Beautiful edible landscaping depends on healthy soil. It doesn’t necessarily mean the finest loam. Healthy soil means not using pesticides, synthetic chemicals or excessive amounts of ice melts in the wintertime. Everything we decide to put on our lawns, sidewalks, driveways and plants are capable of causing detrimental consequences.

Soil organisms and microorganisms within the soil will be effected by what we use. Nature has a cycle which does not pollute or damage our earth in any way. It has been provided to produce healthy food and water which sustains our lives. We need to learn to work with our earth not against it. The earth does not need us...BUT we need it!

Plants depend on the organisms in the soil to breakdown substances (mulch, compost, organic fertilizers, etc.) into usable minerals for plant growth and health. Soil contains fungi that help plants. It houses organisms readily identifiable such as earthworms, as well as microorganisms ( bacteria, microscopic nematodes, etc) which without a microscope we never see. But out of site does not mean they should be out of mind. These organisms are vital to our plants thus to our health and well-being.

If we desire edible landscapes we want the healthiest food to feed our families. We even want healthy edible “weeds” (as some call them). Personally to me there are no “weeds”, just plants where I don’t want them. Certain plants have become invasive in areas because they have been introduced into environments without controls to keep them in check. Our society is based on industry not agriculture as in the past. Therefore some plants once used for food have now become invasive.

Take garlic mustard. It was brought to this country as people immigrated and used for food. Now it is invasive because the majority of people do not eat it. But with careful consideration and diligence even so called “weeds” can add beauty to a landscape. I am not suggesting we grow garlic mustard, because at this point it is destroying natural habitats for native plants. But if you find some, eat it! Not only will you be helping the environment but you’ll have something to eat.

Another example is the dandelion- people have been pulling, boiling, dousing them with chemicals and pesticides for years. We still see dandelions all over. It really bespeaks of this plants tenacity to survive such an onslaught. Dandelions are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Many of our pollinators utilize dandelions at a time when not much else may be in bloom, particularly bees.

So it really behooves us to consider a so called “weed” as a friend not a foe. If everyone went out to pick dandelions to eat, their numbers could be controlled. They wouldn’t take over the yard! Personally I keep them out of my front yard by eating them. If you do not let all of them go to seed you are in control. It is a matter of changing our mindset.

The onslaught of chemical warfare continues to poison our soil and water supplies. Without food and water we will die, plain and simple. Without earthworms and soil microorganisms to supply the needed nutrients for our food crops we won’t have healthy plants. If man was allowed to keep polluting the earth, at some point we would have no plants. No plants, no meat , no food….no life. The cycle of life is intrinsically linked with plants. So maintaining and protecting our soil is in our best interest.

Maintaining our edible landscape organically will protect and provide all soil organisms, microorganisms and fungi with environmentally safe nutrition. Healthy soil is teeming with life. We will have beautifully landscaped yards that will supply healthy food. Our soil will be alive, vibrant and sustain our lives. What more could we ask?

Cat