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How to Incorporate Edible Plants into Your Summer Garden Design

When planning your summer garden design, why not consider incorporating edible plants? Not only will they add beauty and variety to your garden, but they will also provide you with fresh and delicious produce to enjoy throughout the season. Here are some tips on how to incorporate edible plants into your summer garden:

1. Integrate Edibles with Ornamentals

One way to seamlessly incorporate edible plants into your garden design is by intermingling them with ornamental plants. This approach not only adds visual interest but also maximizes the use of space. For example, you can plant colorful Swiss chard or kale alongside flowering annuals or perennials. This way, you get to enjoy both the aesthetic appeal and the culinary benefits of your garden.

2. Create a Dedicated Edible Garden Bed

If you have enough space, consider creating a dedicated edible garden bed. This allows you to focus on growing a wide variety of edible plants without worrying about their integration with ornamental plants. You can design the bed in a visually appealing way by using raised beds, decorative containers, or even incorporating trellises for climbing plants like tomatoes or cucumbers.

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3. Utilize Vertical Space

Make the most of your garden’s vertical space by growing edible plants that can climb or trail. This is especially useful if you have limited ground space. Install trellises, arbors, or hanging baskets to support plants like beans, peas, or trailing herbs such as thyme or oregano. Not only will this add visual interest to your garden, but it will also provide you with a bountiful harvest.

4. Mix Edibles in Containers

Containers are a versatile option for incorporating edible plants into your garden design, especially if you have a small outdoor space or only a balcony or patio. Choose containers of various sizes and shapes and plant a mix of herbs, salad greens, and compact vegetable varieties. This way, you can easily move the containers around to optimize sunlight exposure and create an attractive display.

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5. Consider Companion Planting

Companion planting is a gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to benefit each other. Incorporating companion plants in your garden design can help deter pests, improve pollination, and enhance overall plant health. For example, planting marigolds alongside tomatoes can help repel harmful insects, while growing basil near peppers can enhance their flavor. Research companion planting combinations that work well with the edible plants you want to grow.

By incorporating edible plants into your summer garden design, you not only create a visually appealing space but also provide yourself with a sustainable source of fresh and nutritious produce. Whether you choose to integrate them with ornamentals, create a dedicated edible garden bed, utilize vertical space, mix them in containers, or practice companion planting, your garden will be a delightful and fruitful haven.

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Keywords: plants, garden, edible, design, containers, incorporating, companion, planting, summer