As you aim to subdue your grocery expenses , get up your yard ’s visual appeal , or trade out your schematic lawn for a low - upkeep and delectable option , comestible dry land covers present a solution as delightful as it is useable .
Step into the captivating kingdom of “ foodscaping ” , a masterful portmanteau of landscaping and food horticulture that transforms your backyard into a delectable diverseness , offer a feast at your feet , and unfolding green carpets of sapidity , where beauty and premium thrive side by side .
sweep from vividflowering varietiestoresilient succulentsand enduringevergreens , ground cover plants , boasting come across efflorescence , appeal berries , charm leaves , fragrant scents , and year - round verdure , function as the unsung champions of ornamental garden .
@tonekroll
Typically , they are used to repress weeds , make out soil erosion , harbor neighboring plant from the harshness of winter , and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterfly stroke .
But wait , there ’s a luscious winding ! These land covers , when chosen to be edible , can ascertain a house in your veggie garden , blending aesthetic charm with delectable culinary benefits .
They wait on the same purpose as organic mulch but serve maximise productivity in your garden with less swither on your brow .
@tonekroll
Why not invite these low - growing edible blossom , herbs , fruit plant and veg to grace your garden course ?
Use them as an edible grass alternative , or as a ‘ living mulch ’ in your veg patches .
These edible support mulches and primer coat covers promise to breathe fresh life into your outdoor space and add a mouthwatering spin to your everyday meals .
*@wannabe__farmer_*
The Benefits of Growing Ground Covers
For folks in dry domain chivy by water system shortages , drouth tolerant ground covers are a fundamental feature in gardens that are contrive to fly high with little to no irrigation , also called xeriscapes .
These plants serve to preclude wet loss from the soil and can be grow on steep slope to help prevent erosion .
Once they are well - established , comestible earth cover plant can be quite low - sustentation and advantageous to your garden .
Some will repel cuss or act as a trap crop , meaning that insects will be attracted to them and leave behind your other works alone . Certain plants lure pollinators and other beneficial insects , which can amend yields of other crops .
You ’ll regain legion articles that tout the benefits of these low - develop flora circulate the net , but many offer unrealistic entropy and high-risk advice on how to mix these plants into your foodscape .
One of the more common myths about these ground hugging plants is that they will as if by magic eliminate the demand to weed your gardens .
@lianehuizen
certain , a well - establish ground cover planting can aid keep weed at embayment , but while it gets function you will want to keep on weeding , and to be entirely good , probably afterwards too .
How To Incorporate Edible Ground Covers into Your Garden
grovel plant are also said to be a great way to apply space underneath marvelous plants and this can be true . However , many of the recommendations for incorporate these plants in the garden are ill conceived .
You see , some plants will work synergistically when planted together , but some will actually be damaging to each other .
It ’s important to consider that many viruses , bacteria , fungi , and roundworm will affect several unlike types of plants .
So , you do n’t require to plant a flat coat book binding underneath another crop if it ’s likely to pass on disease or exacerbate pestis proceeds .
Otherwise you may have your strawberries unfold verticillium wilt , a eccentric of fungus , to your aubergine and end up with all your industrial plant dying .
When deciding what type of plants to pair together it ’s also critical to think realistically about their growth habits .
@environmentalysane
For example , planting ground covers with root crops is not very practical if you ’re not willing to dig everything up come harvest time time .
16 Edible Ground Covers to Spruce Up Your Vegetable Garden and Satisfy Your Palate
Here are 16 of the well eatable ground natural covering for your foodscape :
1.Strawberry(Fragaria × ananassa)
Low - originate strawberry are a terrific option for an eatable ground cover . In addition to produce the scented , juicy berries we all get it on and lie with , their leaves can be used in teas .
There are a few different types of strawberry you could select from . June - expect plants produce expectant yield and bigger Chuck Berry , just once a yr .
Ever - bearing plant life will make two small harvests , one in the spring and another in the former fall . Day - neutral varieties yield throughout the originate time of year .
@jaisheronda
June - bearing strawberry put out more runner than day neutral and ever - bearing varieties . These horizontal prow will build up roots where they hit the ground and grow into new plants , which can aid to satisfy out your ground cover .
strawberry should not be grown with tomato , potatoes , pepper , or eggplant , or planted where they have been for at least 4 years . These crops expect Verticillium tooth root rot fungus , which will destroy hemangioma simplex works .
Planting strawberries with Brassica oleracea italica is a gravid option , as it has been evidence to significantly reduce Verticillium in the stain .
@kovalev9049
Strawberries are also wondrous a ground cover charge in an asparagus bed , facilitate to retain soil moisture and reduce weed pressure for this perennial spring harvest .
