21 Edible Landscaping Ideas: Creative Ways to Grow Food in Your Yard
Lots of folks want to grow their own food, but they also crave a yard that looks, well, actually nice. Edible landscaping makes it easy to get both.
It’s all about blending flowers, fruits, veggies, and herbs so your outdoor space is beautiful and, honestly, pretty useful too.
Here are edible landscaping ideas for anyone hoping to create a yard that looks good and offers up fresh food. Whether you’ve got a tiny patio or a sprawling backyard, you’ll find something here that might just work for you.
dwarf apple trees in decorative containers
Your patio will look and feel brighter with dwarf apple trees in cheerful, patterned pots. Plus, you can’t beat the taste of that homegrown fruit.
edible groundcovers like strawberries
Swap out boring grass for a blanket of strawberries to bring in bursts of red and sweet, juicy fruits after harvest.
Kitchen Essentials like basil
Imagine stepping outside to snip fresh basil from tidy raised beds. This setup makes herbs easy to grow and even easier to enjoy in your daily cooking.
Lettuce Varieties
Why not let your greens be the star? These vibrant lettuce varieties double as eye-catching garden decor and delicious salad fixings.
edible herbs Lining Pathways
With aromatic thyme and other herbs lining your garden paths, every step will smell just a little bit magical.
Colorful Swiss chard
Bright stems of Swiss chard add a playful burst of color. They’re just as tasty as they are beautiful in any edible landscape.
Massive rhubarb
Massive leaves and red stalks give rhubarb bold visual impact. Plus, it’s a great perennial for pies and preserves—practical and pretty!
rosemary bushes Surrounding a Patio
Rosemary and other herbs blend flavor and fragrance, making it a great choice for the surrounding landscaping of your patio. It’s a brilliant way to enhance the beauty and usefulness of your lounging space.
mixed herbs in pots
Pots full of herbs bring versatility to small spaces. Group them together for a lush, movable feast that looks as good as it tastes.
Rows of Fennel and Herbs
Let fennel’s feathery fronds bring texture and flavor to your garden. This herb makes a charming statement visually while keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh seasoning.
Leafy Greens in Beds
Who says vegetable beds can’t be stylish? Mix and match leafy greens in visual appeal and easy care.
Peas on a wooden trellis
Try training your peas up a trellis for a vertical twist. It saves space and adds structure. Also, those hanging pods are super satisfying to harvest.
Dreamy Chamomile Groundcover
Delicate chamomile blossoms create a dreamy garden moment. Harvest the blooms for soothing tea or let them bloom wild for a cottage-garden feel.
edible flowers like Pansies
Pansies don’t just look pretty—they’re edible too! Tuck them among your veggies for a splash of cheerful color and a pop of floral garnish.
Spinach in shady spots
Nestle spinach into your garden’s shady nooks. This cool-season crop thrives under trees and keeps your greens coming longer into the season.
thyme In a Rock Garden
Tucked between warm stones, this compact thyme thrives in a sunny, low-water landscape. It’s perfect for dry climates—and your next roast chicken too!
Mint Patch
Fresh and fragrant, this mint patch doubles as a lush green border. Just a heads-up—it spreads fast, so corral it with edging if needed!
pumpkin vines as low groundcovers
Pumpkin vines are a great choice for edible landscaping as they sprawl across the ground and fill bare spots with wide, cheerful leaves. You’ll also love how the vines weave through the yard, creating a whimsical vibe and hinting at autumn before it even arrives.
scallions and chives in between paving stones
Why not plant between pavers? These sprightly chives add a playful pop of green and are always ready to snip into your next meal.
calendula alongside vegetables
Bright calendula blooms make veggie beds feel garden-party ready. Not just pretty—they’re edible and great for pollinators too.
