Water Friendly Gardening Techniques

April 1st, 2012

With the growing concern of water sustainability, many are looking to reduce the need of water use in their own home and garden.  For some, simply trying to use less water is not the answer.  Rather, a new perspective on gardening with water conservation as the leading principal is becoming the new standard.  If you are thinking about planting a xeriscape garden, or are looking for more innovative ways to conserve water – we have a few guidelines below to consider.

Planning a Xeriscape Garden

Xeriscape gardening conserves water by designating three different zones based on water use and encourages the use of native and locally adapted plants. Before cultivating a xeriscape garden, it’s important to begin with a master plan.  First, observe your garden for a few days.  What are the microclimates caused by sun and shade, sloped and flat areas, and air movement on the site? Once you have mapped out these areas, designate your property into hydro zones of low, moderate and high water use.  Many refer to these as the Natural, Transition and Oasis zones.

The Natural Zone is the lowest water use area and should include native and local plants already growing naturally on your property. Once these plants are established, they will survive well relying on natural rainwater, averaging 10-12 inches per year.  If your area is experiencing a drought, you may supplement with a little water when needed.

The Transition Zone is the area to plant trees (at least 15 feet from your home).  These trees will provide shade, cooler temperatures, and can be quite aesthetically pleasing in your outdoor space. Once established, these trees will need occasional but little watering to help them thrive and look attractive.

Finally, The Oasis Zone is the most water-intensive and should be planned next to your home. This will provide easy access for watering, while naturally cooling your home in the warmer months. An oasis zone can have a variety of plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs, which will create a lush environment. Keep in mind that areas near your home that are very rarely used should be planted with native plants that require little water.

More Water Conservation Techniques:

Plant Selection: Whether you are creating a new garden, or when replacing plants; proper planning and research is key to effectively conserve water in your home and garden. Before purchasing and installing new plant material, know the full and mature size of each plant, as well as the necessary water and maintenance requirements.  If possible, use low water and drought resistant plants – as there are many varieties available that need little water (including a variety of herbs and deep root vegetables). Avoid tropical plants as these will require consistent watering.

Water Harvesting:  Water harvesting, grey water x and drip irrigation are efficient ways to sustainably water your garden.  Try to incorporate one or all of these techniques into the landscape design so that water can be channeled to planted areas and then preserved for later use.  Passive water harvesting simply directs excess rainwater where it is needed, and includes sloping sidewalks/ terraces and channeling roof water.  Also, by constructing well thought out earth mounds of berms and channels, one can passively water harvest by keeping water on site for plants to take advantage of.

If passive water harvesting proves difficult or is simply not your thing – active rain water harvesting is the new trend that involves storing water for later use in rain barrels, cisterns or other storage systems.  Be sure to drain the water if you are unable to use the stored amount, as sitting water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.

Grey Water Recovery:  This involves channeling laundry, shower and bath water into basins or French drains.  Some prefer filtering the grey water so that soap and lint don’t wind up in your garden.  However, many prefer directly draining the grey water into the soil quickly, allowing the soil to act as an effective biological filter.  Remember that allowing the water to stagnate more than 24 hours can compromise the water.

Efficient Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation can be a very efficient way to irrigate your plants because it puts water directly where it is needed, and reduces the risk of evaporation.  Early morning or late night irrigation reduces evaporation rates even further when wind or high daytime temperatures are a problem. Also, using a timer or controller to regularly schedule irrigation, and adjusting the water seasonally reduces the risk of over-watering and run-off.  Plus, good irrigation encourage roots to develop more deeply, improving drought resistance.

What are ways you conserve water in your home garden?

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Beginners And Experienced Gardeners Love Growing Herbs!

March 25th, 2012

With gorgeous spring temperatures close to arriving, you may be toying with ideas on what to grow in your garden this year.  If you are new to gardening, growing fresh and flavorful herbs is a great way to begin the journey.  Many herbs found in Uncle Herb’s Favorites are perennial, meaning they last for three or more seasons (think of the “P” as “permanent”). Fresh herbs like chives, fennel, oregano and sage are all perennials found in this herb seed kit, and are easier to maintain without replacing them each season. Stop by and read our informative herb gardening guide for more tips on how to effectively grow your own herbs!

