Foodscaping Guide: How To Grow Edible Landscape Gardens, Beautiful and Yummy (2024)

Foodscaping is a newer word that is often used to describe the convergence of ornamental and edible gardens, and the integration of farming and landscaping.

The rationale in support of these edible landscapes is abundant, as they blend the aesthetics of landscape gardening with the practicality of vegetable gardening.⁹

This foodscaping guide explores the best ways to create functional and beautiful edible landscapes at home that enrich the soil, the body, and the earth.

Edible Landscaping Ideas (Foodscaping Ideas)

Innovation in foodscaping is continually growing, and there are no limits to the edible landscaping ideas a homeowner can employ on their property.

Take a walk around the neighborhood, observing the variety of ornamental gardens, vegetable gardens, and a combination thereof.

The creativity and individuality that goes into designing an edible landscape makes it all the more rewarding.

These are some basic tips from veteran foodscapers that are great to follow when beginning a foodscaping journey:⁴

#1. Plan First

Think about the big picture of what the landscape will look like in the long run. Also, think about the amount of time available to create the foodscape and maintain it.

#2. Start Small

An edible landscape won’t be constructed overnight, and most successful foodscapers began their journey with a single garden bed or container.

Set a realistic goal of having a landscape composed of 10% edibles within the first year. (See the NC State Extension site diagrams for examples).²⁴

#3. Get the Structural Elements Down

Does the landscape include trees, fish ponds, or patios? Think about how to incorporate and use these features in the foodscape.

Plan walkways. Natural stone walkways or pebble walkways are attractive. Remember that plants, particularly annual vegetables, need to be accessible.

#4. Build Around Focal Points

Permanent or semi-permanent landscape features, such as trees, retainer walls, fences, and so forth can become focal points in an edible landscape. These are great areas to begin a foodscape vision, building outward from there.

Alpine strawberries are great for borders. Blueberry shrubs are excellent foundation plants.

#5. Think About Balance

Balance is very important to make an edible landscape attractive. Add height, in the form of fruit trees or bean-covered arbors, at different points in the landscape.

Create depth by layering plants with ground cover, upright ornamental and vegetation, and taller shrubs, vines, and trees.

#6. Plan For Year-Round Interest

Most annual edibles have a short growing season and can become fairly unattractive after harvesting.

Spread the annual plants out and plan to plant in succession, replacing them with new edibles as the first crop dies.

Structural components and perennial plants can keep the edible landscape attractive all year.

#7. Select the Right Plants

Emphasize perennials in the edible landscape.¹¹ They are lower maintenance and should form the backbone of the foodscape.

Choose plants that are pest-resistant to avoid chemical use.

#8. Plant in Zones

Create zones in the edible landscape that take advantage of compatible and complementary plantings.¹⁴

Conserve water by grouping plants with similar sun and water needs.

Keep higher maintenance plants (thirsty plants and those requiring frequent harvest or pruning) nearer the house where they are less likely to be overlooked.

#9. Disperse and Intersperse

Don’t plant a single crop in blocks. It is not attractive, but it will attract pests. Instead, intersperse crops.

#10. Plant Herbs Strategically

Herbs can be used strategically to deter pests, create ground cover, add color, and create seamless transitions between other crops.¹⁹

Foodscaping in the Front Yard (Front Yard Edible Landscaping)

Homeowners can likely imagine some of these edible landscape ideas playing out on their properties, and they will probably think of ways to improve upon the design to suit their individual needs.

However, most people probably won’t consider foodscaping in the front yard, especially not initially.

However, front yard edible landscaping is certainly not off-limits! There are plenty of people who do it, and there are lots of resources for individuals ready to expand their edible landscape to their front lawns.

After experimenting with a backyard edible landscape, figuring out what plants group well together, learning what plants grow well in the area, and developing the best routine for maintaining the foodscape, homeowners may want to replace some of their front lawn turf grass with more beneficial plants. The experts have many suggestions for how to approach this.

