Having edible plants in your garden can be a great way to add color and flavor to your yard. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, there are plenty of edible plants that are easy to grow and can be used for cooking and eating.
Dandelions
Whether you’re planting your own vegetable garden, or are simply looking for a way to use the abundant wild plants around you, dandelions are a nutritious and edible plant. They offer a continuous supply of greens, and they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
You can harvest all parts of the dandelion. The leaves and stems are both edible, and they can be used to create delicious recipes. The flowers are also edible, and can be eaten raw in salads or stirred into pancake batter.
In addition to their culinary uses, the leaves and stems of the dandelion are excellent sources of antioxidants. Their leafy stems are rich in vitamin A, manganese, and iron. The stems are also a good source of magnesium and calcium.
Red clover
Traditionally, red clover has been used as fodder for poultry and livestock. This common plant has been cultivated by many cultures, and it has been incorporated into food and medicine. It is an excellent source of nutrients, and is an excellent addition to the garden.
This edible plant is easy to grow. It will tolerate full sun, partial shade, and drought. It will also grow in soil that is low in nutrients.
Red clover is a legume, which means it has three leaflets that are 15-30mm long. The leaflets have a V-shaped top and are lighter green on the underside. They have an attractive clover-like scent.
Lamb’s quarters
Whether you’re looking for an edible plant for your garden or you’re a forager who has an interest in eating wild foods, you may be familiar with Lamb’s Quarters. Also known as wild spinach or pigweed, this herb grows in disturbed areas. It is considered a good source of protein, calcium and fiber. You can use the greens in salads, smoothies and soups. You can even eat it raw.
You can find Lamb’s Quarters in almost any state in the United States. It can grow to about seven feet in height. Besides growing on roadsides, it can also grow in disturbed land and in gardens.
Wild violets
Often called a weed, the wild violet is actually edible. The plant has a mild taste and is an excellent addition to salads.
The flowers are also edible. The color can range from white to purple. They can be used as a garnish to salads or to add flavor to syrup.
They are also known for their medicinal qualities. This herb has been used by Native Americans to treat headaches, cancer, eczema, and sinus infections. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
The leaves of the wild violet are a heart shaped leaf with scalloped edges. They are high in vitamin A and C, and they can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a sweet taste.
Nasturtiums
Whether you’re looking for pretty flowers or a tasty edible plant, nasturtiums are a great choice. They are an easy to grow plant and come in a variety of colors. They are also a good companion for tomatoes. They’re easy to harvest and can be grown in containers.
Nasturtiums have a peppery taste that is similar to radishes, and their leaves are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They’re also a natural blood detoxifier. This is why nasturtiums can be used as a seasoning for salads and vegetables.
When growing nasturtiums, make sure you have a well-drained soil. The plant needs to be watered regularly. They are also prone to aphids, which can cause crinkled foliage. You can spray with essential oils to kill them.
Cucurbits
Whether you are interested in growing vegetables in the backyard or for a front yard, cucurbits can be a great addition to your garden. Not only are they delicious, they can also be very easy to grow. In fact, the Cucurbitaceae family of plants includes several of your favorite fruits, such as pumpkins, squash, and melons.
Cucurbits are also popular in many cultures. They are typically annuals. They require a full sun and warm weather to flourish. In warmer climates, you can plant them as early as late summer.
Herbs with a lemony, sherberty taste
Adding lemony-tasting herbs to your garden is a great way to complement the flavor of citrus fruits. These culinary herbs are easy to grow and are packed with vitamins. They can be used to enhance meats, fish, vegetables, and salads. They can also be infused into vinegars for use as an aromatic condiment.
Lemon balm is a great choice for a culinary herb. Its fresh lemon flavor pairs well with poultry, vegetables, and even fish. It is also known for its therapeutic uses. Its citrusy scent can relieve stress and anxiety.