From Seeds to the Supper Table

Thursday, May 24, 2012 - 9:38 AM

(NC)—Whether you have a large plot or just a postage stamp, planting an edible garden is a deliciously rewarding culinary adventure that will have the whole family asking for seconds. Save yourself a trip to the produce aisle with these tasty ideas from the experts at The Home Depot's Garden Centre:

Planting for Taste and More

There is nothing like going out to the garden for dinner—whether it's for a few lettuce leaves, a cucumber or a handful of cherry tomatoes to toss into a salad. Growing local and savouring the fresh flavour of fully ripened fruits and vegetables is rewarding and something the kids will definitely enjoy. So go ahead and explore your local nursery for edible options that will add variety to your garden and dinner table.

Planting for Looks

You can have your garden and eat it too by incorporating edible plants into your ornamental landscaping. Flowers like red bee balm, roses (petals only), pansies and chamomile can be used in beds to add delectable colour—just make sure to confirm edibility with your local garden centre. Berry bushes like raspberry and blueberry can also work as hedges and ground cover. And don't forget the greens—kale cabbage and herbs add texture and taste to pathways and decorative urns.

Planting for Size

For a small garden that produces a lot try planting beans, peas, Swiss chard, a variety of tomatoes, and lettuce mixes. These can be potted in a container on a balcony or in a small green space in the front or backyard. If you have more space, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, carrots and leeks are good options that need a bit of room to grow. And if you plan to stay in your home or tend an allotment garden for a few years, edible perennials such as asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries will deliver every year.

More gardening ideas are available online at www.homedepot.ca/gardencentre

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