#1. Plan the Structural Elements of the Landscape⁷

Certain design features appeal to different people.

• A homeowner may want a fish pond or a bird bath, a hanging swing with a trellis, or a simple arbor.
• Homeowners must also consider permanent aspects of the landscape, such as large trees, sidewalks, and driveways, and any other components that need to be incorporated.
• Borders are important. Think about how to create natural borders in the front yard foodscape.
  These could be edible shrubs or hedges (think blueberries!), stone pathways, and low-lying garden beds.
• Fruit trees can also be considered structural, as their height will be a focal point of the landscape.

#2. Sketch Out

Sketching the garden layout and design can provide a picture of the overall size of the project. A sketch can bring the imagined landscape into perspective and allow for reconceptualization.

• Design the landscape with aesthetic appeal in mind, as a front yard is visible to neighbors and passers-by.
• Plan for year-round interest. Winter-blooming flowers and evergreens can keep the front yard looking nice all year.
• Design with variety in mind. Think of colors that contrast well, adding depth with layers, and using structural elements, such as decorative planters and containers, in the garden.
• Plan the landscape in zones with complementary plants that have similar needs.

#3. Consult a Professional

Professional consultations are often free and can yield invaluable information.

#4. Start Small¹⁷

This may be the most important step at all. Frontyard landscapes can be big undertakings, particularly when trying to create an edible landscape for the first time.

• Choose a small section of the plan to begin with. Remove the grass in the fall to prepare the lawn for foodscaping in the spring.
• Add a bit more with each growing season, until the completed vision is realized.

How Hard Is It To Build Garden Planters?

Designs for garden planters can be as complicated or as simple as the crafter wants to undertake.

Some garden planters are simple boxes crafted from pallet wood that can rest atop the ground while others may be decked with multiple levels, shelves, and containers.

The beauty of garden planters is that they can be designed around the gardener’s needs and can be as ornamental and decorative as desired.

What Is Foodscaping (Edible Landscaping)?

Foodscaping, also known as edible landscaping, is a hybrid model of landscaping and farming that captures the most essential elements of both.

The practice of foodscaping blends the beauty and ornamental value of centuries-old landscaping tradition with the most functional and productive components of agriculture and farming.¹¹

In this way, homeowners/gardeners can create a vibrant, living landscape that simultaneously nurtures their family health, beautifies their homes, and replenishes the natural world around them.¹⁶

The idea of growing food at home has steadily gained popularity among families in the United States over the last several decades. In fact, a survey study conducted and published at Purdue University in 2018 found that 40% of survey respondents reportedly used a personal garden to grow produce.³

As home gardens continue to increase in size, scope, and purpose, more homeowners are exploring edible landscaping design.

Although aspects of edible landscaping date back to ancient civilizations and cultures, the foodscaping model that is familiar to contemporary persons has truly gained momentum since the beginning of the 21st century.^6,10 The fundamental idea behind edible landscaping is that edible plants can be grown alongside and interspersed with ornamentals and can even be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property.¹¹

Some foodscapers will go as far as replacing their non-edible ornamentals with edible varieties, creating an entirely edible garden, but others are content to allow them to coexist.

How is foodscaping different from traditional food gardening?

Traditional food gardening, as seen over the last century, has emphasized the separation of edible and ornamental plants in the garden, often relegating the vegetable garden to a remote corner of the yard in planters and raised beds.

Edible landscaping combines the functionality of food gardens with the beauty of landscape gardens, striking a balance that provides year-round interest.⁴

What Is the Difference Between Landscape Gardening and Foodscaping?

Landscape gardening has long been considered an art form, and the National Gallery of Art details the history of its emergence.¹⁵

By its broadest definition, landscape gardening is the art of using natural elements in designing and ornamenting property grounds.

Some people include the geometric designs of ancient gardens in this definition, while others confine it to the modern English style aimed specifically at developing a landscape as a work of art.¹⁵ However broadly or narrowly defined, it is generally accepted that landscape gardening emphasizes the ornamental value and visual appeal of the land.

