The Garden
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Need opinions on edible landscaping
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Need opinions on edible landscaping
I am thinking about ripping out some nadina’s next to the house and replacing them with plants that produce something useful and look (reasonably) attractive at the same time. Small yard, gotta use the space you have. Some details that may affect your suggestions: My suburban house faces almost due East, we get ~50 inches of rain a year, 200 growing days, zone 7, upper 90’s in mid summer and at least one day 100+ most years. I am in an HOA but I’d prefer to kind of blend in.
So what could I plant in the place of the nandina’s that would do more than just take up space?
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8 Replies
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How about blueberry bushes? They are nice looking once established and give you the edible landscape you are looking for. I would do a little research as there are different types and you would need at least two different varieties for fruiting.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by DebbieS.
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That is what I’ve been considering. Do you know if they’ll accept being pruned into shape? I’d like for them to go no higher than the windows on the house which are about 4 1/2 feet off the ground.
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I agree with Rusty Gates, check that your soil is acidic enough so you can amend it if needed. I use Hollytone, epsom salt and pine straw at the moment. I just planted mine last Fall and am learning. I got blueberries the first year. I live in NC, zone 7b and I pruned the newly planted bushes on Feb. 25th. In my notes from the info I gathered online I wrote prune between Dec-March. Remove growth close to the ground. Make sure light can penetrate the center. Remove crisscrossing branches. Fertilize in early Spring BEFORE leaves have grown in. Feed again in late Spring. Rabbiteye varieties need other Rabbiteye to pollinate. Check out Deep South Homestead’s video’s. Danny and Wand have great information. Good luck and post a follow up with what you get!
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
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Just noticed it says I’m in an HOA. Should be I am NOT in an HOA….
Couldn’t get it to let me edit, maybe because I already edited for another error. Proof reading is a skill I do not have.
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I agree with blueberries, first and foremost check your soil PH where you want to plant them, 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal. I live in Tn zone 7a I’ve got 300 blueberry plants. My best preformer is a rabbit eye verity called Premier. But any rabbit eye will work. I also have some northern high bush that do well in my area and tolerant cold winters very well. Good luck with whatever you choose. Also look into asparagus!
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I would also consider some natural medicinals. Many are plants that are already popular – hyssop, rudbeckia, lemon balm, etc.
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Thanks for the heads up on that.
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