Not only does growing your own produce allow you to save on fresh, organic produce, but edible plants grow in a variety of shapes, colours and textures enabling you to cultivate a landscape that is as unique as you are. Lowe’s Seasonal Plants Expert Karey O’Halloran provides quick tips on selecting and growing the right edible plants for your garden.
• Most (but not all) vegetable and fruit plants require full sunlight- at least 4-6 hours/day
• Full sun vegetables and fruits that grow on the vine generally produce the most colour. Consider and assortment of bell peppers, eggplant, Hot House Tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries.
• Cool-season plants such as cabbage, kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and beans are versatile and can tolerate some shade.
• Vegetables and fruits will not grow in full shade
• Salad greens make for great edging plants as they are lush in colour and foliage.
• For small spaces- window boxes, hanging baskets, potted plants, and raised garden beds are versatile and can allow for great growing.
• Need shade? Consider planting a fruit tree in your yard. Apple, peach, pear, or apricot varieties are all great choices for Canadian climate and produce beautiful flowers. Keep in mind that falling fruit can be messy, and could attract pests such as flies and bees.
• To control pests, plant garlic bulbs sporadically throughout your garden. This will help ward off spiders, flies, and slugs.
• If you love flowers, consider growing edible varieties such as Pansy’s, Borage, or even Squash.
Photo. Congerdesign
Source: (NC) www.newscanada.com
