Guest post by Nicole Cross at Plain Graces
It’s that time of year again, and many of us are planning our gardens or landscaping. We coordinate our flowers to bloom at certain times of the year and we fuss over how their hues will bring out the house’s trim. I know several people who spend hours fussing about at the nursery center or researching what plants to buy.
I am all for a beautifully landscaped yard or lush flower beds, but I think that people often neglect using edible plants in their landscaping. A friend introduced me to the idea of a “foundation garden”. Her family frequently extends their garden into different parts of the yard, along the foundation, and hides them among flower beds.
The plants masquerade as ornamentals, but are valuable food sources. Vegetables often sport a cheaper price tag than annuals or perennials. Why throw away all your money? You should be able to get more than beautiful scenery for your sweat.
I was inspired by their foundation garden two years ago. So last spring I followed her lead. I chose plants of varying heights and thought about their blossoms, fruits, and durability. Let’s face it, I didn’t want a sprawling and smelly tomato plant in my front yard cuddling up to my roses.
Here’s what I did:
- I added fertilizer, ground bone meal and compost to the dirt near the foundation of the house. Sometimes, the soil near your foundation isn’t fertile enough to support proper growth.
- I decided to use hot peppers for height and color. The little peppers popped with greens, reds, and yellows. Very beautiful and interesting.
- I filled spaces with leaf lettuces and colored Swiss chard.
- I used crawling acorn squashes in spots that I wanted to keep down weeds, but didn’t want to spray with weed killers.
- I seeded asparagus among my phlox and crocuses. That way I could utilize the space for something beside flowers. The asparagus ferns also added texture and interest later in the summer and fall.
- In shady corners of the house, where nothing grows, I attempted to use cauliflower and broccoli. They were protected from the heat and frost. I picked my last cauliflower in October!
- I implemented herbs. I planted chamomile, inserted lavender and added basil among my roses. Thyme and rosemary also graced my planters near my front steps.
I found that these simple additions to my flower beds and foundation plantings really added up. I harvested about 15 squashes, made batch after batch of spicy salsa, and dried countless herbs. They helped me feed my family of five without us resorting to tilling up more of our yard or spending a lot of money on flowers.
Plain Graces is a place where the graces of everyday, plain items become deliciously blessed. She is a mother of three boys and runs a daycare in her Nebraska home. She has a background in education and includes posts on story telling, baking, crafting and the occasional Monkee snippet.
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Helvetica says
You all probably don’t want to hear this, but plants next to the foundation are not ideal for several reasons. I know everyone does it but it is worth careful consideration of the drawbacks.
All of these things will depend upon the age and local soil conditions of your home.
– Foundations are usually backfilled with very porous granular soil (if the native soil is poor), to keep the structure dry and wick away any moisture. Some foundations include drain tile. Often, foundations have a loam/seed cap or crushed stone surround to help direct moisture away. If you are filling this area with organic soil, and watering it frequently, you could be introducing water into the structure of the foundation which causes cracking and settling, not to mention migration into the basement area.
– The root structures of the plants can weaken the structure of the foundation. Even weeds can do this.
– Large plants next to a house can be a hiding place for vermin or criminals.
– I saw that people had mentioned paint chips and roof runoff – I would agree with that advice. The roof runoff contaminants depend upon the age and make of the roof, obviously asphalt shingles will have more nasties than a steel roof. Additionally, if you live in an area with infrequent rainfall, the first 1/2″-1″ of a rainstorm (called the “first flush”) will be very gross and loaded with contaminants, especially organic debris and animal poop (just because something is “all natural” doesn’t make it good for you, bird poop can have communicable fungi in it).
– If you live in a neighborhood built before the 1920s, especially in east-coast urban areas, chances are that it was built on junk fill. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate on what that entails.
So plant with caution.
PS. I’m an engineer.
Jerilyn says
This is a wonderful idea, espcially if you don’t have a lot of space.
