Edible Landscape Plants

An edible landscape challenges the home gardener to incorporate fruit- and vegetable-producing plants into the overall design. It is not necessary to substitute these plants for all ornamentals in the landscape. The idea is to progress from the typical backyard garden and develop a plan that uses edible plants to solve functional landscape problems.

Planting fruit trees instead of crabapples. No matter how small the space, there is some variety of apple, pear, cherry, peach, or plum that can be planted. Dwarf varieties generally reach a height of 6' — 10' and should bear fruit within three to four years. Semi-dwarf varieties grow to approximately 15' — 20'.

Cherry fruit Instead of planting junipers, liriope, or cotoneaster, think about planting strawberries as a ground cover. An area with well-drained soil that receives at least 6 — 7 hours of direct sunlight will produce lush green foliage, spring blossoms, and early summer fruit. Choose a variety adapted to your area, and plant disease- and insect-resistant plants. Set individual plants 12" — 18" apart in the spring, allowing runners to develop and mass over the entire bed. Clean cultivation is essential. Strawberries are perennials, but their beds need to be renovated every 3 — 4 years.

Blueberry bushes are a good substitute for a ligustrum or burford holly hedge. The rabbiteye type is more widely adapted to different soils than are high-bush varieties. Acid soils (with a pH of 4.5 — 5.5) usually promote best growth. Modify soils by adding plenty of organic matter and by mulching with 4" — 6" of decayed sawdust. Two or more varieties should be planted to ensure proper pollination. Plant the bushes in full sun about 4-1/2'— 5' apart.


Expand All \| Collapse All Landscapes Landscaping Curb Appeal Hardscapes Naturalized Landscapes Trees Shrubs Edible Plants Landscape Diseases Watering Design Landscape Design Perfect Landscape Plot Plans Site Analysis Family Uses Special Uses Hiring Professionals Materials DIY Property Values Landscape Lighting Better Lighting Low Voltage Lighting Outdoor Lighting Solar Lighting Soils Dirt Soils Improving Soils Amendments Soil Cultivation N-P-K pH Levels Compost Composting Q&A Pile Composting Trench Composting Nematodes Bacteriophora Carpocapsae Riobravis Scapterisci Xeriscaping Xeriscaping Design Suitable Plants Fire Resistant Plants Lawn Alternatives Artificial Lawns Artificial Grass Ground Covers Ornamental Grasses Rock Gardens Arizona Days Enter your ZipCode below to find a professional in your area. Subscribe to our Newsfeed:	Home Landscapes Landscaping Design Landscape Design 10 Steps to a Good Landscape DIY Family Uses Plot Plans Site Plans Special Use Areas Materials Property Values Hiring a Pro Garden Chaos Lighting Better Outdoor Lighting Low Voltage Lighting Outdoor Lighting Solar Powered Lighting Soil Dirt Soils Improving Soils Amendments Soil Cultivation N-P-K pH Levels Compost Composting Q&A Pile Composting Trench Composting Nematodes Bacteriophora Carpocapsae Riobravis Scapterisci Xeriscaping Xeriscaping Xeriscaping by Design Covers Design Fire resistant Lawn Alternatives Artificial Lawns Artificial Grass Ornamental Grasses Plant Selections Rock Gardens Hot Arizona Days Hardscapes Naturalized Landscapes Curb Appeal Trees Shrubs Edible Plants Landscape Diseases Watering Gardens Lawns Problems Animals Diseases Insects Noxious Weeds Soil Problems Weeds Galleries Resources Forum
	>>Home > Edible Landscape Plants An edible landscape challenges the home gardener to incorporate fruit- and vegetable-producing plants into the overall design. It is not necessary to substitute these plants for all ornamentals in the landscape. The idea is to progress from the typical backyard garden and develop a plan that uses edible plants to solve functional landscape problems. Planting fruit trees instead of crabapples. No matter how small the space, there is some variety of apple, pear, cherry, peach, or plum that can be planted. Dwarf varieties generally reach a height of 6' — 10' and should bear fruit within three to four years. Semi-dwarf varieties grow to approximately 15' — 20'. Instead of planting junipers, liriope, or cotoneaster, think about planting strawberries as a ground cover. An area with well-drained soil that receives at least 6 — 7 hours of direct sunlight will produce lush green foliage, spring blossoms, and early summer fruit. Choose a variety adapted to your area, and plant disease- and insect-resistant plants. Set individual plants 12" — 18" apart in the spring, allowing runners to develop and mass over the entire bed. Clean cultivation is essential. Strawberries are perennials, but their beds need to be renovated every 3 — 4 years. Blueberry bushes are a good substitute for a ligustrum or burford holly hedge. The rabbiteye type is more widely adapted to different soils than are high-bush varieties. Acid soils (with a pH of 4.5 — 5.5) usually promote best growth. Modify soils by adding plenty of organic matter and by mulching with 4" — 6" of decayed sawdust. Two or more varieties should be planted to ensure proper pollination. Plant the bushes in full sun about 4-1/2'— 5' apart.

	©2005 - 2007 Landscape-America.com. All Rights Reserved Site Map \| Pro Submission Form \| American-Lawns.com \| FAQ \| Resources Site Submission \| Article Submissions RECOMMEND US TO YOUR FRIENDS

Tips for making your landscape better

Enter your ZipCode below to find a professional in your area.

Edible Landscape Plants