8 Ways to Use Edibles as Ornamentals

Planning your garden? Mix it up by choosing edibles in place of the usual suspects.



Strawberries from spring into fall
Strawberries from spring into fall


Instead of an evergreen ground cover...
Plant: Strawberries for berries from spring into fall.

How to grow: In mild climates, start from bare-root plants in late winter or early spring, or from plants in late summer or fall for a spring crop. In colder regions, grow from bare roots or plants in early spring. Space 18 inches apart, in rows that are 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart. All zones. (Don't know your zone? Look it up here.)


Rhubarb for pies
Rhubarb for pies


Instead of a common perennial with showy leaves...

Plant: Rhubarb for pies.

How to grow: Start bare-root plants in late winter or early spring; in zones 10 and 11, plant in fall as a cool-season annual. Plants reach 3 feet tall. (When harvesting, eat only the stalks; leaves are poisonous.) Best in Sunset climate zones A1-A3 and 1-11 but may do well in 14-24.
More on designing your edible garden


Loose-leaf lettuce for just-picked salads
Loose-leaf lettuce for just-picked salads


Instead of annual front-of-border foliage...

Plant: Loose-leaf lettuce for just-picked salads.

How to grow: In mild-winter/cool-summer regions, sow in early spring and again in late summer or early fall. In cold-winter areas, start seeds after frost has passed in spring; in mild-winter/hot-summer climates, sow in fall and winter. All zones.
Edible borders


Blueberries to add to muffins
Blueberries to add to muffins


Instead of a familiar semi-evergreen shrub...

Plant: Blueberries to add to muffins and smoothies from spring into summer.

How to grow: In mild-winter areas, start from bare roots in winter or from plants in fall; where winters are cold, start plants in early spring. Different types range in height from 1 1/2 to 8 feet tall. Zones A2, A3, 1-9, 14-24.


Kiwi for fruit plates and salads
Kiwi for fruit plates and salads


Instead of a flowering deciduous vine...

Plant: Kiwi for fruit plates and salads in summer and fall.

How to grow: Start from bare roots in winter or early spring, or from plants when weather is mild. These vigorous vines can grow up to 30 feet long. Zones A1-A3, 1-10, 12-24.
More on vines


A lemon tree for juice and zest
A lemon tree for juice and zest


Instead of an ordinary small evergreen tree...

Plant: A lemon tree for juice and zest year-round.

How to grow: Plant in spring after frost has passed but before summer heat kicks in. 'Improved Meyer' grows to 12 feet; on dwarf rootstock, it will be about half the standard height. Zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1, H2.
Edible garden ideas from around the world


Purple basil
Purple basil


Instead of low-growing, dark-leaved annuals for pots...

Plant: Purple basil, which you can add to summer salads and pasta dishes.

How to grow: Start from seed or seedling in spring, after frost has passed. Pinch off flower spikes as they form, and plant a new crop every two weeks for a continual harvest. Basil reaches 16 inches or taller and a foot wide. All zones.
The one-pot vegetable garden


Rosemary to spice up pastas and roasts
Rosemary to spice up pastas and roasts


Instead of a low-growing perennial hedge...

Plant: Rosemary to spice up pastas and roasts.

How to grow: Plant these perennials in spring or fall in well-draining soil. Prostrate varieties like 'Huntington Carpet' and 'Irene' top out at 1 1/2 feet tall; upright ones including 'Blue Spires' and 'Gorizia' are hardier and can reach 4 to 6 feet. Zones 4-24, H1, H2.