Edible Garden Plants from Your Yard

Dandelion Plant

Dandelion perennials have bright yellow, disk-like flowers atop slender, green stems with jagged-edged leaves that form a rosette at the base. While it is often considered a weed due to its rapid growth and ability to spread, it possesses several characteristics that can benefit landscaping. Dandelion (Taraxacum) Plant Can Reach 1 Feet Tall Dandelion plants can reach a height of eight to 12 inches and have a rosette of leaves around a deep taproot. The leaves are sleek and feature acute indentations without any visible hairs. They have lance-, rectangular-, or spatula-shaped foliage and flower heads covered with ray petals. Their blooms, which can grow up to two inches long, are a single shade of yellow and sit on a sturdy, hollow stem. Although they bloom from April through September, they're most noticeable in May and June. Well-established dandelion plants sometimes bloom twice, once in the spring and once in the fall.  Improve Soil Quality With The Dandelion Plant They have roots that spread wide. This loosens hard-packed soil and increases aeration, making it healthier. Their roots extract calcium and potassium from the earth, making these vital nutrients available to nearby flowers. Because their roots also hold the soil together, these flowers help prevent erosion. Dandelions Grow Best In Full Sun The dead foliage adds organic matter to the soil and provides essential nutrients for grass to grow strong and green. Their wind-aided seed distribution and cross-pollination capabilities also make them useful for fertilizing grass. About nine to 15 days after the yellow flowers appear, they reveal a white puffball, a fuzzy pappus. The wind carries bits of the fuzzy pappus containing seeds as part of the flowers' reproduction process. Hummingbirds, mainly, like these fuzzy seeds and use them to build nests. Pollinators Rely On The Dandelion Plant In early spring, many pollinators rely on them for their nectar. While some can yield as many as 400 seeds, the typical yield is 180. Pollinators like ladybugs, honeybees, and moths play a crucial role in pest control by eating, weakening, and killing garden pests. What is the best fertilizer for the dandelion plant Dandelion plants are generally hardy and, hence, require minimal to no fertilization. However, if you need to, you can use organic fertilizer and a balanced fertilizer to boost the blooms.  Is the dandelion plant easy to maintain?  Dandelions are generally low-maintenance plants. Water the plant during dry periods to promote its growth.  What are some companion plants for the dandelion plant Other plants benefit from the deep taproots of the dandelion that help in aerating the soil. Plant dandelions with tomatoes and spinach in the home garden. Dandelions spread quickly therefore, avoid interplanting with other crops that compete for space.  Where does the dandelion plant grow best?  These plants are adaptable to a variety of conditions. Dandelions can grow in sandy and clay soils and also adapt well in full or partial shade.  Can I grow the dandelion plant indoors Dandelions can be grown in containers. Use a grow light or proper sun exposure. Ensure the containers have well-draining soils.