We have the space for a garden and I’ve having trouble. The squirrels dig up anything I put in the ground (like all of my sunflowers) and the bunnies eat anything with a leaf. Do you have pest problems? I’ve fenced off (poorly and awkwardly lol) part for my tender plants and so far they’ve left my potatoes alone but I’m not going thru all of the effort, time, and money to have it all go to squirrel/bunny food.
Plain Graces says
Have you tried laying an old garden hose among your plants? It resembles a snake and sometimes keeps critters at bay. I leave walnuts, corn, and seeds out for the squirrels, so maybe that keeps them from my garden…
Chrys says
Please help out a gardening novice, since last year didn’t turn out so well. Other than broccoli and cauliflower, anything else good for shaded areas. It seems I just don’t get enough sunlight in my backyard, and it’s the only place I can plant 🙁
Plain Graces says
Lettuce, swiss chard, celery, peas, maybe brussel sprouts, and a lot of the cooler weather crops. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.
The Prudent Homemaker says
What is blocking the sun? Is it something you can change? (for example, taking out trees that are shading your entire yard but not producing fruit?)
You can also plant in your front yard.
The Prudent Homemaker says
Also, most crops need 6 hours of sun a day.
Heather says
Our garden only got about 4-6 hours of sun for a few years. Green beans and peppers did not seem to mind. Then we had a bad ice storm and now we get lots of sunlight!
Min says
Just wanted to mention that if you live in a home built before about 1978, your house quite possibly was painted with lead-based paint. That date could actually extend into homes built in the 1980’s as well, if paint purchased before that time was used. The lead dust settles into the foundation dirt around the home (called the drip zone), making it unsafe for planting anything edible. If you don’t have the money to test for lead in the soil, just assume your pre-1978 home has lead in the paint/soil and plant far away from the house–at least further than the 6-foot drip zone. Or, ideally, plant your veggies in containers with store-bought potting soil and set these containers away from the foundation. Many people do not know about the dangers of lead paint inside and outside the home, and when your guest writer mentioned planting edibles around the foundation, I knew it was important to mention it.
Plain Graces says
It is something to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea Q says
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Stephanie says
There is a book I have been eyeing that talks about this. It’s called Edible Landscaping: http://www.amazon.com/Edible-Landscaping-Rosalind-Creasy/dp/1578051541
Plain Graces says
I didn’t realize this was such a popular topic- I will have to take a look.
The Prudent Homemaker says
This is the book that was featured in Better Homes and Gardens this month as well (With pictures of her garden). There aren’t a LOT of pictures, though (in either the article or the book). She does have some practical suggestions on plants, though.
Plain Graces says
We have a bunny problem too!
I will take more pictures- promise. AND this will make sure I get out there and weed! Check my blog later in the season for updates.
Heather C says
Love the post, we live in Rural CA and have a pretty large garden but I love the idea of incorporating it into the rest of our landscape. My only battle is keeping the bunnies away! I’d love to see pictures of your garden at it’s colorful peak for inspiration, maybe you can post a follow up later on?
Andrea Q says
We have deer, rabbits, chipmunks and groundhogs. I have to fence/cover most things, so it isn’t nearly as attractive as it should be!
Melodie says
Pics?!!! I want pictures please!!! We have a good sized veggie garden, but this is a great idea for the rest of the yard that gets neglected cause I can’t justify buying the annuals just for aesthetic value. Such a great idea!!!
Plain Graces says
I wish I would have been more diligent in my picture taking last year- I promise more pics this year! Check out my blog later for updates…
Lynette says
Love it! I’m from the NE Sandhills also and never did get too much into flower gardening. I’ve always said, “If you can’t eat it, why grow it!” 🙂
Plain Graces says
I miss the Sandhills. I grew up there and I can tell a huge difference in the growing seasons, and I only moved three hours to Northeast Nebraska! LOL
sue says
I’ve read you shouldn’t plant food near the house due to the rain run off from the roof – you’ll get chemicals/lead in the rain run off which goes into your food.
