Edible gardens aren’t just a trend. They’re a sustainable, practical and deeply rewarding way to enrich your life and your living space.
It could be a single pot of basil on your windowsill or an array of raised beds bursting with fresh vegetables, edible gardens are achievable in any lifestyle. With some thoughtful planning and a bit of creativity, you can create an edible garden that is as bountiful as it is beautiful. And this guide will show you how to create your own edible garden.
But First, Why You Should Grow an Edible Garden
Other than its obvious benefits of fresh, homegrown produce, an edible garden can enrich your life in many ways: it’s a form of stress relief, it’s a way to connect with nature and it’s a chance to reduce your carbon footprint. Perhaps the most rewarding of all is sharing the fruits of your labour (literally!) with your loved ones. It's an experience you can’t fully appreciate until you've lived it first-hand.
The best part? You don’t have to compromise on style. Take this Bramhall garden in Stockport, where raised beds are filled with a vibrant array of colourful and practical herbs, including oregano, sage, lavender, rosemary and even wild strawberries to create a stunning contemporary garden that’s both edible and stylish. Similarly, in this Lydgate garden in Saddleworth, we created a garden stuffed full of edible plants that still maintains a beautifully designed aesthetic.
We hope we've inspired you to give it a try!
Step 1: Pick the Right Location
Most edible plants need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive—but don’t let limited light stop you! Many leafy greens like spinach, lettuce and certain herbs can grow well in partial shade, too.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
For large spaces: If you have an unused patch of lawn, raised beds are ideal because they provide excellent drainage and can be styled with materials like wood or stone to blend seamlessly with the rest of your garden.
For small spaces: If you’re working with a balcony or terrace, consider vertical gardening solutions like wall-mounted planters or tiered shelves.
For indoors planting: A sunny windowsill can host pots of herbs like parsley, thyme and chives, which can provide fresh flavour for your cooking as well as some delightful aromas to fill your home.
No matter the size of your space, there’s always a way to grow something beautiful and delicious.
Step 2: Plan Your Plant Palette
Choosing what to grow is one of the most exciting parts of creating an edible garden—in fact, any garden! First, opt for a mix of plants that you like to eat (of course), but also think about how they will create visual interest.
Below are a few of our top picks:
Leafy greens: Kale, spinach and lettuce are perfect for beginner gardeners, since they’re low-maintenance and grow quickly.
Herbs: Basil, mint and rosemary are fragrant and versatile, whilst purple sage or red-veined sorrel can add a pop of colour.
Fruits and vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, chili peppers and strawberries are not only packed with flavour and nutrients, but also visually striking.
Edible flowers: Nasturtiums, pansies and calendulas add vibrancy to your garden and can also be used to garnish salads.
Pro tip: Group plants with similar water and sunlight requirements together to make your edible garden easier to maintain.
Step 3: Choose Stylish But Practical Containers
Your choice of containers can impact both the functionality and aesthetic of your edible garden. The key here is to choose pots or planters that complement your home’s style while providing a healthy growing environment for your plants.
One of our favourites is classic terracotta pots. They’re timeless, elegant and fit well in both modern and rustic settings. Although, if you live in a region with harsh winters, make sure they are glazed or sealed. The porous nature of the material means that moisture can be absorbed, which may freeze and cause the pots to crack over time.
For a more contemporary look, consider something modern and minimalistic. Sleek, monochrome pots in black, white or grey can give your space a contemporary edge.
Maybe you’re creating an edible garden with the goal of becoming more self-sufficient, then it’s time to get creative with some upcycling. Old wooden crates, tin cans or even vintage teacups can lend a quirky charm to your garden, making it both sustainable and unique.
Remember! Whatever containers you choose, make sure they have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can damage your plants.
Step 4: Incorporate Design Elements
Edible gardens don’t just have to be practical—they can look amazing too.
To elevate yours so it also serves as a stylish feature in your home, start by considering symmetry and balance. Arrange your plants in symmetrical patterns or groupings to create a visually cohesive look. If you have room to play with, build vertical interest with trellises or frames to support climbing plants like beans or cucumbers. These structures can become a beautiful focal point in your garden.
Additionally, careful colour coordination can work wonders—match your containers to your outdoor furniture or choose plants with foliage and blooms that complement your space’s colour palette. Finally, don’t forget to mix textures by combining plants with different leaf shapes and sizes to add depth and dimension.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Don’t overlook the final touches, they can truly transform your edible garden.
If you have enough room, adding a seating area can turn your garden into a true retreat. Similarly, a small bench or a bistro set nestled amongst your plants will do the trick, providing a perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa or marvel at your hard work.
To make sure you get to enjoy your edible garden year-round, consider adding solar-powered garden lights or string lights draped around trellises to set the mood and create a cosy atmosphere, especially for evening gatherings.
For a more personal touch, label your plants creatively—chalkboard stakes, ceramic markers or wooden tags can double as decorative accents whilst helping you keep track of what’s growing.
Wait, What About the Aftercare?
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a thriving edible garden. Regular watering, pruning and harvesting will keep your plants healthy and productive. Gardening is a learning process, so don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks and take every challenge as an opportunity to grow—pun intended!
If you're reading this in winter, you might find our tips on getting your garden ready for spring helpful.
Create Your Own Edible Garden Today
With a little planning, your garden can be a source of fresh produce and ingredients. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some soil and start planting! For more gardening tips like this, check out our journal.
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