If this isn’t your first rodeo, perhaps you are looking to expand your selection of herbs in your garden.  A steady supply of herbs just a few feet away is naturally more ideal than running to the store for an expensive, commercially packaged herbs.  Uncle Herb’s Favorites has 10 varieties of herbs that can enhance salad dressings, salads, meat, tofu, and even desserts and drinks. You’ll also find that we offer the freshest seeds around! All of our food kits use Myler® bags to keep each seed at its best, and are then placed in a container that is FDA approved for long-term food storage.  You can trust that our kits are unlike the store bought version; they are water and rodent proof, and re-sealable so that seeds stay fresh between plantings.

Looking to dry your own herbs for long terms use? We found this informative article that will guide you through that endeavor. Spring is here, and it’s a great time to get growing!

Click on image below to view Uncle Herb’s Favorites seed varieties.

 

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Gardens that Heal: Two Botanical Gardens Reach Out To Their Communities

January 29th, 2012

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “All my hurts my garden spade can heal.”  Two extraordinary Botanical Gardens are using this idea to make a big difference in their communities.  They have created programs using nature related activities to improve the well being of those that need it most, and have inspired other organizations to partner with them so that people of all ages and abilities can blossom within a garden.

 Toledo Botanical Gardens: Toledo GROWs

If you ever visit Northwest Ohio, you’ll notice the beautiful lakes and may perhaps sample some of the local Midwest food.  But many do not plan on running into any of the 50-plus community gardens organized by Toledo Botanical Gardens of Toledo, Ohio.  TBG hosts Toledo GROWs, a community outreach program with an aim of offering organizational resources and technical assistance that help cultivate and sustain community gardening projects all throughout Northwestern Ohio.

You may know that community gardens help beautify neighborhoods and provide nutritious food for its members.  What also makes this organization so special are the partnerships that have formed to help sustain each of these local gardens.  Toledo GROWs has created a safe haven and therapeutic experience for at-risk youth, seniors, those with disabilities and families who want to provide a valuable service for their neighborhood.

A shining example of this is when Toledo GROWs partnered with the Lucas County Juvenile Justice System, and provided 100 adjudicated youth with paid employment, a place to learn new skills and gain work experience, and the chance to connect with positive mentors. Other youth-centered farms organized by Toledo GROWs are equipped with greenhouses, chicken coops, orchards, rain gardens, beekeeping and training centers, and are sustained with the help of children and teens.

 Tucson Botanical Gardens: Horticulture Therapy Program

Located in Southern Arizona, Tucson Botanical Gardens was once a charming family home with an extraordinary garden in the late 1920’s.  It is now an organization that offers more than just the beauty of its 5 acres of varying gardens and exhibits.  Juliet, the Horticulture Therapist along with trained docents and volunteers have worked with more than 40 different schools and agencies to serve seniors and children with disabilities throughout Tucson. Once a program started by a docent in 1983, the Horticulture Therapy Program maintains the belief that “persons working in the garden and greenhouse become calmer and more focused, need less medication and are more receptive to therapy” after becoming involved in horticulture therapy.

Members of the program work onsite at the Botanical Gardens performing seasonal maintenance duties from planting to harvesting the gardens’ fruits, vegetables and herbs.  Furthermore, high school students have opportunities to earn internships offsite at neighboring farms and gardens to further their gardening knowledge and provide a service for their community.  Juliet feels that there is a real need for these types of programs in her community, as those with special needs not only learn about gardening, but are also taught invaluable skills like responsibility and proper socialization.  When she sees children with behavioral issues switch gears and maintain a clear focus and excitement for building and maintaining a garden, it’s certain that the healing powers of the garden is something difficult to replicate.

 Do you feel your own garden has served you or others in a therapeutic way? Share your experience! 