Plain Graces says
My husband’s grandmother saves her “rainwater” runoff to drink- oops! Although, she is pushing 97 and probably doesn’t care.
I was going to make rain barrels… hmmm
I should probably look into this. Thankfully, most of my plants are watered from the hose, because the eaves cover everything.
JennyManley says
This is a wonderful idea in so many ways. The flowers of the garden attracts the pollinators for your veggies, AND instead of watering two separate gardens, you’re only watering one…which is good for your wallet AND the environment!
Plain Graces says
Love it!
Megan says
What a great post – thanks! I didn’t see that anyone mentioned growing carrots. They were common in flower beds in the US through the early 20th century for their pretty foliage. They’re cheap and easy to grow if you have soft enough soil (they don’t do well in clay).
Plain Graces says
I never thought about carrots. They do have nice foliage- as long as I don’t have to dig them… Thanks for the idea!
JD says
Cant wait to get the garden going!
Plain Graces says
Ditto! I am excited, now to get Mother Nature to cooperate…
Heather @ Family Friendly Frugality says
Aww, I love Plain Graces! She’s awesome 😉
Great ideas here. I’ve never thought about planting asparagus. I plant boring tomatoes and squashes. Next year though, I’m all over those asparaguses (is that the plural for asparagus?).
Plain Graces says
Thanks! I am jealous about your tomatoes… We haven’t tilled yet. It’s still freezing at night…
tallymomma says
I have an entire front and back yard packed full of edibles and flowers. I love it! My newest addition is taking the circular tomato stakes turning them upside down /\ and planting sweet peas all around them. When they vine up they look like so lovely and my kids love going and pea picking.
Plain Graces says
That’s a great idea! I have been using long, branches or anything else that is fairly strait to make teepees for my peas. This is such a simple idea.
Patti says
We grow a lot of vegetables in our back yard. I took up all the foundation bushes around the house and planted vegetables instead utilizing bamboo towers, etc. We think it looks great, especially in the summer when everything is doing well and we are outside having cookouts! We also have a lot of containers filled with squash, tomatoes, and other things. I have a strawberry planter (the kind with lots of holes) filled with herbs. I am also planning to take up some more shrubs and plant blueberry bushes. And if I add any trees, they will be fruit trees. My next door neighbor has a peach tree that is loaded this year. We live two blocks from downtown and our yards are very small – so it CAN be done! And this post is inspiring me to look at my shaded areas and dream of even more!
Plain Graces says
Sounds amazing! I would love to have a cookout in a place filled with veggies and plants. I am spreading out into fruit trees also- we’ll see how that goes… Good luck!
Patti says
Here is the book that got me started thinking in new ways: “Easy Container Combos: Vegetables and Flowers” by Pamela Crawford.
Patti says
Also: she has a web site with videos! http://www.sideplanting.com
Lana says
This year I put lettuce seeds instead of flowers in the window boxes on my fence near my driveway. The lettuce has done great and is very pretty. Everyone comments on it when they see it and we are enjoying wonderful organic lettuce!
Plain Graces says
That’s great! Lettuce is very versatile and has beautiful foliage. I love the colors and waves. I bet everyone wants to come to your house and eat salad.
Sarah says
We have always had fruit trees, and this year I was planning on adding lattice to our big garden to grow peas and green beans. My husband suggested using the lattice around our deck instead. We planted seeds all along the 10-14′ tall lattice, and everything is coming along great without the extra expense of adding lattice to a new area!
Plain Graces says
I have been to several museums where they have beans and peas growing on their fences. It makes sense to me! I hope it all works out. Fresh peas are the best!
Marie says
We need pictures!!
Kelly says
i agree. I can’t picture it in my mind,
Susan (FrugaLouis) says
Yes, I agree! Pictures would help a ton, though the post was useful too!
Plain Graces says
I don’t have a lot of pictures. I wish I would have had the forsight to take more last year. I did get a shot of my asparagus peeking up out of the phlox yesterday. I hope to post it on my blog. I also have a few containers planted and posted on my blog.
