6 Edible Aquatic Plants for Your Water Garden

Do you have a water garden at your home?

If so, you may want to consider adding some edible aquatic plants to your repertoire.

In this post, I will outline six fantastic plants that are easy to grow and care for, and that also happen to be delicious.

Not only will you enjoy the benefits of a beautiful water garden, but you can also enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own produce right in your backyard.

So, let’s explore these six edible aquatic plants that will add a unique and tasty element to your garden.

Watercress

Watercress is a leafy green aquatic plant that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron. One of the benefits of growing watercress in your water garden is that it is one of the easiest and fastest-growing aquatic plants.

To grow and care for watercress, start by selecting an area in your water garden that has some shade or partial sunlight. Make sure the water is moving or has a gentle current, as watercress needs a steady flow of water to thrive.

Once you have found a suitable spot, you can plant the watercress by either planting it in soil at the bottom of your water garden or in pots that are submerged in the water. You can also propagate watercress by dividing mature plants or by planting cuttings.

To care for watercress, you need to keep the water pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and the temperature between 18-21°C. You will also need to fertilize the plant regularly with a fish emulsion or nutrient-rich water.

Watercress has a peppery taste and is often enjoyed in salads or sandwiches. You can also use it as a garnish for soups or omelets. Try making a watercress and cherry tomato salad or adding it to a grilled chicken sandwich for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Overall, watercress is a great addition to any water garden, as it is easy to grow and highly nutritious. Incorporating it into your diet is a tasty way to enjoy its health benefits.

Water Spinach

Water spinach is a semi-aquatic or aquatic plant that originates from Southeast Asia. Also known as kangkong or water morning glory, this leafy green herb is a healthy addition to any diet. It is one of the fastest-growing vegetables and can be harvested as soon as four weeks after planting.

If you are planning to grow water spinach, it is important to note that it requires full sun exposure and warm temperatures. It is also essential to have reliable access to a water source.

When cultivating water spinach, you need to ensure that the plant is given enough space to grow and has plenty of nutrients. It is advisable to use a high-quality organic fertilizer to help your plant grow and produce the best possible yield.

Water spinach has numerous nutritional benefits, including a high concentration of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. You can enjoy water spinach raw in salads, stir-fry it with other vegetables, or use it as an ingredient in soups.

One of the most popular recipes for water spinach is stir-fried garlic water spinach. For this recipe, you will need water spinach, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Heat oil in a pan, stir in garlic until fragrant, add water spinach, and stir-fry until it has wilted. Add a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the pan and continue to stir-fry until the liquid has been absorbed.

Adding water spinach to your water garden is a great way to incorporate the plant into your diet while also beautifying your garden.

Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth is a vibrant floating plant that adds a pop of color to any water garden. It has dark green glossy leaves with light purple flowers. They grow quickly and are easy to care for, making them an excellent addition to your water garden.

To grow Water Hyacinth, you will need to place them in a shallow area of your pond or lake, and they will root themselves into the mud at the bottom. They prefer full sun and warm temperatures.

Make sure to keep them away from any boat traffic to avoid damaging the roots. It is important not to grow them near natural water systems, as they can quickly take over.

The Water Hyacinth plant is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, calcium, and protein. It has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Water Hyacinth is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, soups, and stir-fry dishes. Some people even use it to make tea.

If you want to make a refreshing summer drink, try making Water Hyacinth tea. Boil a few Water Hyacinth leaves in hot water for a few minutes and let it cool. Add honey and lemon juice to taste, and you will have a delicious, healthy drink.

Water Hyacinth is a stunning plant that offers many benefits to your water garden. Its bright flowers and abundant foliage make it a popular choice for many gardeners, and its nutritional and medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to any diet.

Pickerelweed

Pickerelweed is a stunning aquatic plant that, in the summer months, boasts lovely blue flowers and vibrant green leaves that float above the water. This plant needs full sun and is incredibly easy to grow, making it a popular choice for water gardeners.

To grow Pickerelweed, start with a container that is at least 12 inches deep, filled with wet soil, and place the plant’s roots in the soil. Place the container in the water, making sure that the soil is submerged, and only the plant’s leaves and flowers are above the surface.

To care for the plant, keep the soil consistently wet by ensuring the container is submerged in the water at all times. Remove any dead or damaged leaves regularly and ensure the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Although not as nutritionally dense as some of the other plants listed, Pickerelweed is still an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.

One of the best ways to enjoy Pickerelweed is by incorporating it into a fresh summer salad. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. For a salad, simply chop the leaves of your Pickerelweed and mix them in with your greens, fruit, and other toppings.

So bring some beautiful and tasty Pickerelweed to your water garden and enjoy its many benefits.

Taro

Taro is an exotic plant that grows well in water gardens. It is a tropical plant that loves warm weather. Taro plants are grown for their edible tubers and also make a beautiful addition to a garden. To grow taro, plant a tuber in the muddy bottom of your pond, or in a pot submerged in water. The plant prefers partial shade and warm water temperatures. The nutritional value of taro is impressive; it is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great source of antioxidants and has been known to lower blood sugar levels. One fun way to enjoy taro is to deep-fry thin slices and enjoy them as chips. Another popular way to consume taro is by steaming it and then mashing it like a potato. You can also use taro in soups or as a gluten-free flour substitute. Including taro in your water garden gives you a double bonus: aesthetic beauty and a healthy food source.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, adding edible aquatic plants to your water garden is a great way to add some variety to your garden while also providing you with a unique and tasty source of nutrition.

I hope that the information I’ve shared in this post has inspired you to add one or more of these plants to your garden this season.

So what are you waiting for?

Which one of these aquatic plants intrigues you the most?

I’d love to hear about your gardening experience and which of these plants you’ll be including in your water garden this year.

Feel free to send me a message with your thoughts.

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By sharing this post, you’re helping to spread the word and inspire others to create beautiful and functional aquatic gardens of their own.

Thanks for reading!