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The Great Indoors. A Guide To Indoor and Windowsill Gardening

November 20th, 2011

Whether you’re an urban gardener, or would like to bring your plants safely indoors for the winter; windowsill and indoor gardening is an easy way to grow your favorite herbs, vegetables and peppers.  In fact, many plants grown in containers require minimal care, and grow just as well indoors.  You will also find that the proximity of the plant is ideal when indoors, as herbs can be easily snipped and thrown into your favorite dish, and you can leave that cumbersome winter jacket in the closet as you harvest your veggies.  You’ll also find easy access in recycling your used coffee grounds. This blog post about Container/Vertical Gardening may also be particularly useful as you grow your indoor garden.  Follow these simple steps below and grow your own beautiful indoor garden without the worry of frost and weather damage.

 Step By Step Indoor Gardening:

  1. Find a container that is at least 6 inches deep.  Containers vary in shape, colors, price and materials used.  Wood, plastic and strawberry containers are the least expensive, but may rot easily.  Choose Redwood and Cedar wood, ceramic and metal containers if available, as these are less likely to experience wear and tear.  Wide containers are also ideal for growing several herbs in one container.
  2. Scout out a good location in your home for your garden. The location must provide light for at least 5-6 hours a day – keep in mind that south or southeast facing windows yield the most light.  Windowsills work well, but be certain that sneaky drafts will not bother your plants.  Also, stay clear of heating vents and kitchen appliances, as these can deplete your plants of the humidity needed for proper growth.
  3. Select herbs, vegetables and chilies that will not grow too tall or wide.  The Producer, Veggin’ Out and Uncle Herb’s Favorites have a variety of plants that are easy to maintain in an indoor garden.
  4. When transplanting plants to the in-doors, add 2 inches of soil to the container and place plant carefully inside.  Patting down the soil gently, fill the remaining areas with soil leaving an inch of room at the top of the container for water.
  5. It’s easy to forget about watering your plants if your location is in a less used room or behind a couch.  Create a watering schedule, and ensure plants are getting enough water by allowing water to seep through the holes at the bottom of the container.  This helps water infiltrate the roots of the plant.  If your containers do not have holes, drill them and place a plastic or decorative container at the bottom of the pot to collect water. Herbs will need less water than vegetables and chilies, and remember to fertilize the soil once a month with organic fertilizer or compost.
  6. To avoid disease and dust, mist your plants with tepid water, and carefully wipe down leaves that may have accumulated dust.

Using Lights For Indoor Gardening:

Uncle Herb’s Favorites and The Producer have a wide variety of herbs and salad greens that grow well using indoor lights.  Obviously more costly than natural sunlight, growing lights can be purchased at any home goods store and many find they are more reliable than waiting for sunny weather.  If you live in an area that receives little sunlight (even if just in the winter months), this may be an excellent option for your indoor garden. Because plants need a full spectrum of light for photosynthesis, be sure the lights you purchase are either fluorescent or have high intensity discharge.  Both of these methods will ensure your plants grow as naturally as they do in the great outdoors.

Get The Kiddos Involved!

Gardening is a fantastic way to keep your children active while learning about the science and nutrition behind each plant.  Are you looking for ideas to get their hands dirty (in a good way)?  For one, encourage your children to decorate the plant containers with paints and other artistic tools.  They’ll love decorating something for the home! Or, take a family nature walk and pick out unique and odd shaped rocks to place between containers.  Label the plants’ names on each rock and set them beside each container.  Also, ask children to pick out which seeds they prefer to grow and allow them opportunities to nurture each plant until harvest time. This could be a great opportunity for kids to experience the science of plant growth!  Lastly, allow children to help in the kitchen and give them easy jobs using the herbs and veggies they grew!  Children will have more awareness about what food goes into their bodies if they take an active role in their daily meals.

What herbs, vegetables and/or plants are you planning on growing indoors this winter?

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Vertical and Container Gardening: How To Create An Eiffel Tower of Plants

November 7th, 2011

If your patio is like mine and about the size of a postage  stamp, you will notice that it is imperative to manage space.  Yet a small space does not mean you have to  give up your favorite plants, fruits and vegetables; it just means you have to  become more creative with how you grow your garden! Vertical and container  gardening are two fantastic ways to manage the space in a small area, while  yielding a bounty of fresh produce comparable to those with larger areas to  grow.  The techniques described below are  useful for gardening at homes with small backyards, apartments, and for those who would like to grow more plants per square foot.