The theory behind foodscaping is that landscapes can be beautiful AND functional. Thus, foodscaping might be considered a type of landscape gardening with a dual focus on aesthetics and functionality.

Benefits of Growing an Edible Landscape

There are many benefits of growing an edible landscape which are attracting more and more homeowners across the country.

The following are some of the most prominent:⁸

• Edible landscapes are sustainable and have a smaller carbon footprint.

Edible landscapes can drastically decrease the carbon footprint of a household. By growing much of the family’s food at home, an individual avoids all of the carbon emissions associated with commercial growing, commercial transport, and commercial packaging.

• Edible landscapes support local ecology.

Edible landscapes are an excellent resource for local wildlife and insect populations.
They can provide food sources and protection for animals such as birds, rabbits, and deer if desired.

• Edible landscapes require less space.

Because edible landscapes integrate the ornamental with the edible, more can be accomplished with less space, without sacrificing too much in either domain.

• Edible landscapes conserve water.

An efficient edible landscape will take advantage of complementary planting.
When edible plants are grown among ornamental plants with similar sun and water requirements, significant water can be conserved over time.¹¹

• Edible landscapes provide food security.

When a household grows its food, the family members do not have to worry as much about food shortages or about what pesticide residues may be on their foods.

• Edible landscapes promote family health.

According to a recent study available through the National Library of Medicine, individuals reported eating more fruits and vegetables when they garden.¹
Furthermore, produce gathered from a home garden will naturally have a higher nutritional value than commercially bought alternatives.

• Edible landscapes save homeowners money.

Many edible plants are perennial, returning year after year. Many other edible plants, though annuals, can be harvested many times during a single growing season. The price of seeds and even seedlings is far less than a household would spend on produce at the store.

• Edible landscapes can be convenient.

In this age where no one has enough time to accomplish all they set out to do, the value of convenience should not be underestimated. An individual is more likely to gather something to use from their landscape than to make a trip to procure it.

• Edible landscapes grant personal satisfaction and fulfillment.

Several studies have expounded the many benefits of gardening for personal health, both physical and mental. Edible landscapes only improve upon these benefits with their flow, efficiency, and general value.

• Edible landscapes are beautiful.

The balance of textures and colors in an edible landscape is exceedingly pleasant to the eye.

Types of Edible Landscape Plants

There are many edible landscape plants that have great aesthetic value and are thus, excellent editions to a foodscaping design.

Some edible plants, such as herbs and fruiting shrubs seem to fit naturally into a landscape, but a homeowner may feel less certain about introducing vegetables to an ornamental garden.

This section details the ideal vegetables to grow in an edible landscape.^5,21

• Artichokes: colorful
• Beets: colorful
• Cabbage (ornamental): colorful
• Carrots: butterfly magnet
• Eggplant: colorful
• Hot Peppers: colorful
• Kale: textured
• Lettuce: groundcover, attracts beneficial insects
• Peas: attract beneficial insects
• Pole Beans: vining, climbing
• Rhubarb: colorful groundcover
• Squash: attractive, edible flowers
• Swiss Chard: textured and colorful
• Tomatoes: grow in containers or along trellises

Best Types of Edible Fruits To Grow at Home

Many edible fruits can be grown in the home garden, and some are quite picturesque. Many types of strawberries can be grown as ground cover, and some types spread out nicely.

Grape vines can be grown along arbors and trellises. Currants, blueberries, and serviceberries can be grown as small to mid-sized shrubs to create borders.

Blackberry and raspberry bushes can be grown along fence lines or on trellises to create natural boundaries. Dwarf fruiting trees are a perfect way to add a bit of height strategically throughout the garden.

Consider planting a dwarf cherry or dwarf peach in the edible landscape to add depth, diversity, and beauty. And don’t forget to consider how small to medium-sized nut trees, such as hazelnut, almond, or pistachio may fit into the landscape.^12,23

Types of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are often overlooked in the standard American diet, but many common types of flowers have petals that are flavorful and nutritious. Edible flowers can be used to make jellies and garnishes, to flavor tea, and to dress salads and entrees.