Mulberry Tree

The Mulberry Tree has lobed leaves, often found in various species such as white, red, or black mulberries. It produces sweet, berry-like fruits that vary in color, providing shade and a tasty harvest for many. The tree is a timeless and multifaceted addition to landscaping, bringing many benefits beyond its ornamental appeal. Its majestic stature and distinctive foliage make it an excellent choice for enhancing outdoor spaces, offering aesthetic and functional advantages. In terms of aesthetics, it boasts a unique and elegant appearance that can complement various landscaping styles. Its broad canopy and lush green leaves provide ample shade and create a tranquil ambiance, making it an inviting spot for relaxation, gatherings, and outdoor activities. The Benefits Of Planting Mulberry Tree (Morus) Functionally, it offers numerous benefits. Its dense canopy provides adequate shade, helping to mitigate the harsh effects of sunlight and reducing temperatures in its vicinity. This feature creates a more comfortable outdoor environment and contributes to energy savings by lowering cooling demands for nearby buildings during hot seasons. Moreover, the Tree's roots help prevent soil erosion, stabilize the soil structure, and improve water retention, which is advantageous for controlling runoff and maintaining healthy soil conditions in landscaped areas. The tree also supports local wildlife by providing a valuable food source. Birds, such as robins and cedar waxwings, are particularly drawn to its fruit, enhancing biodiversity and creating a harmonious ecosystem within the landscape. Additionally, the Tree's leaves serve as food for certain caterpillars and insects, further contributing to the diversity of local fauna. In conclusion, its role in landscaping transcends mere aesthetics. Its stature, shade provision, and positive environmental impact make it a valuable asset to any outdoor space. Combining its ornamental appeal with its practical benefits, this Tree is a testament to nature's ability to enhance our surroundings' beauty and functionality. Improve Your Landscape With Mulberry Tree The presence of Mulberry Trees in your environment improves the look and feel of the area. A tree even gives you a lovely shade since it grows tall and has large spreading canopies. The tree grows to provide an excellent relaxing spot for the summer. The tree sheds off its leaves in colder seasons, allowing you to experience the little sun available. You will love the berries these trees produce as they are sweet and can be eaten straight out of being picked. The berries even improve the appearance of the tree. When ripe, mulberries are dark and juicy and give out a great flavor. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy these fruits and even use them to make jams and desserts. Unlike other trees, the mulberry grows fast and can produce fruits after only two years. The Fruit Of The Mulberry Tree Typically, different trees produce fruit after ten years or so. After its second year, your tree will keep increasing its fruit production and reach its maximum sometime in its tenth year. The trees are pretty hardy and can grow in poor conditions. The tree can tolerate many types of soils, environments, and weather conditions. Interestingly, deserts and the hot tropics are the only known challenging climates for the tree. They are usually capable of surviving arid seasons and can even tolerate the coldest of temperatures. Mulberry Trees Increase Soil Health Mulberry trees attract lots of animals and insects, and these can help beautify your property to a significant extent. Beautiful birds and insects perch on the tree to get to the berries. This is the reason why nature lovers appreciate this tree. If you own a farm or other plants, the tree can also distract animals from eating your food. The berry production of the trees is enough to feed the birds, insects, animals, and even you. What is particularly famous about the mulberry tree? It is a well-known producer of sweet, nutritious berries and is also linked to the raising of silkworms. It provides food to the silkworm and hence is an important tree in the textile trade, being that the leaves of this tree are consumed by the silkworms, particularly the white mulberry tree.  What are the best conditions for mulberries to grow?  The best mulberry soils are loamy and rich, and they prefer lots of sunshine (although the trees like a little shade too). It's classified as relatively drought-tolerant, with the exception of being planted somewhere that is at least a little out of the way of high winds.  When should one water mulberries?  Water the mulberry trees only once per week for the rest of the year, especially when newly planted or during drought. Fully grown trees are more resistant to lack of water but still depend on irrigation to boost the production of fruits.  How do you make mulberries last longer?  To prolong the shelf life of mulberries you should store them dry and without washing in a sealed and cold pack. When storing the berries for a long period, spread them in a tray, then put them inside a freezer bag before freezing.

Plum Fruit Tree

Plum fruit trees produce smooth-skinned, juicy produce with various colors, including red, purple, and yellow, typically surrounded by oval-shaped leaves. They are versatile and attractive types with numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. With its ornamental features and adaptability, it can enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces.  Plum Fruit Trees come from one also known as Prunus domestica, and they will give you plenty of them after the first three to six years. When one of these deciduous plants is first planted, they'll appear shrub-like. However, it's important to note that most varieties are trees.  The Flowers Of The Plum Fruit Tree (Prunus domestica) Although most people plant one of these to receive free produce, there is much more for you to enjoy. For instance, they flower during the springtime. Each cluster of primarily white flowers also contains light green and little yellow balls that attract pollinators. Interestingly, the flowers will appear before the foliage arrives. As clusters, several clumps of flowers will be mashed together to create visual appeal. Shortly after the flowers make their appearance, you'll begin to notice immature leaves. These leaves grow in little clusters, and their bright, vivid green coloring will transition into a slightly softer green as they age. Each leaf starts larger at the base before tapering into almost a point. They have ridged edgings, along with some natural variations in tone. The Fruits Of Plum Fruit Trees Once the flower clusters die away, they'll be replaced by plenty of fruits. These are spherical or oval in shape, and they grow up to three inches wide. It goes through a massive color change to help designate whether it's ripe. When it's green-toned, it is not ripe yet. In this state, they can almost blend in with their surrounding leaves. Eventually, though, they'll change into a purple or reddish color. Not only will their new coloring make them pop, but it's also an indicator of ripeness. Different Varieties Of Plum Fruit Trees There are two major categories of Plum Fruit Trees: Santa Rosa and Methley. Within these categories are found subcategories, and the specific type you plant will determine their exact coloring. Regardless of which type you plant, you can look forward to many fruits. They will pay for themselves over time and are quite attractive to boot! Do plums grow in America? Yes, the plums are grown throughout America, and there are different plum types for different zones. They are grown for commerce and local consumption in yard and garden plantings, primarily in California and Michigan.  Where do plum trees grow best?  Plum trees bear best in slightly alkaline soil which should be well drained with good exposure to sunlight. These trees prefer areas with moderately cold winters and relatively higher temperatures during summer, a condition prevailing in temperate climates.  What is special about a plum tree?  Plum trees are particularly valued for the use of both fruits and ornamental importance when in blossom during spring. Peaches are edible fruits used raw and baked as well as used to make conserves and jams.  Where are plums grown in the USA?  Commercial plums are mostly grown in the US, especially in California, because of its mild climate. The other big states are Michigan, Oregon and Washington.  What is the best climate for plum trees? Outside of these parameters, plum trees prefer moderate winters and warm summers to get the right climate for growth. These trees depend on the chilling hours to set fruit, hence suitable for regions with relatively moderate cold winters.