2.Low Bush Blueberry(Vaccinium angustifolium)
Low bush blueberry , also called wild blueberry , is another delicious yield that can be grow as a ground cover . This low - growing , shrubby plant does maturate groundless in the Northeastern United States and Canada , but is also grow commercially for its sweet , eatable fruit
Though the Chuck Berry are smaller than the gamy bush blueberries you ’ll get on the market depot shelves , they are pack with flavor and rich in antioxidants .
The berries are enjoyed fresh , frozen , or preserved in jam , jelly , syrup , or vino . They can be added to muffins , flannel cake , pies , and other scorched commodity .
@ellefox88
The plant life are an attractive ornamental throughout the maturate season . In the give they produce cute toll - shaped heyday and get along fall , their glossy unripened foliation turns fiery shades of bolshie .
These stalwart little bush tolerate frost and can defy temperatures down to -20 F or more . This makes them a great edible ground concealment pick for those gardening in places that have harsh winters .
Commercial producer prune the plants on a regular basis to improve yield production . This is done in the early spring or late fall while the industrial plant is dormant .
@growit_01
Full sun exposure will also better output . Plants that produce along shaded wood edge or with heavy weed atmospheric pressure will produce fewer berries .
3.New Zealand Spinach(Tetragonia tetragonioides)
Despite its common name , New Zealand Spinach , is not , in fact , concern to spinach(Spinacia oleracea ) . However , it is an splendid replacement in culinary preparation and can be a great option for those wanting to grow tasty commons in warm climates and red-hot summer weather condition .
This bouncy , trail works produces an abundance of nutrient - rich , succulent leave of absence . It is sometimes eat unsanded , but due to high levels of oxalate , which can embarrass the eubstance ’s preoccupancy of essential minerals , it is best enjoy cooked , particularly if consumed in tumid quantities .
To prepare , moil the leave for a few minutes , discard the cookery water , cool in impudent weewee , and then prepare as you would spinach . This process reduce the amount of oxalate and allow the plant ’s nutrient to be more readily ingest .
New Zealand Spinacia oleracea will tolerate drouth , but it tastes well when it ’s water on a regular basis . Harvesting often will encourage the plant to produce fresh , lush leaves .
A lack of nitrogen in the filth can have the plant life to bolt , which makes it sample caustic , so be sure to offer fair to middling nutrient throughout the grow time of year .
4.Lemon thyme(Thymus citriodorus)
Lemon thyme is close concern to the kitchen herb we all recognize and love , but this species has a notable citrous fruit flavour and aroma .
It is an attractive plant that grows in scummy , dense gym mat . Several cultivars have vary , golden hue foliage that add to the plant ’s ornamental charm .
Like common thyme , it is a wonderful culinary herb and can be used to season seafood , chicken , and vegetables . It ’s a nice gain to soup , marinades , salad , sauces , and more .
@anneke_beemer
Because it does not require much piss , lemon thyme is a lovely option for xeriscapes , .
Thyme is a hardy flora and can outlive winters in USDA zones 5 - 9 . In zone 4 , it may need a bit of spare protection from the cold .
5.Wingpod Purslane(Portulaca umbraticola)
Wingpod purslane is a downhearted - maintenance sprawling plant with succulent foliage and bright , showy flowers in shades of pink , yellowish , red , orangish , and ashen .
This promiscuous - to - grow plant is not picky about grime case , but does n’t care wet foot and can be prostrate to root putrefaction . It can care hot temperatures and does n’t need much water .
Both the prow and leaves are comestible and have a sour , salty gustation . Wingpod purslane is rich in nutrient and can be enjoyed raw in salads , on sandwiches , and in sauce .
@learningherbs
The whole chaff can be stream or sautéed . It is used for thickening soups and stews due to its high gum content . The seeds are also eatable .
Though the plant is drought tolerant , even lacrimation will better its smack .
6.Nasturtium(Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium is a Peruvian native that is grown as a warm - weather annual in many home gardens . It makes a endearing wander ground covering that will also climb if trellis . With alone turn leave that calculate like tiny parasols and brilliantly colored flowers , this vining plant is a showy addition to any landscape .
The leafage , blossom , and seed pod of this attractive plant life are edible . They have a peppery look that is similar to watercress . Both the leave of absence and blossoms can be combined with milder greens , like lettuce , for a pretty and saporous salad .
The flower are add up to jelly , hot sauce , and cookies or infused in acetum for a tasty vinaigrette . The spicy leaves can be made into pesto , stuffed like dolmas or bring to budge fries , soups , quiche , bread , and more . The pickled unripened germ pods are often enjoyed like capers .
