Edible landscapes

If you prefer landscaping to gardening but still would like to enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce, then edible landscaping might be for you.

“Edible landscaping uses attractive plants that also just happen to produce food,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

Edible plants in the landscape can include Swiss chard, cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, onions and most herbs.

“Containers filled with tomatoes or peppers can add to the decor of a patio or deck while at the same time providing fresh, tasty food,” Trinklein said. “Woody plants such as fruit trees can be planted instead of small flowering trees. Blueberries can take the place of shrubs and grapes can adorn an arbor or cover a trellis instead of vines.”

More ideas to consider:

--Incorporate plants such as lettuce, radish or cabbage into your flowerbeds and borders.

--Plant herbs along with flowers in a container.

--Plant gooseberries instead of barberry for an effective hedge.

--Train raspberries up a fence.

--Plant flowering cabbage in the fall as an alternative to mums.

--Design an edible flower garden using nasturtium, violas, borage and calendula.

You don’t necessarily need the large, sun-drenched spaces of traditional vegetable gardens, but certain environmental needs must be met. Most edible plants require about six to eight hours of sunshine each day along with good soil, the right nutrients and fertilizer. If soil is compacted and drains poorly, add organic matter on a yearly basis.

Edible landscaping tends to require more maintenance than traditional gardening or landscaping. This means paying additional attention to watering, fertilizing, pruning and pest management.

“It is important to remember that pesticides that can be used safely on ornamental plants might not be labeled for food crops,” Trinklein said. Always read the directions and never use a pesticide on edible landscape plants that is not labeled as safe to use on food crops.

“Edible landscapes represent a means of providing a greater return on a homeowner’s investment in the man-made environment by providing a source of safe, tasty and nutritious food while creating a pleasant environment,” he said.