They are really limitless in application. The University of Minnesota Extension provides a comprehensive list of edible flowers for the home garden.²²

Some of the featured plants include:

• Bee Balm
• Begonia
• Calendula
• Chamomile
• Dandelion
• Geranium
• Hibiscus
• Lavender
• Marigold (marigold flowers)
• Nasturtiums
• Pansies (pansy flower)
• Red Clover
• Roses
• Violas
• Yucca

What Types of Roses Are the Best To Eat?

Most gardeners probably don’t realize that roses, the beloved flowers adorning their lawns, are also good to eat and can be used as garnish and in teas.

Many parts of a rose plant are edible, and some types of roses, such as Rosa rugosa and Rosa damascena are renowned for their flavor.^25,26

Remember that the most aromatic roses will also have the most flavor, and individuals should only sample roses grown at home that are free of pesticides and toxins.²

Other Types of Edible Plants Foodscapers Should Grow

Herbs are well-loved garden additions, and these edible plants have the added benefit of deterring many common garden pests.

Herbs can be used as natural fillers in beds with vegetables and ornamentals, creating a full look and incredible aroma!

Some recommended, easy-to-grow herbs include:^12,16

• Anise Hyssop
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Cilantro plant
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Mint plant
• Onion
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Purple Basil
• Sage
• Thyme
• Yarrow

What Garden Supplies Are Needed for a Backyard Garden?

It’s very important to have the right gardening supplies when starting a backyard garden. Gardening gloves, shears, and a hand trowel are small essentials for the garden, and a wheelbarrow is very handy to have around for some of the heavy lifting.

A gardener will also make use of larger tools such as garden rakes and shovels from time to time and will require watering cans and hoses on a regular basis.¹³

Tips For Starting a Home Garden

Starting a home garden can be intimidating, but with the right gardening supplies, the right plants, and the right knowledge, home gardening can be a lot of fun!

The best tips on gardening for beginners are:^18,20

1. Know your growing zones or gardening zones, (See USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map) and plan to grow plants that do well in those zones.²⁷
2. Note the areas of the yard that receive the most consistent sunlight.
3. Test the soil and add organic waste as needed.
4. Start small with a single garden bed or container gardening, filling a few planter boxes or containers with easy-to-grow plants.

A backyard vegetable garden is an exciting addition to any home, and it can also be very attractive with the strategic placement of garden planters! Home gardening is on the rise in the United States, with more individuals seeking more control over the produce their families consume, and foodscaping has become particularly trendy in recent years.

Foodscaping, or edible landscaping, is a home gardening model that combines the beauty of ornamental gardens with complementary edible plants to create a fruitful and captivating landscape.

¹Alaimo, K., Beavers, A. W., Coringrato, E., Lacy, K., Ma, W., Hurley, T. G., & Hebert, J. R. (2023, April 15). Community Gardening Increases Vegetable Intake and Seasonal Eating From Baseline to Harvest: Results from a Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial. NCBI. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10196338/>

²Barash, C. W. (2019, August 27). Garden Roses: Queen of Edible Flowers – Recipes. Home, Garden and Homestead. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://homegardenandhomestead.com/garden-roses-queen-of-edible-flowers/>

³Bir, C., & Widmar, N. O. (2018, December). Personal Gardens: Who is growing their own in the U.S.? Purdue Extension. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/EC/EC-814-W.pdf>

⁴Bittner, S. (2013). The Beautiful Edible Garden. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.

⁵Concklin, M., Wallace, V., & Siegel-Miles, A. (2023). Sustainable Edible Landscapes. Integrated Pest Management. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/sustainable-edible-landscapes/>

⁶Costello, P., & Alvarez, L. (2023). Edible Gardening and Foodscaping|Articles. Amazing Architecture. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://amazingarchitecture.com/articles/edible-gardening-and-foodscaping>

⁷Creasy, R., & Cushman, R. B. (2021, March 31). Edible Landscaping Front Yard and Back. Mother Earth News. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/edible-landscape-zmaz10onzraw/>

⁸UF/IFAS Extension. (2023). Edible Landscaping – UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life. UF/IFAS Extension. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/archive/hot_topics/sustainable_living/edible_landscaping.shtml>

⁹Fike, J. (2022). Edible Plants: A Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of North America. Red Lightning Books.

