Did you know your front yard is probably full of edible plants?
Here at Roots Down, we want you to have an abundance of fresh foods at your fingertips that are nutritious and delicious, but will also help the environment. These beautiful perennials will act as decorations for your house and nutrition for your body.
1. Chives
Chives are an amazing plant to grow in the spring/ early summer season. They’re a member of the onion family and that sprouts beautiful petals. They sprout best in the cool season. Chives are easy to grow but may take up your whole front yard if you’re not careful. Read up on chives in order to avoid having your neighborhood smelling like onion breath. Read It’s about to smell a lot like onions (a cautionary tale).
2. Chickweed (make pesto!)
Chickweed’s name does not do it justice. It’s not a useless growth to your garden but a useful addition to your diet. Chickweed is another cool weather plant that is as beautiful as it is edible! The European native plant was brought to America and loves the temperament of the Southern Appalachian area. With its excellent source of vitamin A, C, and B, Chickweed is a delicious addition to meals. They can be used as sprouts, salad, and a base for some pesto! Click here for a recipe! As chickweed is best when most fresh and just harvested, this beautiful plant will reduce random trips to the store for a single ingredient.
3. Wild Strawberries (not as tasty but super nutritious)
We all know strawberries are the winners when it comes to the beauty pageant of fruits! Indian mock strawberries could be the pop of color your front yard needs. In addition, Indian mock strawberries have yellow petals. Although their beauty will have you fooled, they are not tasty. However, they are extremely nutritious. According to Eattheweeds, they have 6.3 mg of Vitamin C per 100 ml of juice. Indian mock strawberries are easy to grow and require some space, but it is worth it to eventually add to a smoothie or tea!
4. Dandelion (wine, salad greens)
Dandelion season is upon us, but you probably already knew that by looking at your yard. Instead of taking the time and stressing to get rid of them, add them to your dishes to nutritiously spruce up your meals. Dandelion has double the amount of iron as spinach, and your daily intake of vitamin K. Add some extra flavor to salads by throwing in some of the darker green dandelion stems to the bowl. Also, dandelions are excellent for drinks. Ever heard of dandelion wine? Soak the fresh dandelion in hot water and strain for the best dandelion juice to start you off. The best recipe will make this your new favorite wine! Click here to try it out!
5. Broadleaf plantain (edible but also great for erosion control)
Broadleaf plantains are multipurpose plants, which is excellent because they can grow all through the spring and summer! The plants are packed with vitamins A, C and K and minerals such as silica and calcium. They are used to heal wounds and treat digestive issues. Broadleaf plantains have green oval-shaped leaves with string like veins that mock celery. Although they are edible, they are great for erosion control. The beautiful perennials hold soil together preventing erosion. It’s beneficial to let them die and regrow to add nutrients to the soil.
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