@plants_for_design
There are many different varieties of genus Nasturtium to choose from . The flower come in spook of pink , orangish , red , scandalmongering , or cream . Some cultivar have variegate leaves . Trailing or climbing varieties get quite big , so semi - trailing case may be better suited for small spaces .
Nasturtium is well-heeled to grow and can be started from seed . It can handle neglect and is fairly drouth tolerant . It is okay with some shade , but will flower more prolifically in full Dominicus . Fertilizing the plant will encourage folio growth , but will also reduce flower production .
7.Creeping Raspberry(Rubus hayata-koidzumi)
Creeping hoot is a fast mature and low - care perennial ground covering . It has crinkle leave and straggle , cane - similar prow covered in diffuse , flexible thorns .
Like many of its relatives , it produces delicious berry . They are xanthous to orangey Marxist in color and taste like raspberry bush .
In the crepuscule , the leaves turn shades of purple and scarlet , and observe these colour through the winter months .
@clove_livingmedicineapothecary
While creep raspberry is fair adaptable , inhuman hardiness can be an issue . This plant thrives in hot , teetotal status . It prefers not to be set in lactating , soggy ground or locations where it will be heavily watered .
8.Corsican Mint(Mentha requienii)
Also know as creeping mint , this perennial herb has tiny leave-taking and only grows about an inch tall . Despite its small stature , it is still powerfully redolent and flavorful , and smells similar to Eucalyptus amygdalina .
The leaves are used to flavour the alcoholic potable , crème de menthe , and can be used in a mixed bag of formula , include salad , boozing , sauce , teas , and more .
Corsican mint candy is perennial to USDA zone 6 , but can be produce as an yearly in cold zone and may self - seed if the condition are correct .
farm it where there is light invertebrate foot dealings , around stepping stones or bordering pathways , to enjoy a fresh minty aroma every time you take the air through the garden .
9.Baby sun rose(Mesembryanthemum cordifolium)
Baby Lord’s Day develop is an attractive low - growing works with shiny succulent leave and small , hot pink daisy - like flowers .
The leaf of baby sun move up are comestible and have a glowering , salty taste . They can be impart natural to salads or used as a beautiful , comestible garnish .
This fearless South African aboriginal makes a beneficial xeriscape industrial plant , as it is drouth tolerant and can treat being irrigate sporadically . When appropriate to circulate , it make a low - upkeep and lush unripe carpet .
@designerplannerhorticulturist
Planting it on usurious , dry slopes may help to forestall erosion . It is a good addition to coastal garden because it grow gayly in sandy soils and can treat piquant sea zephyr .
This plant does not like soggy , to a fault wet soil and will digest from source rot if it is kept too moist .
10.Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomile is a sweet odoriferous perennial plant life that mature in low , spreading mats . It is a well - make out herbaceous plant that is most commonly known as the main ingredient in a calming Camellia sinensis .
With feathery foliage and dainty white and white-livered peak that await like tiny daisy this herb is a impulsive addition to any garden .
It can also be found as a low - care lawn alternative . Unlike grass , it does n’t postulate to be mow , water , or fertilize on a unconstipated basis
To keep it growing crushed and bushy , trim the plants back when they depart to get grandiloquent and spindly . Picking the flower regularly will boost bloom production .
The prime are typically made into tea and can be used wise or dried .
11.Violet(Viola odorata)
Violet is a low - grow perennial with mettle mold leaves and sweetly scented , deep purple flowers . It is native to Europe and Asia and has naturalise in character of North America .
While modern day gardeners have largely forgotten this delicacy little plant , it is a hardy and attractive ground natural covering that deserves a stead in contemporary landscape designs .
If you live where violet uprise unwarranted , you may be delighted to regain that you already have them protrude up in your curtilage .
Both the flowers and leaves are eatable . The fresh tender young leave can be add to salads , sandwiches , wraps , and pesto . They can also be peeved or sautéed and added to a variety show of dishes .
The flowers can be used as a garnish and as a colorful addition to salads . They are wonderful in a variety of preparations , include jelly , syrup , and infused vinegar and spirits . The colourful peak are also lovely candied or frozen into ice third power to spruce up up cold drinks .
Violets are hardy and want little maintenance once established . In fact , they grow so well in some areas that they are actually considered a locoweed .
12.Gotu kola(Centella asiatica)
Gotu kola is a carrot family line plant that originate in the tropic regions of the mankind . This creep herb has small , round leaf that take care like short loving cup . In fact , gotu kola actually stand for “ cup shaped leafage ” in Sri Lankan .
The young leafage can be enjoy in salads or added to smoothies . The juice of the leafage is used to make a bracing , sugary green swallow that is popular in Thailand .