Chicory

Chicory's vibrant blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, fostering biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystem. As pollinators visit, the plant blooms; they also pollinate nearby plants, enhancing the overall fertility and productivity of the landscape. This plant is known as the "blue daisy" for its attractive round blue flowers with a petal and sepal pattern similar to daisies. The plant is also known to have white or pink blooms, but these examples are rare. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Perennials Close Midday and Open In the Early Morning Hours Chicory grows to 5 feet tall but is most commonly about 2 feet tall. When grown close together, the light blue flowers form a canopy, creating a pleasing focal point in any garden. Being blue, these flowers mesh well with other blue varieties, such as California bluebells or Northern Blue Flags. Because blue daisies are lighter, you can ring them around any flowers of darker blue to create a visual transition to flowers of other colors. All Parts Of Chicory Are Edible  These flowers have different leaves based on how old they are. In their first season, leaves form at the base of the stems. These attractive, curly leaves can grow about a foot long and create a separate focal point for the blue flowers. During their second or any following season, the leaves are smaller and grow further up the stems. Unlike many other plants, blue daisies lack petioles, so the leaves seem to clasp the stem lovingly, which creates a sweet effect. The Blooms Of The Chicory The flowers of this plant only last one day, but the plant grows new flowers every day throughout the spring and summer. The flower buds generally open at or shortly after dawn, and by sunset, the flowers are closing again as new ones prepare to open the next day. It's possible to take time-lapse photos or videos of these flowers and see them "wink" throughout the day. This charming phenomenon is not unique to blue daisies but is particularly noteworthy among these flowers. Pollinators Love Chicory  Even though Chicory blooms only last a day or so each, they are still an essential nectar source for pollinators like the bumblebee and certain butterfly species. Generally, these insects will flock to a cluster of blue daisies in the early afternoon. These plants are pretty hardy, too, so in addition to being good-looking, they prevent soil leaching and erosion and contribute to the health of any garden. What is a chicory plant? lololololololololololololololololololo Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is an ephemeral plant with glossy blue flowers. Chicory is mainly used as a plant ornamental, adapts to almost any soil, and it looks beautiful and pretty in gardens. How to tend a chicory plant?  Chicory doesn't require much care to grow and you can grow it quickly. It likes full sun and is adaptable to most soil types. Regularly water the plant, but don't over-water because it is drought tolerant.  Can I plant chicory in a pot?  This plant grows easily in pots. The pot must be drained and able to take the taproot growth. When will chicory flower?  Chicory flowers in mid- to late-summer and produce vibrant blue flowers. It may take 3-4 months from seed to flower, depending on the climate in which it grows.  Can chicory draw pollinators?  Chicory flowers blue, and pollinates with bees, butterflies and other insects. It is good for encouraging biological diversity in one's garden and for the protection of native species.