Andrea Q says
The current issue of BH & G has some amazing pictures of an edible garden. Their website has some good ideas, too.
Suzanne says
When we moved into our home five years ago, it was part of a rural subdivision that was once a farmer’s field. Not a single tree nor blade of grass. We’ve planted dozens of trees since then, and I’ve really tried to incorporate edibles into our landscape. I wish there were more books and information on 1.) edible landscaping in general, 2.) landscaping from SCRATCH, and 3.) landscaping in a new development. We’d love a lush garden setting, but it wouldn’t fit into the rest of the neighbor-hood, who all seem to be satisfied with plain green lawns dotted with an occasional tree. Finding a happy medium is tough!
Great article!
Dee says
We had the same situation…except our developer took down all of the trees to build. We spent a lot of time and money putting it back over the last 5 years. I included blueberry, blackberry and strawberries among my azaleas and roses. I’ve grown pumpkins and squash among the spirea along the fence.
I do have raised beds I use for veges with clematis on trellises along the back. My sunniest spot is a deck off of the garage. I grow a lot of veges and herbs in containers along with annual flowers. I love to find unusual items during bulky trash pick up to use. Last year I found underbed storage drawers on wheels that I used to plant herbs and veges. This year we found legal size filing cabinets for free on Craigslist that we will paint and use for growing containers. I’ve lined boxes from clementines with landscape fabric and planted lettuces in them.
I wish I could do more in the front (I only put in strawberries for the little boy next door). My house faces north and is on a busy street. I’m concerned about fumes and salt/sand in the winter.
Plain Graces says
I wish you both the best of luck. I have driven by a lot of new housing and wonder about the lawns and landscaping. You get a fresh canvas! Exciting.
Patti says
Check your library and online sources for the books – I know ours has lots of landscaping books and kitchen garden books. I have found some old edible landscape ones at yard sales, etc. Once this idea is in your head, you’ll start to see more about it!
Melissa says
Great post! I am a huge believer in edible landscaping. With a bit of creativity you can have beautiful plantings. There are also edible flowers like nasturtiums and roses to throw in the mix for salads. I love it.
One word of caution though…. You need to be careful if you normally use any pesticides in your yard. The ones for landscaping are NOT suitable for vegetables. You will need to read the labels on the containers to make sure. I also have found that by mixing plants in your landscaping the need for pest control is less. The insects have a harder time tracking the plants they like to eat.
Plain Graces says
I am glad you thought about the pesticides. I don’t use them, but a lot of people do.
Becky says
The timing of this one couldn’t have been more perfect. I’m currently reading The Urban Homestead and this is some of the practices that they teach.
Plain Graces says
I think I will have to look that book up- sounds interesting!
The Prudent Homemaker says
We do this withour whole backyard; it’s also called edible landscaping. All of our trees are fruit trees. The big “bushes” at the back of our garden are artichokes. The vines that cover are walls are grape vines (as well as espaliered pears and apples, and blackberry bushes). We grow herbs under our citrus trees, and squash and swiss chard under our peach trees.
A couple of times a years, I give free tours to people who want to see it, and they have come from other states as well as in town (you can see pictures on the link above as well).
Nicole, you can also grow blackberry bushes in the shade.
We also grow some edible flowers (nasturiums, johnny jump-ups, chamomile, artichokes, and roses). Last week I made johnny jump-up jelly. It was delicious, and a great shade of purple!
Jen says
Your yard is gorgeous! I love it, and how wonderful to feed your family from it as well.
Plain Graces says
I love your ideas. I do have blackberry bushes- I might have to get some started- I have been allowing volunteer raspberries to grow in one of the “flower beds” on the side of my house.
Making My Own Luck says
I’m doing some edible landscaping this year because we might put our house on the market, so I wanted something pretty. Your site was a big insoiration to me, Prudent Homemaker. I didn’t do fruit trees because we peobably won’t have the years it would take to see fruit, but I did a pretty little strip with peppers and boxwood basil in the front and climbing pole beans along a trellis in the back. I also love nasturtiums and have been growing them for years because they do really well with neglect, at least in my area!
