If you’re tired of the never-ending cycle of mowing and want to make your garden more useful, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to make my outdoor space more than just a patch of grass, and I can tell you: the answer lies in edible landscaping!
Instead of sticking with a traditional lawn, why not turn your garden into something that looks beautiful and provides fresh, homegrown food? I’ve found that replacing grass with edible plants not only brings more variety to the garden but also makes it more rewarding!
Ready to make the change? I’ll show you which plants you can grow to help transform your space into something beautiful and delicious!
#1 Sweet Potato Vines: Gorgeous, Green, And Tasty All Year Long
Sweet potato vines are an exceptional choice for anyone looking to add beauty and function to their garden. The bright green leaves make for a lively, tropical vibe, and when the vines spread, they can quickly fill in gaps where grass might be too hard to maintain!
Try planting them along garden borders or let them drape over the edges of a decorative pot to add lush, vibrant texture.
To ensure your sweet potato vines thrive, plant them in well-drained soil that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. These vines like to be kept moist, but not overly wet, so be mindful of watering – too much can lead to root issues.
#2 Turn Your Garden Into A Thyme Paradise
Thyme is a small but mighty herb that brings an irresistible fragrance and vibrant greenery to any garden. It’s perfect for planting between your stepping stones or as a natural border around garden beds, where its tiny leaves can spread out and add texture.
Imagine walking through your garden and being greeted by the soothing scent of thyme – it’s like nature’s air freshener, only better!
To grow thyme successfully, it loves well-drained, slightly sandy soil, so be sure to plant it in areas that don’t stay too wet. Place it in full sunlight, and it will thrive with minimal care.
Thyme doesn’t need much watering once established, so let the soil dry out a bit before giving it a drink.
#3 Create Your Own Berry-Licious World With Strawberries
There’s nothing like the flavor of a freshly picked strawberry from your own garden. These bright red delights are the perfect way to liven up your space with vibrant color and unbeatable taste.
You can plant them in hanging baskets, along garden paths, or in containers, and you’ll have a fun and productive way to enjoy your outdoor space while snacking on nature’s candy!
If you want strawberries to really shine, plant them in a sunny spot with soil that doesn’t hold onto water like a sponge.
They’ll appreciate slightly acidic soil, so compost will help you hit the sweet spot. Keep them watered, but don’t overdo it – too much water can drown them. A nice mulch blanket will lock in moisture and stop weeds from creeping in!
#4 Add A Zesty Touch To Your Yard With Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is the kind of herb that not only looks beautiful but also fills your garden with its invigorating citrus fragrance.
It’s an excellent choice for planting along garden borders or mixing into herb-filled containers, where its delicate leaves can spill over and create a natural, relaxed look!
Lemon balm thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full to partial sunlight. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does like consistent watering, especially during hot spells.
#5 Plant Mint And Enjoy Its Amazing Smell
Mint is a fragrant herb that will fill your garden with its refreshing, cooling aroma. It’s perfect for planting along garden paths or in containers where you can easily brush against its leaves and release its invigorating scent!
This hardy plant thrives in partial to full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Mint can be a bit of a spreader, so consider planting it in containers or using garden edging to keep it from taking over!
It’s relatively low-maintenance – just water it regularly and prune it back to keep it neat and promote fresh growth.
#6 Basil: A Gorgeous, Edible Addition To Your Garden
Basil is one of those herbs that’s as lovely to look at as it is to taste. Its bright, glossy green leaves and lovely blooms make it a striking addition to any garden, while its unique flavor can elevate your culinary creations.
It thrives when planted in containers, raised beds, or along garden paths, where its vibrant color and fresh aroma can be enjoyed daily!
To keep your basil happy, give it plenty of sunshine – about six hours a day will do the trick! The soil should be rich and well-drained, and just moist enough to keep it from thirsting for water.
Snip the tips regularly to encourage growth and prevent it from going to flower too soon. A stitch in time saves nine – pruning early means better leaves later!
#7 Bring A Pop Of Green To Your Yard With Chives
Chives are a vibrant, easy-to-grow herb that adds instant color and flavor to your garden. Their tall, green stalks and beautiful purple blooms make them perfect for planting along garden borders or in containers.
Beyond their looks, they’re a kitchen staple – perfect for topping salads, baked potatoes, or mixing into sauces!
These hardy herbs love the sun, so plant them in a spot that gets plenty of light. The soil should be well-drained with good organic content to support healthy growth.
Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering – chives don’t like sitting in damp conditions for long. Regular trimming will help keep the plant healthy and productive!
#8 Oregano Will Fill Your Garden With Mediterranean Vibes
Oregano adds a dash of Mediterranean magic to your garden with its vibrant, green leaves and fragrant, tiny flowers. Perfect for planting in sunny corners or near your vegetable beds, it creates a beautiful and functional herb garden.
