Although, I know it’s a little late in the season to be planting some of these plants, from seeds, but you may still be able to find plants that would give you a bit of a jumpstart. Most edible landscape gardeners are keenly aware of nutrition, and the many benefits that growing your own produce and other edibles provide. So here are my 7 Super Healthy Landscape Plants You Can Eat!
1. Tomatoes
As one of the most popular plants to grow in your garden, tomatoes have a wide variety of uses. Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which helps prevent cell damage in the human body. Made into tomato sauce, added to any side dish, or even eaten plain with a shake of salt… you will never run out of uses for this delicious plant. Try to grow at least one tomato plant, which will yield many of these beauties. i love tomatoes. Cooked, raw, in salads or sauce.
2. Eggplant
Add a deep, beautiful purple hue to your edible landscape with eggplant. This makes a beautiful border for any garden area. Full of fiber, and containing iron, calcium and phytonutrients, it makes a healthy addition to whatever you happen to be cooking. Eggplant is the main ingredient in the popular dish of ratatouille, and is a delicious addition to many other meals. I’ve never personally been an eggplant fan, but I have used it in recipes and it really does make a pretty addition to your garden.
3. Peppers
Every edible landscape should contain at least a few varieties of peppers. From bell peppers to hot peppers, sweet to spicy, there is at least one kind to suit each gardener. A vast array of colors can be enjoyed, depending on the type. Peppers contain many nutrients, including Vitamins C and E, as well as a variety of carotenoids. My hubby and I really don’t care for hot peppers, but he loves his Bell peppers
4. Berries
Be sure to include berries in your edible landscape. Whether your priority is beauty or nutrition, you cannot go wrong. Raspberries are full of Vitamin C and B6, and contain a significant amount of manganese. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and contain Vitamins C and K. Eat them plain, sprinkle them on yogurt, or add them to smoothies for a burst of nutrition and flavor. I’m lucky enough to have both blackberries and rasberries in my yard.
5. Apples
Because they grow on trees, apples make an aesthetically pleasing addition to your edible landscape by providing a variety of plant heights in your garden. An apple tree will provide shade for low plants that require it. Apples are a great source of a type of fiber called pectin, and are one of the most versatile and well-liked fruits available. They also contain quercetin, which gives your immune system a boost and helps prevent allergies.
6. Zucchini
Zucchini adds an interesting twist for your edible landscape. They provide potassium, and Vitamins C and E. Zucchinis are low in calories yet filling, as the peel provides fiber. Cook them, or shred them and use them in the baking of breads and muffins for a healthy filler. My favorite way of using them is spiralizing them into zoodles, (noodles) and using them as a healthier alternative to regular gluten-free noodles in recipe.
7. Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb that is a nice addition to your edible landscaping adventures. Cilantro is a heavy metal detoxifier, and has been shown to inhibit oxidation, which helps preserve any food it is added to. Use cilantro to create a tasty, homemade salsa, or add it to soups and meat dishes. I am not a fan of cilantro. In fact I think I’m one of those few people that finds it tastes like soap, but my hubby likes it and has used it to chelate heavy metals from his body.
Edible landscaping pleases all the senses. It is also a super way to provide great nutrients to your family. Try some of these plants as they are among the healthiest additions you could have in your edible landscape.
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