Sustainable living is all the rage these days, and for good reason; with the ever-increasing pressures modern living is putting on the environment, there is a growing need for everyone to contribute to a greener society. In support of this sustainable lifestyle, horticulture/ gardening, and especially edible gardening and foodscaping, are becoming very popular.

Over 52% of Australians are growing their own fruit and vegetables in an effort to contribute to affordable, healthy, organic and sustainable living. However, the benefits of growing an edible garden are not only limited to providing pesticide-free, organic nourishment; the activity reaps many other rewards.

These include:

• Food - readily available, fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables.


• Exercise – most gardening encourages physical activity that develops strength and flexibility.


• Relaxation – most people find gardening and spending time outside therapeutic and relaxing.


• Satisfaction – the feeling of satisfaction from nurturing a growing plant, and the feeling of pride when you can eat food from your own garden.


• Aesthetic value– a green space, no matter the size or type of garden, creates a sense of beauty, and many people love and admire their gardens throughout the seasons.


• Education – edible gardens educate people about various food sources and growth. This is especially valuable for children.

Plan your garden

You may be tempted to start digging immediately, but you should plan properly if you want your garden to yield good results.

1. Where to plant

The first step is to determine where you would like the garden to be. The best landscape position for an edible garden is an area that receives a large amount of sunshine during the day and is also sheltered from the wind. Many people place their edible garden in an area close to the kitchen, where it is convenient to reach.

Keep in mind that an edible garden doesn't have to grow outside or be very big. If you don’t have a suitable area outside for your garden ideas then you can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in pots, crates, planter boxes and containers. This is a great opportunity to recycle or upcycle old objects like wheelbarrows, buckets, flower pots and tins.

Many people are also making the most of their spaces with modern landscaping ideas such as planting vertical gardens. These gardens work well in apartments and city homes and can turn any wall into a beautiful feature.


2. Suitable soil

For optimal results you should plant your seeds and seedlings in favourable ground. This means the soil should have a neutral or slightly acidic pH level, drain well, and be rich in soil life and organic matter. There are a variety of tests and kits available in stores to help you determine the quality of your soil. Fertiliser and compost can be added to a garden to enrich its content, but if you are uncertain about correcting your soil to create the best growth conditions then it's advised that you consult a local gardener with the expertise to advise and assist you.


3. What to plant?

There is a large variety of edible plants that you can grow easily; some provide fruit while others have edible leaves and roots.

Many start off by growing a herb garden. Most herbs are easy to grow and make wonderful, flavourful additions to many dishes and salads. The most popular herbs are:



• Basil – a well known herb that’s commonly used in Italian dishes and with tomatoes in a salad.


• Parsley – a herb that’s easy to grow and often used as garnish.


• Coriander – a common ingredient in Asian dishes, and Mexican and Indian food.


• Mint – this herb grows well in shady areas and is used in savoury and sweet recipes.


• Rosemary – a herb that is popular in lamb and potato dishes.

Vegetables and fruit make a fantastic addition to an edible garden, and it can be as simple as growing tomatoes and strawberries in a few pots, or turning an entire yard into an edible garden that provides food for every season.

Carrots, lettuce, potatoes, beans and peas are all vegetables that grow easily and are simple to maintain. However, you don't need to limit yourself to only growing strawberries; citrus fruit trees can grow well in a garden or pot. Melons also grow well in the right conditions.

A popular culinary trend that has affected edible gardens is microgreens. These plants are the small, new shoots of vegetables such as beetroot, celery, lettuce and rocket, and are picked as soon as they start to grow. Microgreens are known for being especially healthy and packed with flavours. They are often used as garnish or as part of a salad.

Companion planting

Companion planting is an edible garden design that allows a variety of plants to grow optimally and in a way that deters pests naturally. Some plants go well together while others don’t. Basil, for example, will improve the flavour of tomatoes and repel mosquitoes and flies, but onions should be kept away from asparagus and peas.

These guidelines are great for a good start in creating and growing your own edible garden, but you may find that you require more information and assistance once you have mastered the basics. Some gardens also require more extensive planning and preparation for plants and herbs to grow well. If the above rings true to you, then it is best to consult an expert.