How to start landscaping with edible plants

By The Associated Press

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 24, 2008 at 2:36 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 24, 2008 at 2:36 PM EST

Helpful hints for landscaping with fruits and veggies:

LOOK AT YOUR YARD: Most edible plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day so avoid planting your fruits and vegetables in shady areas. And make sure it drains well.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED: Think about how much food your family can use before putting dozens of tomato plants around the yard. Of course, you can always share with neighbors or a food bank.

DRAW UP A PLAN: Decide what you want the plants to do. Want a shade tree? How about a couple fruit trees instead. Need privacy from the neighbors? A row of berries or a grape arbor might work.

DON'T SWEAT IT: Using vegetables to landscape can be as easy as putting a few vegetables among the flowers. It will take off from there.

START SMALL: Remember, you'll likely be watering, weeding, pruning and dealing with pests. So don't do too much if you're not sure how much time you can devote.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Browse through seed catalogs for ideas on what to plant. Several books written about edible landscaping also are helpful.

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