Vertical Gardening: Vertical planting refers to growing plants upwards in lieu of horizontally in a traditional garden bed. There are a number of simple and more elaborate ways to build a vertical garden.  And it seems there are just as many benefits  to building a vertical garden as there are modes to make them.  Some of the advantages include: vertically  grown plants will naturally become less pest and disease prone.  This is due to the plants being away from the  ground where pests tend to gravitate.  You may also be keen to the fact that you will no longer have to remain stooped over a garden for hours, as vertical planting means less time spent  harvesting while leaning over a garden bed.  Weeding and tilling also become less necessary in some circumstances.  Another fantastic benefit?  You (and the environment) will like that less water is required for vertical gardening, and your plants will look healthier as oxygen has the opportunity to circulate more evenly.  Now stop counting all the money you’ll be  saving on your water bills and from avoiding the chiropractor and let’s get gardening!

Plants Suitable For Most Vertical Gardening: If you plan on building your vertical garden up from a chain link fence, trellis or vertical lattice; be aware that you are limited to what you can grow.  Plants that grow upward and can be trained and/or have vines work best for this type of vertical planting.  Plants that work best are: Tomatoes, Green Beans, Lettuces, Cucumbers, Melons, Squashes, Corn, Chard, just to name of few.  All of these varieties can be found within Veggin’ Out and The Producer. If you plan on hanging your plants in baskets; all herbs and plants from Uncle Herb’s Favorites and Hot Mama’s Chiles and Peppers will work exceptionally well.

Vertical Gardening Tips and Tricks: To grow a vertical garden inexpensively, use a chain link fence, trellis, hanging baskets or a garden lattice. Other effective structures include: nailing decorative cans to a wooden fence, using an old dog kennel or shelving unit, and building your own structure using garden fencing and pipes. Watch to see how the vines and plants grow naturally, and secure the plants with garbage bag twist ties or gardening green tape.  Secure the plant at the bottom, again at the center, and one at the top without impeding the growth. Vining plants climb by twisting and clinging.  Therefore, build  a structure that can sustain the weight of the vines and plants.  Once the vines have been trained, they will grow naturally upward on their own.

Plant the vertical garden next to shade loving plants like herbs, and away from sun-loving plants like vegetables. If using hanging baskets, line them with moss to keep in moisture after you water.  Did you know that if you hang your plants from baskets or pots, you can actually have the same number of plants as a square foot of garden space?

Container Gardening:  Container gardening is another practical way to garden in a small area.  Likewise to vertical gardening, almost anything grown in a regular garden can grow well in a container garden.  In addition, this type of gardening is easy to maintain, and can be done inexpensively. This is because once you have built your container garden, you may continue using it season after season, and year after year.  Below are a few helpful tips to avoid the common mistakes made when container gardening, and to ensure your garden thrives just as well as a standard outdoor garden.

Choosing The Best Container:  Luckily there are a vast array of containers to choose from that will suit a variety of needs. We find that wood, plastic and strawberry containers are the least expensive, but can easily rot and sustain wear and tear after frequent use.  Therefore, if you prefer containers that will withstand the hands of time, then ceramic or metal containers are worth the investment.  Just be sure you drill a few holes at the bottom if they do not already have a drainage system. Please note that large containers are also the easiest to maintain plants in due to the extra growing space.

Get clever with your containers and have the most original garden in the neighborhood! Who would have thought that laundry baskets, decorative trash cans, pumpkins, used soda bottles and wooden barrels make great containers for gardens? You’ll soon be that savvy gardener all the neighbors talk about (in a good way!).

Plants Suitable For Container Gardening:  Most plants from Uncle Herb’s Favorites, Veggin’ Out, Hot Mama’s Chiles and Peppers and The Producer will work well in your container garden.  Stay away from exceptionally large vegetables like watermelons, cantaloupe or squash.  Large containers can also fit a variety of plants with different shapes and sizes in just one container.

