We often put the edible plants all in one area. Some of us have vegetable beds or herb gardens, for example. However, it is possible to incorporate edible plants anywhere in your garden, and in today’s blog, we will give you some ideas on how to do that.

Cottage Garden

Cottage gardens are traditionally, by definition, a mixture of flowers, shrubs, and edible plants. So, the concept of mixing edibles into the garden everywhere is not new. There are a few things to keep in mind, however.

Annuals and Perennials

There are not many perennials among the edible plants, so definitely take advantage of the ones that are perennial. Rhubarb, for example, is perennial, and will make a very pretty show with red stalks. If you leave it to bolt, then you will get a large flower head right in the center. Otherwise, it’s fairly low-growing, but will need four to five feet in diameter of space for it to flourish.

Be Creative

There are some vegetables, like the tiny cucamelons or mouse melons, that grow on very thin thread-like vines, and would be great on a deck or patio. These can be grown from seed.

Lots of herbs are great additions to containers or hanging baskets. Basil is bright green bushy little annual, and mint will grow pretty much anywhere. Did you know that marigold leaves are edible and a great source of carotenoids? Jerusalem artichokes (annual) are very tall and make pretty yellow flowers that bloom late into the season.

Just keep in mind that if you are growing edible plants, you will want to be sure to give them plenty of water and regular fertilizer. Edibles deserve more attention because you want them to be healthy and nutritious when you eat them.

Stop by our store in Surrey, and we will be happy to talk to you about adding edibles to your garden and landscape.

Art Knapp has 15 locations across British Columbia and is well known as the go-to garden centre for everything garden-related. Art Knapp, himself, began the business in the 1940's, and now, 80 years later, you can find more than he ever dreamed of in our stores. Come and see us on King George Boulevard in Surrey.

If you have any questions about this article or want to talk to us about gardening, just give us a call at (604) 596-9201.