Edible landscaping is an ancient tradition that’s gaining new popularity as homeowners look to make the most of their outdoor space. People have been combining fruits, vegetables, and herbs with their landscaping since the time of ancient Egypt. In the modern day, it provides a chance to make the most of your space – an edible landscape is surprisingly easy on the wallet, and in the long term can provide an easy source of food for the homeowner.
But is an edible landscape possible in Florida? The answer is: absolutely, yes! Florida’s warm weather and abundant rainfall are amenable to growing a variety of different plants. While southern Florida is more tropical and complimentary to tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and avocados, the northern part of the state allows for a greater balance of warm-weather and temperate plants.
So, how do you get started on an edible landscape? Let’s take a look.
Plan Your Edible Landscape Ahead of Time
Rather than putting all your effort into plants and arrangements that won’t pan out, it’s better to plan out your goals early on. Here are the prime factors to take into consideration:
- Learn what kinds of plants will grow in your area – We’ll go over many of these shortly, but ask your landscaper before you start planting as well. If your area isn’t amenable to a certain plant, you’ll put a lot of effort into diminishing returns.
- Plan your irrigation carefully – Although in Florida you’re likely to get a lot of rain, different plants require different amounts. You’ll need to plan for irrigation in dry times as well as drainage for heavy storms.
- Fertilize appropriately – Similar to the water distribution, you’ll need to plan for fertilizing your garden. You can also use mulch as a cost-effective option. Mulching also helps prevent weeds and grasses from growing where you don’t want them.
- Plan for pest control – Edible plants for people are usually edible for animals too. Although you want some animals, namely insects like bees, to help pollinate, you’ll want to check with your landscaper for ways to control deer, squirrels, raccoons, and other pest animals.
Pick Your Plants
An edible landscape is more than a simple garden. It combines the utility of a garden with the beauty of a curated landscape. It’s important to choose plants that are both edible and attractive. There are definitely non-edible plants you’ll want to include, such as grasses and some kinds of flowers, but the majority of your plants should combine being edible and beautiful. Don’t forget to add some color!
Bushes and Trees
Bushes and trees can add color and act as the outline of your edible landscape. Some of the best options for northeastern Florida include:
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Plums
- Blackberries
- Cranberry Hibiscus
Herbs and Ground Plants
These can create lower spaces and easy-to-grow foods and spices. Try growing:
- Oregano
- Peas
- Basil
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Salad greens like kale and arugula
- Turnips
- Sweet potato
Climbing Plants
These can fill the gaps between your taller plants and the ground as well as grow along walls. They might include:
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Beans
- Passion fruit
Edible Flowers
Don’t forget the color! Several kinds of edible flowers can add highlights to your landscape:
- Violas
- Dandelions
- Marigolds
- Chives
Starting an Edible Landscape Is Fun and Easy
It might seem overwhelming to get started, but an edible landscape combines the pleasure of a beautiful landscape with the utility of a garden. It’s all right to start slowly – get a feel for what you like to grow and what you like to eat. A year-round source of vegetables and delightful views is well within reach.
Softscapes
Hardscapes