Tips and Tricks For Container Gardening

Use the Humble Seed companion planting blog post to find which plants grow well next to one another so that you can easily plan each container successfully. Redwood and Cedar wood is relatively less likely to rot than other wood containers. Drill holes at the bottom of the containers for drainage (if holes are not already present), and line the bottom with newspaper so that soil does not escape. Plant bright foliage around your container garden for some added texture and color.  Do not use flowers. Use light colored containers in the summer to reduce heat absorption, and darker color in the fall and winter months.

Happy gardening!

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Companion Planting: How To Effectively Play Musical Chairs With Your Garden

October 10th, 2011

Have you had the dilemma in which your pea plant grew remarkably tall with plump pods next to last year’s carrots, but were sulking by the onions the following year? I can tell you it is not the vegetable gods cursing your peas this year.  It has to do with placement.  Companion gardening is strongly recommended as an eco-friendly way to manage your garden.  This is because most of the plants in your garden have substances in their leaves and roots that repel and attract other various types of plants.  We can thank the Iroquois tribe for discovering companion gardening when they noted that three vegetables grew very strongly together. They dubbed them the Three Sisters: corn, beans and squash. Since the discovery, vegetables and plants have been studied to find which plant took from the soil to compliment plants that put nutrients back in.  Companion planting is commonly used on personal gardens, and can greatly enhance your crop as well as aid in naturally deterring insects.

You can find any of these premium vegetables and herb seeds in Veggin’ Out and Uncle Herb’s Favorites!

 

                  Vegetables And Herbs That Grow Well Together                                                     

Vegetable

Friends: Companion Plant

Enemies: Non-Companion Plant
Bull’s Blood Beet Bush beans, cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce, onions, garlic Pole beans
Scarlet Nantes Carrot Beans, tomatoes None
Di Cicco Broccoli Beets, celery, dill, Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach, onions, potatoes Pole beans
Washington Cherry Tomatoes Carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers Corn, potatoes
White Spear Bunching Onion Beets, carrots, Swiss chard, lettuce, pepper All beans and peas               

Herb

Friends: Companion Plant

Effects
Superbo Basil Tomatoes Improves flavor and discourages insects
Bronze and Green Fennel None Most plants dislike it – keep it separate
Common Sage and Greek Oregano Carrots, cabbage, peas, beans Deters some insects
Bouquet Dill Cabbage and carrots Improves growth and health
Titan Parsley Tomatoes, Asparagus Improves growth and health

 

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Dreaming of Dirt (And Pizza): How to Create A Small Herb Garden

September 27th, 2011

 

Pondering the old college days always bring back a good deal of memories. One of which, like most, was practically inhaling copious slices of pizza on a weekly basis. But unlike the typical college student who slathered on ranch dressing to top, or was content with a dash of stale red pepper flakes; I was used to eating some rockin’ pizza. For two years while I lived on Edison Street, my neighbor would allow us to freely use his vast herb garden, and my pizza had freshly cut basil, parsley and oregano to top each slice. Was I lucky or what? Ever since, I have enjoyed the advantages of herb gardening. All the while, maintaining a full time job and going on short vacations without having to worry about my little herby pots. If you’re looking to zest up salads, burgers, dressings, sauces and marinades, dips and sandwiches without having to drive to the store, and pay the ridiculous amount for a small package of herbs; herb gardening is a great way to unleash your green thumb without the commitment. I’d
like to share a few easy tips on how to grow a successful herb garden. You’ll find that with a little insight, you can get started right away!

Finding a Location: Discovering the perfect location is paramount when starting an herb garden. Most herbs prefer filtered sunlight and slightly moist soil. If your kitchen window provides this; build a smaller garden and use small strawberry pots to build your garden in. You will find the kitchen provides easy access to your lush array of herbs! Perhaps your back patio or balcony is the perfect location? If the backyard works best, but you find it is very sunny; plant some large flowers or plants nearby to provide some filtered shade. Sunflowers work very well for this purpose.

Choosing The Right Herbs: Select herbs that have similar needs if you’re placing your plants in the same location. The following herbs can be found in Uncle Herb’s Favorites, and are excellent choices to grow together, especially if you’re combining herbs in large pots.