Heather says
Nasturtiums also really help keep certain insects out of the tomatoes.
kjs says
Come to my house please and give me a lesson! 🙂 Your yard is wonderful!
The Prudent Homemaker says
There are links at the bottom of my edible landscaping page for more ideas.
Email me and tell me what you’re wanting and I can help you with some ideas.
Brooke says
Love, love, love this post! I always though it was silly that people spent so much time tending to non-edibles. I think that food producing plants are both practical and pretty. We have always done more of a “landscaped” look with our veggie plants, rather than the typical row garden. We only do flowers along the street and in a few hanging baskets. Very good tips!! 🙂
Andrea Q says
Flowers are important! For every vegetable, you should have a flowering plant to attract pollinators.
PK says
Ah… I’m not entirely sure about all other pollinators, but at least with honeybees, that’s not really how it works. The flower that attracts them is pretty much the one they go to, and the one they “tell” their friends about — and the showy ornamentals may or may not have anything to offer them either way.
That said, if someone wants to spend their recreational time and money on plants purely for their beauty and the pleasure it gives them, it’s no sillier than my hobbies. 🙂
Andrea Q says
There’s a huge amount of information out there about companion planting (or interplanting). Companion plants are great for attracting more pollinators and some, like marigolds, repel pests. Also, most vegetable blossoms aren’t a great source of nectar, so if there’s a more attractive source nearby (including milkweed, clover and other “weeds”), bees will skip the vegetable blossoms altogether.
http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_55/companion_planting.aspx
Andrea Q says
To clarify…”nearby” wasn’t the best choice of words. If there are attractive (to insects) flowers in other parts of your yard or in your neighbor’s yard, some insects won’t bother coming to your vegetable garden at all. But, if you have companion plants sharing space with your veggies, pollinators will be drawn to them and will find the veggies.
Also, many hybrid flowers have been bred to have less pollen, so it is important to look for heritage/old-fashioned plants.
PK says
Cucumbers are particularly terrible forage as far as bees are concerned.
But any given honeybee will pretty much stick to one variety per trip, and her friends will have picked that scent from her, though they could get distracted by the next plant over. 😉 Getting them in the habit of visiting isn’t a bad thing in general, though.
Plain Graces says
I call mine a “cottage garden” it drives the husband nuts! LOL He was brought up with strict rows and borders. Glad to know I am not the only one out there…
AND flowers are a great tip. Thanks for reminding us.
Heather @ Creative Family Moments says
Thank you so much for posting this! I had yet to go that far, and I love, love, love your ideas on how to incorporate and with what – thanks!
Plain Graces says
Thank you and I wish you a lot of gardening luck!
Liz M says
Great post! I think many produce-producing plants can be so pretty, so it’s perfect to use them in other places around the yard than just your designated “vegetable garden.” I always put herbs and strawberries in my flower beds, and I love the mix of colors and smells that they add.
Plain Graces says
I haven’t thought about strawberries, but they would make a nice ground cover. Thanks for the idea.
Megan says
I love seeing strawberries used as ground-cover! You just have to be careful because they spread like crazy.
Deborah Pearsall says
I actually did the same thing this year. Due to surgery, we couldn’t get to our large garden. So, I planted squash, peppers & tomatoes in places I would usually have placed flowers around my house. So far, everything is still growing…time will tell. I also planted herbs, too.
Plain Graces says
I hope they turn out- I was pleasantly surprised last year. I can’t wait to plant again, best of luck.
Lisa D. says
Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve spent the last 2 days (only a few hours each day) double digging my first ‘real’ veggie garden. I’d love to add a beautiful front (and back) yard border full of florals and edibles alike. I’ve hesitated starting bc I’m afraid I’ll fail. :/
This is an inspiring post and if the sun weren’t down I’d be heading out the door to add the organic matter to my bed! Thank you very much!
Plain Graces says
Sounds fun- I love planting. Good luck.