Can’t decide whether to plant “pretty” plants or things you can eat? Limited time and/or space constraints? Want to put more “fun” in your gardening fundamentals? Then come learn the art of edible landscaping that mixes ornamentals, herbs, greens, and vegetables. Extension Master Gardener Alyssa Ford Morel presents easy techniques and inspiration for turning your yard into a delightful and delicious oasis!
Zoom session, January 22. 2021
Video of Presentation
Chapter Break
Additional Resources
Plant Lists
Resource Sites
- Companion Planting – Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Planting Dates for Arlington and Alexandria – MGNV
- Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Answers to Questions Raised in the Chat
Master Gardener Recommended Horticulture Best Management Practices – Vegetables
- Rotate crops to avoid the build up of pathogens and pests in the garden
- Test the soil to learn the pH and nutrients already present
- Determine soil drainage capacity before planting
- Utilize companion planting/intercropping to attract beneficial insects and to take advantage of symbiotic biochemical and cultural benefits
- Use cover crops/green manures to improve soil nutrients and structure
- Practice right plant, right place, in order to take advantage of garden microclimates- hot areas, light angles and moisture sinks, when planning your garden layout.
- Identify insects (friend or foe), diseases or weeds and susceptible life cycles and evaluate the extent of the problem before taking remedial action (using the least toxic alternative).
- Improve compacted soil by aerating, double digging
- Select cultivars of plants and seeds that are bred for resistance and tolerate local conditions.
- Plan and use sustainable practices (e.g. companion planting, succession planting, crop rotation) to improve plant quality and yield (“right plant, right place”) and reduce risk of pest damage.
- Use the “recommended planting dates” calendar to start, plant out, and harvest crops (“right time”)
- Till and aerate using French intensive methods (double digging) and avoid compression (use a digging board, permanent beds, paths)
- Attract beneficial insects, pollinators and natural predators, through use of “Farmscaping” techniques
- Provide a diversity of natural pollen with native plants for healthier pollinators.