*Bouquet Dill, Greek Oregano, and Titan Parsley

*Bronze and Green Fennel and Bouquet Dill

*German Winter Thyme and Greek Oregano

*Common Sage and Santo Cilantro, which grows well next to most herbs

Preparing The Soil: Quality soil is generally 50% solids, like small rock materials, and 50% porous soil to allow room for water, air and roots. For larger herb gardens, including organic matter like your own compost pile can greatly enhance your garden. It is also an excellent way to save money and recycle the ends of corn, onions, tomatoes, fruit peels, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and other organic matter. Be sure to exclude any diseased or pest-laden materials, as these will only hinder the garden.

Harvesting: A general rule when harvesting is remembering herbs are most fragrant and taste best right before the leaves are about to bloom. Harvesting is also best done throughout the growing season. Perennials like thyme, sage and rosemary require their active growing branches snipped at 4-6 inch lengths. Whereas it is acceptable to collect a few branches and leaves as needed with basil and other annuals. Freezing or hand drying herbs that you would like to save for later use is a great way to preserve your herbs if they are little blooming idiots. You’ll find that the herbs stay flavorful even if preserved for weeks.

Go Techno! Gardening has never been easier thanks to some fantastic websites that allow you to virtually plan out your garden before you roll up your sleeves. I use Smart Gardener to plan out the design of my garden, view how my location could effect the growing of the herbs, and receive a customized to-do list on what needs to be done. It’s free to join and you get a chance to see some really drool worthy gardens to aspire to.

My own Garden: Currently, I am growing and just planted a variety of herbs from Uncle Herbs Favorites and Hot Mama’s Peppers and Chiles. This includes basil, sage, parsley, cayenne and red peppers.

Happy gardening!!

About the Author:

Jesse Silver-Nattamai lives and gardens in Tucson, Arizona with her herb loving husband and adorable dog. She taught middle school history for five years, and currently runs her own food blog at Happy Go Lucky Vegan. On the side, Jesse enjoys leading tours and workshops at Tucson Botanical Gardens, and writing short stories and articles.

 

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Why Every Gardener Needs a Potting Shed

June 2nd, 2011

 

No gardener should be without a potting shed. It one of the most versatile of all gardening accessories, and it can enhance your gardening experience by far more than what you would pay for it. It is a storage area, a greenhouse and a workroom all in one, and yet it takes up relatively little space. It is the perfect place to plant seeds, plan your garden or just relax. Most potting sheds have a potting table, space for larger tools, several large windows, and plenty of shelves for seeds, soil, fertilizer, small gardening tools and young plants.

A potting shed is the ideal place to plant seedlings or move plants to larger pots. Potting is a messy job, and the shed helps to keep the mess out of your house and off of your floors. To clean up afterwards, all you need to do is wipe the table and sweep the dirt out the door. At the same time, the shed provides shade in the summer and shelter from the wind and rain, so it is much better than potting plants outside. In addition, the table in a potting shed is at the perfect height for you to stand while planting instead of bending over and straining your back.

A potting shed also organizes and protects your gardening supplies. It gives you a place to lock up your lawnmower, shovels, hoses and gardening shears so that thieves aren’t tempted by them. It keeps tools out of the weather so that they don’t rust, and it protects larger tools from temperature changes that can ruin them. Most potting sheds have tool racks in them, which makes it easy to find your shovel or rake when you need it. A potting shed is also a great place to store hoses and watering cans in the winter so that they don’t freeze and break.

Another advantage of a potting shed is that it protects your plants. It can be extremely discouraging to work hard at a garden only to have it eaten by animals, and a potting shed prevents this from happening. It also protects delicate young seedlings from wind and extremes of temperature, and it keeps slugs and snails away from them. Not only that, but a potting shed allows you to start your plants much earlier than you would otherwise be able to. The large windows in the shed give your plants plenty of light, and grow lights can be added for additional warmth if needed.

If you need a space to plan your garden, a potting shed is perfect for that as well. It is warm and dry, and it has plenty of space to spread out seed catalogues or sketch out garden plots. It is also quiet and away from distractions, so you can think about your garden or anything else you’d like without being disturbed. If you want, you can leave your seed catalogues lying around in the shed without worrying about other members of the family bothering them. In addition, you can use the wall space in the shed to hang a calendar where you can mark your planting dates or make a weeding schedule.

