EDIBLE LANDSCAPES

If you are unfamiliar with the term "edible landscape" it is the concept of planting fruit, vegetables and herbs into your landscape rather than planting them in the backyard where they can't be seen.

There are hundreds of edibles that you can plant in the borders and flowerbeds throughout your yard. Here, they are readily available to tickle your palate. Blueberry bushes, for example, add beauty and structure to your landscape while bell peppers add color to a mixed border. Plant herbs beside your back door. You will use them more often and they will enhance the taste of your food, making it more enjoyable.

Edible plants require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to assure they will produce a large enough crop to harvest. Before planting, view your yard in order to record what areas receive the most sun. Fruit bearers do best in the sunniest areas, while leafy crops love partial sun. Flowers and herbs are more adaptable.

Before making plants a permanent part of your landscape, be sure they will produce what you like to eat. If you've never tasted something, be sure to try it before you plant it. For the first year, concentrate on soil preparation and taste your way through neighbor's yards and the local farmer's market. This will help you to pinpoint the varieties you wish to plant.

If you work full time and have a busy social life, plant varieties that require low maintenance. Small fruit bearers require less care than peach, apple or pear trees. Herbs are also in the low maintenance category and are something you can add to a wide range of dishes.

Be sure to include some species that are non-edibles. If you plant only food crops, they will require a lot more care than ornamentals such as flowers and shrubs and your yard will look less interesting in winter.

You can choose varieties that will produce when you have time to harvest and preserve them. For example, if your vacation coincides with blueberry harvest, plant strawberries instead. If you plant crops that produce when you have no time to harvest them, you will put yourself under stress, which will erase the enjoyment of your garden.

Plant your favorite edibles in areas where you spend most of your time. Strawberries are great when planted near your child's play area. This encourages youngsters to look for a flash of red within the lush, green leaves.