Oregano flourishes in sunlight, and it’s happiest in well-drained soil that doesn’t hold water for too long. It’s also quite drought-tolerant once established, so it doesn’t need much attention once it’s settled in.
Keep it trimmed to encourage fresh growth and maintain its shape, and you’ll be rewarded with a steady supply of aromatic leaves all season long!
#9 Clover: The Eco-Friendly Choice For A Beautiful Garden
Clover might just be the perfect solution for a garden that’s both eco-conscious and stunning. With its vibrant green leaves and pretty little flowers, it’s an easy-to-grow, natural alternative to traditional lawns.
Plus, it’s packed with benefits – improving the soil, preventing erosion, and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies!
Planting clover is a breeze – just scatter it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and let it do its magic. It’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and naturally enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen.
Once it’s settled in, clover will thrive without much attention, giving you a lush, green carpet that requires less watering and fewer chemicals than a traditional lawn.
#10 Garlic Chives: The Herb Your Garden Didn’t Know It Needed
Garlic chives are a hidden gem in the world of herbs, adding a pop of flavor and beauty to your garden without much effort. With their vibrant green stems and delicate white flowers, they stand out in any garden setting.
These herbs are perfect for planting in pots, alongside your favorite veggies, or as a lovely border to brighten up the edges of your garden!
Thriving in full sunlight, garlic chives do best in soil that drains well. They’re easy to care for – just give them a little water and watch them grow! Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and trim the leaves regularly to keep them neat and encourage fresh growth.
#11 Crisp Lettuce And Greens: Your Go-To For Delicious Salads
Lettuce and greens are the ultimate salad stars, offering crisp, fresh flavors straight from your backyard. From light, mild varieties to those with a bit of a kick, your garden can host a delightful mix of flavors that will elevate any salad to a masterpiece!
These greens are easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil with moderate sunlight. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as lettuce prefers evenly moist soil. For the best results, harvest the leaves regularly to keep the plants producing fresh, tender greens.
#12 Cherry Tomatoes Will Become Your New Favorite Addition To Every Meal
Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes are the secret ingredient that’ll take your dishes to the next level! These bite-sized beauties are perfect for snacking straight from the vine or adding a burst of flavor to everything from salads to sauces.
Cherry tomatoes love the sun and thrive in well-drained soil. They’re not picky about growing conditions, but they do best with regular watering and a little support to help them climb.
Make sure to give them enough space to spread out, and soon you’ll have an endless supply of these juicy gems.
#13 Walking Onions: The Unique Plant That Keeps On Giving
Walking onions are one-of-a-kind plants that stand out in any garden with their unique growth habit – they literally ‘walk’ across the soil!
These adaptable onions are perfect for planting along garden borders, in raised beds, or even in containers, bringing both charm and practicality to your garden.
Their unique, bulbous tops are sure to turn heads, while their mild, flavorful taste is the secret ingredient your dishes have been missing!
Walking onions love the sun and well-drained soil, so choose a bright, open area for planting. Water them regularly, but be sure the soil doesn’t stay too wet, as they prefer drier conditions once established.
They’re low-maintenance, making them perfect for gardeners who want an easy-to-care-for, high-yield plant!
#14 Citrus Trees Can Even Be Grown In Containers
Citrus trees are an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space, offering both beauty and fresh fruit in one.
These hardy trees can be grown in containers, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or any small garden space. You’ll love having lemons, oranges, or limes right outside your door, ready to use in recipes or beverages!
Plant your citrus trees in pots with well-draining soil, ensuring they get plenty of sunlight – at least eight hours a day. They enjoy a little room to stretch, so be sure to use a container with good depth and size.
Water regularly, but let the soil dry out a bit between waterings – citrus doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil. Fertilize them in the spring to keep them happy and productive.
#15 Grow Rhubarb And Enjoy Its Vibrant, Tart Flavors
Rhubarb is one of those plants that can transform both your garden and your cooking at the same time. With its bold red stalks and sharp, tangy flavor, rhubarb becomes the secret ingredient that’ll spice up your garden and your meals.
Tuck it into a corner or give it a special spot, and before you know it, you’ll be harvesting these eye-catching stalks for everything from pies to jams!
Rhubarb loves the sun but thrives best in soil that’s rich and moist. Plant it in well-drained soil packed with nutrients and ensure it gets consistent watering – just be careful not to overdo it.
Once it gets going, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance plant that will continue to grow year after year, offering up its tart stalks for pies, compotes, and more!
Make the most of your outdoor space with edible landscaping, and turn your yard into a productive, flavorful retreat!