The plant revalue a warm sunny spot in the garden with nutrient rich , rich stain that drains well . It thrives with frequent waterings and regular diligence of liquid fertiliser , like compost tea .
As a tropical plant , gotu kola does not appreciate cold temperatures . It is sensitive to frost and will not survive cold freezes . It can , however , be grown as an annual plant life during the hot summertime months in regions that have rough winters .
13.Creeping rosemary(Salvia rosemarinus var. prostratus)
Creeping Rosmarinus officinalis is a popular eatable ground cover . It is really just a variety of Rosmarinus officinalis that has a “ prostrate , ” or depleted fabrication , growth drug abuse . This cultivar develop to about 1 foot tall and can spread 4 - 8 feet .
Overall , this Mediterranean aborigine is quite intrepid and can manage drought , some shade , many different soil case , and sea spray . It can endure some colder temperatures ( down to 15 - 20 F ) , but will not make it through harsh winters .
The plant wo n’t do well in sloshed , humid environment or clay grease . Overwatering can make pathetic works health and death .
Use this well - loved aromatic culinary herb in a variety of lulu . It adds marvelous flavor to chicken , roasted veg , bread , soup , sauces and more .
14.Chickweed(Stellaria media)
Chickweed ’s finespun leave of absence and dainty flower add a spot of magic spell to the garden .
This sprawling small industrial plant has succulent stems and is typically only about an inch marvelous . In moist , fertile ground it spread into lush , dense mats . It can tolerate poorer grime , but will stay on much smaller and more spindly .
Chickweed is a highly adaptable plant that has naturalize throughout the United States and uprise worldwide . It is a vulgar weed in many places and may already be drink down up in your thou .
The plant readily self source and can rootle along its creep stems . It spreads quickly and vigorously making it a great option for a luscious and low - care ground cover .
This nutritious herbaceous plant is edible and is best enjoyed fresh . tot up the greens to salads or use them like sprouts on sandwiches and wraps . It can be conflate into sauces and added to pasta or soup .
skirt also love chickweed . If you ’re raise chickens , you may give them the impudent leafy vegetable to advance their health and help meliorate testicle production .
15.Oregano(Origanum vulgare)
This pop culinary herbaceous plant makes an attractive and aromatic ground cover . Its pretty purple efflorescence summate a pop of color and attract beneficial pollinator to the garden .
Oregano does best in well - enfeeble , drier soils . It does n’t need a lot of nutrients and actually thrives in poorer soils . It is pretty drouth patient of . quash overwatering as it is susceptible to tooth root rot .
This low - maintenance herbaceous plant can handle both hot and cold temperatures . It is brave in USDA zone 4 - 10 , but can be grown as a summertime annual in cold climates .
The flora does not do well in high humidness and must have good airflow in humid climates .
Both the leaves and the prime are comestible . Their spicy herbal savour is a vernacular addition to pizza sauce , soup , bread , salads , marinade , sauces , and more .
16.Cucamelon(Melothria scabra)
Cucamelon bring out crunchy fruit around the sizing of a large grape that look like tiny watermelon and try out something like a turned cucumber .
This cucumber congeneric is develop as a summertime yearly across much of the United States .
Also known as mouse melon vine or Mexican morose cucumber , it has become popular among backyard gardeners and Fannie Farmer ’s market vendor .
It is value for its small , unique fruits that can be corrode raw , pickled , or added to stir fries .
While several gardening web site summons cucamelons or cucumbers as a good option for an edible background blanket , I mention them last because they ’re quite literally the lowest on my tilt of plants to practice for this purpose .
True , their sprawling habit means that they will cower across the soil , but if given the chance these plants prefer to go up . Which means that if grown as a earth cover with other plants near by , they ’ll be constantly endeavor to habituate them as a trellis and smothering them in the process .
Rather than being diligent about constantly pull down the vines as they try out to climb everything in the garden , I ’d much rather just get them with right trellises .
rise cucamelons vertically helps forestall fungal issues and also means a upright harvest , since slug will damage fruit laying on the soil . It ’s also much easier to spot and piece the fruits if they ’re hanging .
Edible land covers are a great selection for your foodscaping project . These low - growing industrial plant bring out tasty fruits , greens , and culinary herbaceous plant helping to cut food cost and adding beauty and connive to your yard .
Written By
Amber Noyes was born and raise in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a skipper ’s grade in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience work on an constitutive farm , water conservation research , farmers ’ markets , and plant life baby’s room , she understands what make plants fly high and how we can better translate the connection between microclimate and plant health . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves informing citizenry of new ideas / thing related to horticulture , particularly organic horticulture , houseplants , and turn industrial plant in a small place .
