Edible landscaping – also known as “foodscaping” – is an exciting way to cover a yard with beautiful ornamental plants that look good enough to eat.

In this case – they are good enough to eat.

This form of gardening is perfect for those who wish to combine both beauty and functionality in their gardens. But why stop there? Incorporating herbs into your edible landscape can bring you a lot of surprising benefits.

Herbs are great additions to an edible landscape

Herbs are tiny, for the most part, but they pack a powerful punch and are versatile additions to any garden.

Think about planting herbs in your edible landscape if you use them often to elevate the flavors of the dishes you cook. You can even cultivate them for medicinal purposes, just in case you need them.

Specialty herb gardens

If you love tea, set aside some space in your home garden for a specialty herb garden. The following herbs can be used to make soothing medicinal teas:

• Basil
• Chamomile
• Fennel
• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Lemon verbena
• Mint
• Monarda/bergamot
• Rosehips
• Rosemary
• Sage

Grow herbs that you usually cook with

Make the most of every inch of space in your garden, and don’t waste your time and energy on herbs that you won’t cook with.

Below are some herbs that can be used in various dishes:

• Basil, oregano, thyme – These herbs go well with chicken. They can also be used to make delicious rice dishes and pasta.
• Chives – Chives can be chopped and sprinkled over baked potatoes or added to salads.
• Mint – A versatile herb, mint is also easy to grow. Mint can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Plant herbs suited to your climate

Check if the herbs you chose can grow in your climate. This is crucial because certain herbs are suited to warm climates while others must be grown in cooler weather.

• Rosemary – Like other Mediterranean herbs, rosemary must be grown in summer.
• Parsley – Parsley is a perennial plant that can be enjoyed year after year, even when a harsh winter interrupts its growth.
• Cilantro – Cilantro is a cool-weather herb. You need to grow it in the spring before the summer heat settles in.

Strategic placement and companion planting

After you decide which herbs you want to grow in your edible landscape, start deciding where you’ll plant them. If you’re growing herbs to cover a large area of ground, try bee balm, lemon balm, or mint.

Another option is to grow insect-repelling herbs like basil and lemon balm in strategic places, such as an area in your garden where your family or guests will spend most of their time.

Incorporate companion planting into your edible landscape by combining two plants for a specific purpose. If you have crops that are regularly attacked by insects, use companions to trap or repel them or hide the plant altogether.

Companion plants can also attract beneficial insects to your garden. They provide food and shelter for these insects when they visit your home garden. Certain plants grow well together since they don’t need to compete for light or rooting space.

The benefits of companion planting include:

• Allowing plants to benefit from each other by providing shade and attracting pollinators
• Eliminating the need for chemicals
• Helping plants work in harmony by adding nutrients in the soil
• Reducing labor in your garden

Plant herbs in your edible landscape so you have access to nutritious and flavorful herbs that can enhance each dish you serve to your loved ones.

Sources:

RockinWHomestead.com

TheSpruce.com