The Home Growns
8. The Edible Garden Border
Let me tell you about my favorite garden discovery – turning those gorgeous ornamental borders into an edible paradise! I remember the day I learned that both sunflowers and zinnias were edible. Talk about a game-changer for my garden design approach!
Selecting Edible Varieties
When it comes to sunflowers, not all varieties are created equal for eating. I learned this the hard way after trying to munch on some ornamental varieties (rookie mistake!). Now I stick to varieties like ‘Mammoth Russian’ and ‘Black Oil’ for their delicious seeds. These beauties can grow up to 12 feet tall, creating a stunning backdrop while providing a generous harvest.
For zinnias, look for varieties that haven’t been treated with chemicals. I’ve found that the ‘California Giant’ and ‘Benary’s Giant’ series produce beautiful, clean flowers that make gorgeous garnishes for summer salads. The petals have a slightly sweet, mild flavor that’s perfect for decorating cakes or adding color to dishes.
Companion Planting Strategy
Here’s where things get really interesting! I’ve discovered that creating an edible border isn’t just about the flowers. I love weaving in herbs like Thai basil, oregano, and borage between the flowers. These herbs not only provide amazing flavors but also help deter pests naturally. Pro tip: plant borage near your sunflowers – the blue flowers are edible and attract tons of pollinators!
Designing for Easy Harvest
One thing that took me years to figure out (and several twisted ankles) was the importance of accessibility. Now I always create what I call “harvest paths” – stepping stones placed strategically through the border. I make sure these paths are at least 24 inches wide, which gives plenty of room to maneuver with a harvest basket.
I organize plants by height, with tall sunflowers at the back, medium-height zinnias in the middle, and creeping herbs at the front. This three-tiered approach makes it super easy to spot and harvest exactly what you need.
Maintenance Tips
The key to a successful edible border is regular maintenance. I dedicate about 15 minutes each morning to:
- Checking for pest damage
- Deadheading spent blooms
- Harvesting mature seeds and flowers
- Monitoring plant health
Remember to harvest your edible flowers in the morning when they’re freshest. I always give them a gentle shake to make sure there aren’t any little garden friends hiding inside!
Ready to discover another exciting garden design? Click ‘next’ to explore our Photography Garden layout, where I’ll show you how to create stunning backdrops for those Instagram-worthy garden shots. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the tips on capturing the perfect golden hour garden photos!
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