¹⁰Foodscaping. (2023, November 20). Wikipedia. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foodscaping>

¹¹University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (2023, June 6). Foodscaping. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/foodscaping.html>

¹²The Foodscaper. (2022, February 1). A Jackpot List of Recommended Foodscaping Plants & Nurseries. The Foodscaper. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.thefoodscaper.com/blog/a-jackpot-list-of-recommended-foodscaping-plants-nurseries>

¹³Kilbride, B. (2023). Guide to Gardening Tools: What Tools Do You Need? The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.almanac.com/gardening-tools-guide>

¹⁴Lamp’l, J. (2018, November 22). Foodscaping | How to Create an Edible Landscape. Joe Gardener. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://joegardener.com/podcast/foodscaping-how-to-create-an-edible-lanscape/>

¹⁵Michler, N. (2021, February 18). Landscape gardening – History of Early American Landscape Design. National Gallery of Art. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://heald.nga.gov/mediawiki/index.php/Landscape_gardening>

¹⁶Nardozzi, C. (2015). Foodscaping: Practical and Ways to Create an Edible Landscape. Cool Springs Press.

¹⁷Nolan, T. (2020). Gardening Your Front Yard: Projects and Ideas for Big and Small Spaces – Includes Vegetable Gardening, Pollinator Plants, Rain Gardens, and More! Cool Springs Press.

¹⁸Pilarchik, G. (2021). The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-sufficiency in Any Size Backyard. Cool Springs Press.

¹⁹See How Easily You Can Create an Edible Landscape. (2023, June 15). Tenth Acre Farm. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.tenthacrefarm.com/see-how-easily-you-can-create-an-edible-landscape/>

²⁰Shahani, A. (2020, April 21). How to make a garden: a beginner’s guide : The Salt : Life Kit. NPR. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.npr.org/2020/04/17/837300800/this-is-a-good-time-to-start-a-garden-heres-how>

²¹Sweetser, R. (2023). Edible Landscaping: Choosing Edible Plants for Your Garden. The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://www.almanac.com/edible-landscaping-selecting-right-plants>

²²Weisenhorn, J., & Coyle, G. (2018). Edible flowers. University of Minnesota Extension. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/edible-flowers>

²³Wyatt, G. (2023). Growing edible fruits and nuts. University of Minnesota Extension. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/growing-edible-fruits-and-nuts>

²⁴Li, Z., Bradley, L., Sherk, J., & Spafford, A. (2020, November 17). Growing Edibles in the Landscape. NCSU. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/growing-edibles-in-the-landscape>

²⁵NC State University & N.C. A&T State University. (2023). Rosa rugosa. NCSU. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rosa-rugosa/>

²⁶NC State University & N.C. A&T State University. (2023). Rosa damascena ‘Trigintipetala’. NCSU. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rosa-damascena-trigintipetala/>

²⁷U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. USDA. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from <https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/>

²⁸A little bit of home in the community garden Photo by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner. CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic. Cropped and Resized. Flickr. Retrieved January 15, 2024 from <https://www.flickr.com/photos/4nitsirk/29334356735/>

²⁹Edible Landscape Internship Photo by Katie Hetrick, UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. CC BY 2.0 DEED | Attribution 2.0 Generic. Cropped and Resized. Flickr. Retrieved January 15, 2024 from <https://www.flickr.com/photos/goodlifegarden/14676907373/>

³⁰Landscape Garden Pathway Photo by JillWellington. Pixabay. Retrieved January 15, 2024 from <https://pixabay.com/photos/pathway-path-pink-tulips-tulips-2289978/>