FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPING TIP #5 A GARDEN VARIETY
One of ten tips to turn your backyard into a unique space
While on the subject of outdoor kitchens, why not grow some of food in your own backyard garden? This is a perfect family activity, especially for young children who can use a home vegetable garden to learn where food comes from and how much better it can be when you produce it yourself.
Although modern landscapes do not typically provide space for a conventional vegetable garden, container gardening is another option which many find more advantageous. For instance, the soil warms quicker in the spring so you can extend your growing season and less time and effort is needed to work the soil and remove weeds as with conventional vegetable gardens. Further, because you can add a custom soil blend to the container/planter box, the optimal soil for drainage and fertility can be chosen. For kids, some of the best vegetables to plant are carrots, peas, salad greens, and strawberries. These can all be eaten straight from the garden and are easy to grow.
Tomatoes are another popular choice (but require a bit more attention with respect to water, fertilizing, pruning etc.), and even the smallest space can grow a pot or two of herbs. Consider a drip irrigation system to reduce maintenance and keep them in full sun close to the backdoor for ready use.
Originally published in Pools, Spas & Patios - 2017 Annual Issue.
Download the entire original article. Trends in Landscaping1.37 MB
