Ditch the Lawn, Eat Your Yard: Edible Groundcov...

Ditch the Lawn, Eat Your Yard: Edible Groundcovers for a Bountiful Harvest

Are you tired of the endless cycle of mowing, fertilizing, and watering your lawn, only to end up with a monotonous expanse of green that offers nothing in return? What if you could transform that space into a vibrant, productive landscape teeming with delicious herbs, flavorful greens, and beautiful ground cover? The answer lies in edible groundcovers – a sustainable and delicious alternative to traditional lawns. They require less maintenance, attract pollinators, improve soil health, and, best of all, provide a bounty of fresh ingredients right outside your door. Think of it: instead of a weekend chore, you could be harvesting thyme for your roast chicken or plucking sweet strawberries for a summer dessert, all from what used to be just plain grass! In this post, we'll explore the wonderful world of edible groundcovers, offering practical tips and guidance on selecting, planting, and caring for these versatile plants. Get ready to ditch the lawn and eat your yard!

Why Choose Edible Groundcovers?

The advantages of swapping your traditional lawn for edible groundcovers are numerous and compelling. Beyond the simple joy of harvesting fresh food from your doorstep, edible groundcovers offer a range of environmental and practical benefits that align perfectly with the values of homesteading and sustainable living.

Reduced Maintenance: Let's face it: maintaining a traditional lawn is a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavor. Edible groundcovers, once established, require significantly less mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Many are drought-tolerant and can thrive with minimal intervention. Think of the extra hours you'll reclaim for other backyard projects or simply relaxing in your cozy living space!
Food Production: This is the most obvious and exciting benefit! Imagine stepping outside your door to harvest fresh herbs for cooking, flavorful greens for salads, or sweet berries for snacking. Edible groundcovers offer a continuous supply of homegrown goodness, adding both flavor and nutrition to your meals. Embrace the joy of seasonal harvest, right in your own backyard.
Pollinator Support: Many edible groundcovers, such as clover and creeping thyme, are beloved by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By planting these, you'll be providing a vital source of nectar and pollen, contributing to the health and diversity of your local ecosystem. A pollinator-friendly garden is a thriving garden!
Improved Soil Health: The root systems of edible groundcovers help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and increase organic matter. As they grow and decompose, they contribute to a healthier and more fertile soil environment, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable home practices.
Weed Suppression: A dense mat of edible groundcover can effectively outcompete weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and manual weeding. This not only saves you time and effort but also creates a healthier environment for your plants and your family.
Aesthetic Appeal: Edible groundcovers can transform a monotonous lawn into a beautiful and unique landscape. From the delicate blooms of chamomile to the vibrant green of clover, these plants offer a variety of colors, textures, and fragrances to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
Regenerative Agriculture Aspects: Edible groundcovers contribute to regenerative agriculture by improving water infiltration, sequestering carbon in the soil, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. They promote a more holistic and sustainable approach to land management.

Traditional lawns, on the other hand, contribute to environmental problems through their reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, their high water consumption, and the air pollution caused by lawnmowers. Switching to edible groundcovers is a simple yet powerful way to reduce your environmental impact and create a more sustainable homestead. Concerns about foot traffic are valid, but choosing the right plants that tolerate some foot traffic such as Creeping Thyme, solves this issue.

Top Edible Groundcover Options for Your Homestead

The world of edible groundcovers is vast and varied, offering options to suit different climates, soil types, and culinary preferences. Here are some of the top choices for your homestead:

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This drought-tolerant, aromatic herb is perfect for pathways and rock gardens. Its tiny leaves release a delightful fragrance when stepped on, and it's a valuable culinary ingredient, adding a savory touch to meats, vegetables, and soups. Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Clover (Trifolium repens): Clover, especially microclover varieties, is a fantastic nitrogen-fixing groundcover that attracts pollinators and tolerates mowing. It's a low-maintenance option that improves soil fertility and provides a lush green carpet. Clover prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's great for those embracing farmhouse life aesthetics.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): With its delicate, daisy-like flowers and fragrant foliage, chamomile makes a beautiful and relaxing groundcover. The flowers can be used to make a soothing tea, and the plant is known for its calming properties. Chamomile prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Mint (Mentha spp.): (Use with caution, as it can be invasive!) Mint is a vigorous grower that spreads quickly, making it a good option for filling in large areas. Its aromatic leaves are perfect for teas, cocktails, and culinary dishes. Mint thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. Consider planting it in containers to control its spread.
Alpine Strawberries (Fragaria vesca): These tiny, flavorful berries are a delightful treat to harvest from your groundcover. Alpine strawberries have attractive foliage and spread readily, creating a charming and productive landscape. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Sweet Violet (Viola odorata): Sweet violet offers edible leaves and flowers, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. It is shade-tolerant and can thrive in woodland settings, making it a great option for difficult areas. The leaves can be used in salads, and the flowers can be candied or used to decorate desserts.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Both the flowers and leaves of nasturtium are edible, offering a peppery flavor that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches. Nasturtiums come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow from seed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Planting and Caring for Your Edible Groundcover Lawn

Establishing a thriving edible groundcover lawn requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Soil Preparation: Before planting, it's essential to prepare the soil properly. Remove any existing grass and weeds, and amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility. Compost is key for organic gardening. A soil test can help determine any nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed.
Planting Methods: Edible groundcovers can be planted from seed, transplants, or plugs. Seeding is the most economical option, but it requires patience and consistent watering. Transplants and plugs offer a quicker and more reliable way to establish your groundcover.
Watering and Fertilizing: Water regularly after planting to keep the soil moist until the groundcovers are established. Once they're established, most edible groundcovers are relatively drought-tolerant. Fertilize with compost or organic fertilizer in the spring to provide essential nutrients.
Weed Control: Weed control is crucial during the establishment phase. Mulch around the plants with straw or wood chips to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Regularly hand-pull any weeds that do emerge.
Mowing (if desired): Some edible groundcovers, such as clover and creeping thyme, can tolerate mowing. If you choose to mow, set the mower blade to a high setting to avoid damaging the plants. Mowing can encourage denser growth and prevent flowering (if you prefer a more uniform look).
Pruning: Pruning can help encourage dense growth and maintain the shape of your groundcover. Trim back any overly aggressive growth to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas.
Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your groundcovers regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, to address any problems. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. For example, use diatomaceous earth for natural pest control methods against slugs and snails.

Remember, regular observation and adaptation are key to success. Pay attention to your plants and adjust your care practices as needed. Consider using permaculture principles for beginners to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of your garden.

Incorporating Edible Groundcovers into Your Homestead Landscape

Edible groundcovers are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various areas of your homestead landscape. Here are some creative ideas:

Pathways: Plant creeping thyme or chamomile between stepping stones to create fragrant and inviting pathways.
Under Fruit Trees: Use clover or strawberries as a living mulch under fruit trees to suppress weeds, improve soil health, and provide a source of food for pollinators.
Around Vegetable Gardens: Create a border of nasturtiums or sweet violets around your vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and add a touch of beauty.
Slopes and Banks: Plant groundcovers to prevent erosion and stabilize slopes and banks.
Pollinator Gardens: Include a variety of flowering edible groundcovers in your pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Consider design elements like color, texture and height when planning. For example, if you are growing blueberries in pots, sweet woodruff makes a beautiful and functional groundcover as they thrive in similar conditions.

Transforming your lawn into an edible landscape is a rewarding project that can benefit both you and the environment. Start small, experiment with different species, and enjoy the fruits (and herbs!) of your labor. It's a fantastic backyard project for anyone interested in sustainable living. Now is the perfect time to start planning your edible groundcover lawn for spring planting.

Have you ever grown edible groundcovers? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! We are excited to learn what your favorite edible groundcovers are and any helpful tips you have.

Stay Updated!