Florida Edible Landscape Designs

     The climate in Florida is perfect for growing a variety of edible plants that will add color, bring pollinators to your yard, and provide you with nourishment.  It is exciting to create a landscape design that is not only beautiful but maximizes the use of the space and gives you culinary additions in your kitchen.  Save on trips to the grocery store by utilizing plants that you and your family already enjoy.  Creating your edible landscape is a fun way to see your food’s entire life process. 
     
     When you create your edible landscape, you will want to consider your USDA planting zone.  In our area of Florida, we can range from 10a -11a zones, with 7 zones throughout the state of Florida.  Some plants may not do well in hotter or colder climates and some may offer variations that are more durable in specific zones. In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, you have many different options for fruit producing trees, all range in size, you will want to consider the best place depending on your preference.  You will often see Mango, Avocado, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Papaya, Plum, Banana, Loquat, Olive, Pomegranate, Fig, and Jackfruit trees throughout the neighborhoods in our area of Florida.  A variety of shrub options are available such as Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry Hibiscus, Prickly Pear, Mulberry, and Surinam Cherry.  Herbs can be grown in vertical gardens, raised beds or directly in-ground around other plants to add color.  Some of our favorite herbaceous plants to recommend are Rosemary, Lavender, Basil, Ginger, Lemon Grass, Mustard, and Tarragon.  Ground cover plants can include Melons, Oregano, Peas, Pineapple, Sweet Potato, Turnip, and Radish.  You can also include climbing plants for vertical areas such as Beans, Cucumbers, Grapes, Seminole Pumpkin, Passion Fruit, and Loofah. 

     Once you have selected the plants you want to cultivate, you will want to consider the location for each plant.  The right plant, right place is the cornerstone of any landscape design, you will want to choose locations that will provide the plant with the most success.  In When you are assessing your site, you should consider the slope and water flow, the sun’s path throughout the year, surrounding structures, wildlife, and the climate for your exact location.  Homes closer to salt water may have different soil and year-round climate than homes more inland and northern that may be prone to a freeze every so often.  When planting fruit trees, look above for power lines or other trees that may become future obstructions for your fruit tree.  Provide lots of room for your plants to grow by not planting them too close to houses or other structures.  Large trees will develop roots that expand underground, make sure your trees are far from underground electric or plumbing pipes.  For the best success, you will want to choose plants that thrive in your exact location. 

     When you design your edible landscape, you will want to think about the design in terms of layers and textures.  Typically, the canopy will be your focal point, producing beauty, shade, and food.  Shrubs can add texture and fullness to the mid-layer, while herbaceous plants can add color to the lower layer.  Groundcovers are a great addition to providing a stunning appeal and will act as a living mulch.  Create an elegant entertaining area by accenting a decorative trellis or arched walkway with climbing edible plants.

     Think about your main goal when designing your new edible landscape.  Do you want more privacy, edible treats, beauty, fragrance or all the above?  You can create a design that will continue to grow and be enjoyed for many years.  Experiment with new plants throughout the seasons and make changes as your gardening experience increases or tastes for edible plants expand. If you need assistance or would like to speak with a professional, we would be happy to provide an on-site consultation.  We look at your irrigation sources, site soil, climate zone, and site location to make the best recommendations based on your preferences and lifestyle.  Transforming your yard into a thriving, edible landscape that attracts pollinators and adds immense beauty is not expensive and will add enjoyment for years to come.