Top 10 Diverse Edible Plants for a Balanced Landscape

If you’re an avid gardener, you’ll know that the benefits of having fresh produce at home are endless.

Food tastes better when you know you’ve planted and nurtured it yourself.

Did you also know that incorporating diverse edible plants in your landscape could create a more balanced environment, boost its productivity, and provide an integrated system of growing crops?

This is why I have compiled a list of the top 10 diverse edible plants that will help you create a more balanced landscape.

Let’s explore this list to find out more about the incredible world of diverse edible plants.

Blueberry Bushes

Are you looking for a fruit-bearing plant that can also function as a beautiful ornamental? Consider planting blueberry bushes in your landscape! Not only do they produce sweet and tasty fruit, but they have a wide range of positive benefits for your outdoor space.

One of the main advantages of blueberry bushes is their ability to obviate the need for chemical pesticides in your garden or yard. These plants release a chemical that deters insects, so you can enjoy pest-free fruits without using harmful chemicals. Plus, they’re easy to grow and to care for. Blueberry bushes are hardy and can grow in most North American planting zones.

By pruning your blueberry bushes properly, you can encourage healthy growth and improve the quality and quantity of your fruit. In the winter, remove any dead or weak branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. In the spring, thin out any canes that are too crowded and cut them back to maintain the overall height and shape of the bush.

Make sure to plant at least two varieties of blueberry bushes in order to improve pollination and get a better fruit yield. In addition, it is recommended that you plant acidic soil-loving companions such as rhododendrons, azaleas, or heather near your blueberry bushes to help them thrive.

All in all, blueberry bushes are a wonderful addition to any landscape. They provide both aesthetic and edible benefits, and they’re easy to plant and care for. So, why not consider adding them to your yard or garden?

Native Wild Strawberries

Native wild strawberries are a great addition to anyone’s garden. They are delicious, nutritious, and can be used in a variety of recipes. Plus, they require little maintenance and can be grown in a variety of environments.

If you are planning to plant native wild strawberries, it is important to choose the right location and prepare the soil accordingly. These plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is also important to choose a location that receives approximately six hours of direct sunlight per day.

When planting your native wild strawberries, make sure to space them about a foot apart. Mulching around the plants can help to maintain moisture and suppress weed growth. It is also important to water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.

In addition to their great taste, native wild strawberries offer several health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and are a great source of fiber. They can also be used to make delicious jams, pies, and smoothies.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, nutritious plant to add to your garden, native wild strawberries are a great choice. With a little bit of planning and care, you can enjoy these delicious berries for years to come.

Asian Persimmons

Asian persimmons have been a staple of diets in Asia for centuries and have recently gained popularity in the United States. Planting persimmons in your landscape can provide a unique and tasty addition to your edible plant collection.

These small trees, which grow up to 25 feet high, produce fruit that is sweet and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They are self-pollinating, but planting two trees can enhance the yield of your harvest.

Asian persimmon trees grow best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They should be planted in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including sandy and clay soils.

To plant Asian persimmon trees, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Loosen the soil and remove any rocks, weeds, or other debris. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, gently packing it around the tree. Water the tree thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Asian persimmon trees require little maintenance once established. Water them deeply once a week during the growing season and fertilize them twice a year. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the tree’s shape.

In conclusion, planting Asian persimmons in your landscape can provide a delicious and unique addition to your edible plant collection. By following a few simple tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and healthy fruit.

Description and Benefits of Dwarf Mulberry Trees in Landscapes

Dwarf Mulberry Trees have glossy green leaves that turn to a bright yellow in the Fall. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and nutritious. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, iron, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s an easy-to-grow tree that requires little maintenance. With proper care, a dwarf mulberry tree can produce fruit for over 30 years.

You can grow dwarf mulberry trees in gardens, patios, or even indoors, provided they get sufficient sunlight. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer a slightly acidic pH level.

The trees grow up to 6 feet tall with a spread of around 8 feet. They produce fruit within the first two years of planting, and each tree can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit annually.