You can also use your potting shed after your plants have finished growing. If you raise herbs or flowers, you can dry them in the shed. If you grow onions, you can hang them from the ceiling and allow them to dry without getting in your way. You can arrange bouquets, put herbs in jars or store potatoes. In fact, you can even use your shed for things unrelated to gardening: such as crafts, pottery or art. The possibilities with a potting shed are truly endless, and every serious gardener needs one.

This guest post was written by Thomas O’Rourke on behalf of Tiger Sheds – where you can find your very own potting shed. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

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Edible Landscaping: Where Beautiful Botanicals and Flavorful Foods Meet

May 4th, 2011

 

Beans, herbs, leafy greens, and strawberries are great choices if you’re considering an edible landscape for your front yard. Edible landscaping combines the beauty of botanicals with edible plants that provide many textures, unique shapes, and vibrant colors to your landscaping. And edible landscaping maximizes your return by way of putting healthy, homegrown food on the table.

One of the biggest reasons why individuals are choosing edible landscaping today is the economy. With food prices continuing to rise—not to mention our carbon footprint and food safety—discerning individuals are going back to basics when it comes to living better and living a more joyful life.

There are several ways that herbs and vegetables can be incorporated into landscaping:

1. Instead of planting flowers in window boxes try lettuces that vary in color, from purples to reds.

2. Plant vegetables with contrasting colors next to each other for striking beauty, such as purple cabbage and snow white cauliflower.

3. Thyme pairs well with colorful strawberries, and they’re both perfect for containers.

4. Add a touch of French gardening into your edible landscape by incorporating raised beds with gravel-lined paths in between the beds.

5. Grow beans on trellises behind flower beds.

6. Include edible flowers into your landscape, such as peppery-flavored nasturtium, scented geranium, and violet.

These are just a few ideas for edible landscaping that can turn your front yard into a work of delicious art!

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Jerry’s Garden: Freedom is Growing Your Own Food

March 31st, 2011

 

I am a strong believer that just because you may not have land to garden, it doesn’t mean you can’t garden!  I am fortunate enough to have a couple acres, but many of us are not so fortunate.  Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you can’t do some good old fashioned survival gardening!  You just need to adjust to your surroundings!

If you have a patio or balcony, container gardening is the way to go.  If you live on a city lot and you have, let’s say, 5 feet between you and your neighbor, hanging gutters on the side of your house and planting in them is the latest thing.  Stacked and layered raised bed gardens help save room.  Rooftop gardens are becoming a new form of community gardens.  And, of course, hydroponics is certainly becoming a favorite amongst gardeners with limited space and sunlight.

Now it’s true, there are some types of plants you can’t grow in these limited spaces and under these conditions—some plants need plenty of “leg room”, and any form of container gardening may not be enough–but the reality is, you can grow many varieties of plants this way.  And in my opinion, anything is better than nothing, right?

I mean, after all, it’s called “survival gardening”, not “plentiful gardening”, or “flourishing gardening”, or “too much to possibly eat gardening”.  The whole point is to grow enough to feed you and supply you with enough nutrients if your regular food supply were cut-off for any reason.

I often encounter friends/family and readers of mine who say, “Hmph, I just don’t have the space to grow”, and I say nonsense.  Human beings are amazing at adapting and learning to work with our circumstances.  And if you really want something hard enough, you’ll find a way to make it work.  If you want to grow your own foods, then grow your own foods—it’s as simple as that!

And the time to begin is now!  No point in putting it off.  Take a look around you, establish a plan, and implement it!  No more excuses!

About the Author

Jerry Greenfield

My number one focus is growing my own food. I don’t think that really counts as a hobby.  For some people it is, but for me, growing my own fruits and vegetables and saving my own seed is the key to survival. The only person you can count on is yourself, if you ask me. The government is trying to help us all with GMOs and welfare, but it’s all a crock. I also like to build things and read Transcendentalist authors from the 1860s.

Connect with Jerry via his blog and Facebook page: Grow Like Crazy

 

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