Not sure which plants to choose for your edible landscapes? Take a page from the Home Harvest Organics playbook and select one or more of our theme-based plant groups to use in building your ideal edible landscape.
Many of the most popular flavors and seasonings in the world originated or were refined in the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean herbs and vegetables are extremely versatile and have become essential ingredients in cuisines around the globe. Use these edibles to create classic favorites or to invent your own delicious dishes.
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Eggplant, Garlic, Mint, Onions, Oregano, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory, Thyme, Tomatoes, Winter Savory
Citrus, Eggplant, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory, Thyme, Tomatoes, Winter Savory
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Citrus, Mint, Oregano, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory, Thyme, Tomatoes, Winter Savory
Citrus, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory, Thyme, Winter Savory
Several Italian vegetables actually have their origins in the Americas. Regardless of their historical roots, Italian fruits and vegetables typically prefer mild winters and warm, dry summers. If you love antipasti, pastas and pestos, this plant combination is for you.
Artichokes, Basil, Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Citrus, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Lettuce, Rapini, Summer Squash, Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes
Basil, Citrus, Eggplant, Summer Squash, Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes
Artichokes, Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Broccoli, Cardoon, Citrus, Fava Beans, Rapini, Summer Squash
Artichokes, Broccoli, Cardoon, Fava Beans, Lettuce, Rapini
Traditional French gardens offer a wonderful variety of sweet, crisp, and tender vegetables that are indispensable in authentic French cuisine. While the care and harvesting of some of the plant varieties in this group can be challenging for the beginning gardener, they will be greatly appreciated by any chef looking to capture some of the amazing flavors of France.
Alpine Strawberries, Artichoke, Asparagus, Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Carrots, Celeriac, Chard, Chervil, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce, Potatoes, Shallots, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Tarragon
Cucumbers, Eggplant, Tomatoes
Alpine Strawberries, Artichoke, Asparagus, Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Carrots, Celeriac, Chard, Chervil, Cucumbers, Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce, Potatoes, Shallots, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Tarragon
Asparagus, Carrots, Celeriac, Chervil, Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce, Potatoes, Shallots
In many ways, Greek food is like a "best of the Mediterranean" collection because it combines some of the richest and most flavorful offerings of the region into one cuisine. Certain flavor combinations are, of course, uniquely Greek.
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Citrus, Eggplant, Garlic, Mint, Potato, Okra, Onions, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage (select culinary varieties), Summer Savory, Winter Savory, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Thyme, Tomato
Citrus, Eggplant, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage (select culinary varieties), Summer Savory, Winter Savory, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Thyme, Tomato
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap), Citrus, Garlic, Mint, Potato, Onions, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage (select culinary varieties), Summer Savory, Winter Savory, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Thyme, Tomato
Citrus, Garlic, Mint, Potato, Onions, Oregano, Rosemary, Winter Savory, Sweet Bay, Sweet Marjoram, Thyme
In most Cajun dishes, the vegetables are not usually the stars. They are instead regarded and used more as essential seasonings. Cajun gardens thrive in most places where the summer temperatures are high and the winters are relatively short and mild. Okra is especially fond of the heat and is most productive when daytime temperatures approach 100°F.
Chayote, Collard Greens, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Mustard Greens, Okra, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes
Chayote, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Okra, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes
Chayote, Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Peppers, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes
Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens
Many of the standard vegetables grown in the United States are not from Europe as many people mistakenly believe. Beans, peppers, squash, corn, tomatoes, and many other popular fruits and vegetables are, in fact, originally from the New World. Native American cultures are as diverse as the lands on which they developed, and Native American foods reflect this diversity.
Amaranth, Beans (Common Bush and Pole, Lima, Runner, Tepary), Corn (Maize), Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Peppers, Squash, Sunflowers
Amaranth, Beans (Lima, Tepary), Corn (Maize), Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Peppers, Squash, Sunflowers
Amaranth, Beans (Common Bush and Pole, Lima, Runner, Tepary), Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Peppers, Squash, Sunflowers
Mexican foods are the result of the marriage of many New World foods (see the Native American Garden plant group above) to Old World favorites and staples. Mexican fruits and vegetables range from bright red and spicy to dull green and prickly. Many of the plants in the Mexican garden are easily grown and very prolific.