Dwarf mulberry trees are perfect for small gardens or spaces as they take up very little room. They can also be planted in large pots or containers. The trees add color, texture, and depth to your garden or outdoor space, and provide the added benefit of a nutritious fruity crop.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Dwarf Mulberry Trees

If you would like to plant a dwarf mulberry tree, ensure that you have the right conditions for the tree to flourish:

• First, purchase a dwarf variety, such as Black Beauty or Dwarf Everbearing.
• Select a sunny spot in your garden or outdoor space. The tree requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Ensure that the location has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. The tree prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
• When planting, ensure your hole is twice the size of the rootball.
• Dig a hole deep enough to cover the root ball fully. Avoid planting too shallowly, or the roots may dry out.
• Water your tree regularly during its first season. Once established, it requires traditional watering once or twice a week depending on the temperature and rainfall.
• Prune the tree to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage new growth.
• Mulch the base of the tree with organic material, like compost, to improve soil quality and retain moisture.

By planting and maintaining a dwarf mulberry tree in your outdoor or indoor space, you’ll add beauty, texture, and depth, while also benefiting from a nutritious crop. With little maintenance needed, this is the perfect and versatile tree for any gardening enthusiast.

Nanking cherries

Nanking cherries are a wonderful addition to any garden, with their beautiful spring flowers, tasty fruit and their multi-season interest. The Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is native to central and northern China, but it has found a new home in gardens across the temperate world.

These hardy deciduous shrubs grow to about 6-10 feet tall and can spread to an equal width with time. They will produce abundant clusters of small bright red cherries in June, and these cherries are considered edible. The flowers, which appear in early spring, are pink to red and quite showy.

Nanking cherries are tough shrubs that are easy to grow, and besides having pretty flowers and providing fruit, they also attract pollinators and birds that love to feed on the fruit. Plant them in a sunny to partially shaded area with well-draining soil and they should thrive.

The best time to plant Nanking cherries is in early spring or fall. Before planting, loosen the soil in the area and add compost if necessary. Set the root ball of the young shrub into the planting hole. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not wet until the plant is established.

Maintenance of Nanking cherries is minimal, and they have very few pest and disease problems. They are, however, favored by birds and other wildlife, so if you want to keep the fruit for yourself, you’ll need to protect the crop with netting or other devices.

In conclusion, Nanking cherries are versatile, hardy and attractive plants that offer much for the gardener and the landscape. By planting Nanking cherries in your landscape, you can enjoy their beautiful flowers, tasty fruit, and host of pollinators and birds that they attract.

Currant bushes

Currant bushes are a beautiful and tasty addition to any landscape. They are known for their bright fruit, which comes in shades of red, white, and black. Not only do they produce delicious fruit, but they are also easy to maintain.

If you are thinking of planting currant bushes in your landscape, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose the right location: Currant bushes thrive in well-draining soil and full sun. Make sure you choose a spot in your landscape that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage.
• Plant in the spring: Currant bushes should be planted in the spring, before they start to bud. This will give them plenty of time to establish their roots before winter.
• Water regularly: Currant bushes require regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Keep the soil around the bushes moist but not waterlogged.
• Prune regularly: Regular pruning will help your currant bushes produce more fruit and maintain their shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Watch out for pests: Currant bushes can attract a variety of pests, including aphids and spider mites. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and act quickly if you notice any problems.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious currants each year. Not only do currant bushes provide tasty fruit, but they also add beauty and diversity to your landscape.

Aronia Bushes

If you are looking for a low maintenance edible plant to add to your landscape, aronia bushes are an excellent choice. These hardy shrubs are native to North America and thrive in a variety of soil and climate conditions.

Aronia bushes produce dark, tart berries that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients. They are often used in jams, jellies, and other culinary applications.

To plant aronia bushes, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can tolerate partial shade but will produce more fruit in full sun. Plant in the spring or fall, spacing the bushes 3-4 feet apart.

Aronia bushes require very little maintenance. They are drought tolerant and only need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Prune the bushes in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

If you live in an area with wildlife such as deer or rabbits, you may need to protect your aronia bushes. Try surrounding them with a fence or using deer-repellent spray to keep the wildlife at bay.

Aronia bushes are a great way to add beauty and functionality to your landscape. Not only are they beautiful and easy to care for, but they also provide a nutritious source of food for you and your family.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, incorporating diverse edible plants into your landscape is a great way to promote a healthy, balanced environment while enjoying the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce.

I hope this list has inspired you to try something new in your garden and experiment with a variety of plants that not only look great but taste great too.

So, which plant are you most excited to try first?

Let me know by sending me a direct message, I’d love to hear your plans for your landscape!

And if you found value in this post, please consider sharing it on social media to help more people discover the benefits of diverse edible plants.

Thanks for reading!