serious problem in many cities where new foods are unavailable or too expensive. Reducing store dependency means healthier foods, lower costs, and better options.
Health - Fresh vegetables and fruits are healthier, more nutritious, and more flavorful than processed foods and supermarket products. Tomatoes grown in your garden are a thousand times tastier than store-bought tomatoes - many children refuse vegetables until they try a freshly picked vegetable from the garden. The taste is incredible. Horticulture leads to a better lifestyle and better food options will keep you living well.
Sustainability - Growing plants is good for the environment. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other important wildlife species depend on a variety of plants to collect honey, provide habitat and provide resources. These insects, birds, and mammals prefer mixed landscapes where there are many options to choose from. Attracting more bees and butterflies to the landscape is not a bad thing, especially since we have destroyed their natural habitat. Editing landscaping uses less natural resources than commercial farming, so by creating one in your yard, you reduce the pressure on the environment. It generally uses fewer chemicals and pesticides because the plants are linked to each other to act as natural barriers.
Education - many children (and adults!) Do not know where their food comes from - it is an important part of our existence and few know how to do it. Creating an edible landscape in your home will not only educate and influence your own children but also those in the neighborhood. It's time to reunite.
How to start your edible landscape
Get some paper (the map is nice), some colored pencils and a ruler. Draw the exterior of your landscape covering all possible planting locations (it does not have to be fancy).
Take care of your terrain - this will take time and patience, but it is essential to create a successful edible landscape plan.
Observe the sun throughout the day in all parts of the yard. Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. But, there are many that perform better even in partial shade. The shade of the trees changes throughout the day and the seasons (deciduous tree and deciduous tree); Plan this and use it to your best advantage.
Where are the closest water snails? Is there space to set up rainwater harvesting (do you get enough rain?), Or is an irrigation system a good idea? Be careful about this - gardens need watering 2-6 times a week depending on your climate, and if watering is complicated, it may not be good for the garden.
How is the soil in different parts of the yard? Some places may be more rocky or sandy than others. There are hills or slopes or areas where water collects - which can make a big difference in what you plant there.
Where is the best place for trails? Do not forget the paths! Everything must be accessible, otherwise, it will not be harvested. Continuous soil compaction and compacted soil do not hold water or produce vigorous vegetation. Make sure you are not going to walk where you are planting.
What crops do you want to grow and who do you feed. The needs of a family of 2 are very different from a family of 6 people. Choose foods that you like and foods that work best in a variety of growing situations.
When planning where to place vegetable plants, make sure they are easily accessible for harvest. If the tomatoes are hard to reach, they should not be plucked at any time. Place greens, peas, and tomatoes in front of paths or garden beds. Once-harvested vegetables, such as pumpkins and potatoes, you can arrange them further back or around a perimeter, as you do not need to access them often. Prioritize bed space and you will be more successful.
Plant as many perennials as possible. Perennials use fewer resources and require less maintenance from you. Adding as many perennials as possible will reduce your overall workload while providing a beautiful, self-growing landscape.
Observe carefully the mature size of the plants and how they can coexist in the landscape. Yes, a cabbage seed is small, but it will grow into a 2-3 foot plant. Tomatoes often reach over 6-feet, and polar bears and cucumbers can easily reach 8-10 feet.
What else is important about your climate and location? Do you get windstorms and need to plan for a lot of crossbow knocking or support? Is there any cataract you want to cover?
How long is the growing season in your area? You do not want to grow crops that do not have enough time to mature. Look at your hardness zone and select plants and vegetables that grow well there.
Are there children or pets who use the space, and how can you adapt and accommodate their needs? Think about this very carefully before you dig or plant. Both children and dogs are well known for taking the narrow path from point A to point B.
It may be right in the center of your lavender plants, but it will not block them. With this in mind, plan around traffic streams or create alternatives. You can create very beautiful and functional paths, but if the dogs turn it into a crossroads anyway it is a wasted effort. The key to not losing your mind when kids go through a strawberry patch is that it is “fast”.
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