Beans (Common Bush and Pole), Chayote, Corn (Maize), Huauzontle, Jicama, Onions (Bulbs and Scallions), Peppers, Prickly Pear, Purslane, Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Coriander (Cilantro), Mexican Oregano
Chayote, Corn (Maize), Huauzontle, Jicama, Peppers, Prickly Pear, Purslane, Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Mexican Oregano
Beans (Common Bush and Pole), Chayote, Huauzontle, Jicama, Onions (Bulbs and Scallions), Peppers, Prickly Pear, Purslane, Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Coriander (Cilantro), Mexican Oregano
Coriander (Cilantro), Onions (Bulbs and Scallions), Prickly Pear
Asian vegetables come in a wide array of interesting shapes, colors, and textures. Many are also quite tasty and nutritious in both cooked and raw states. This group is just a small sampling of the most popular edible plants from the wondrous lands of Asia.
Soy Beans, Cowpea (Yard-Long Beans), Bitter Melon, Onions (Bunching), Burdock, Celtuce, Chinese Chives, Amaranth, Eggplant, Pea Pods, Peppers, Radishes, Winter Melon
Amaranth, Cowpea (Yard-Long Beans), Bitter Melon, Burdock, Chinese Chives, Cowpea (Yard-Long Beans), Eggplant, Peppers, Winter Melon
Soy Beans, Cowpea (Yard-Long Beans), Bitter Melon, Onions (Bunching), Burdock, Celtuce, Chinese Chives, Amaranth, Eggplant, Pea Pods, Peppers, Radishes, Winter Melon
Onions (Bunching), Burdock, Celtuce, Chinese Chives, Pea Pods, Radishes
The pairing of soup and salad might seem a bit odd at first, but there is a kind of Yin and Yang balance in this combination. Salads are usually cooling and refreshing, while soups are typically warm and filling. The plants in this combination offer the gardener ingredients for both dishes, making the Soup & Salad Bed one of the most versatile plant groups in this list.
Beans (Common Bush and Pole), Carrots, Chard, Celery (Cutting), Chervil, Chives, Coriander (Cilantro), Cucumbers, Garlic, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Tomatoes
Cucumbers, Chives, Tomatoes
Beans (Common Bush and Pole), Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery (Cutting), Chard, Chervil, Coriander (Cilantro), Cucumbers, Garlic, Lettuce, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Tomatoes
Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery (Cutting), Chard, Garlic, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsley, Radishes, Spinach
Love broccoli? Can't get enough cauliflower? This plant grouping has what it takes to satisfy your cruciferous cravings. These delicious vegetables can double as very handsome winter ornamentals as well.
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Rapini, Sweet Alyssum, Turnip
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Rapini, Sweet Alyssum, Turnip
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Rapini, Sweet Alyssum, Turnip
Potatoes and beans--two popular and easily grown edibles--are at the heart of this grouping that will help you to fill your stomach and your flower vases.
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap, Runner, Tepary), Calendula, Cosmos, Dill, Lavender, Nasturtium, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Potatoes
Beans (Tepary), Calendula, Cosmos, Cowpeas (Black-Eyed Peas), Lavender, Rosemary, Sunflowers, Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Potatoes
Beans (Common Bush and Pole Snap, Runner, Tepary), Calendula, Cosmos, Cowpeas (Black-Eyed Pea), Dill, Fava Beans, Lavender, Nasturtium, Peas, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Potatoes
Calendula, Cosmos, Dill, Fava Beans, Nasturtium, Peas, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sweet Alyssum
The best thing any gardener or farmer can do for his or her land is to build up the fertility of the soil through the addition of organic matter. Compost is an excellent choice, and it is easy for most gardeners to make in their own yards. In addition to compost, certain crops can be grown on the site of a future garden to help bring essential nutrients to the topsoil before the next crop of edibles is planted.
Buckwheat
Cowpeas, Amaranth
Winter Rye, Sweet or White Clover
Fava Beans, Winter Rye, Hairy Vetch, Winter Wheat
"Be Green from the Ground Up!"