If you're looking to maximize your gardening space in containers and small areas, consider the innovative approach of edimental gardening. This trend focuses on selecting plants that are not only edible but also ornamental, allowing you to enjoy both practicality and beauty in your garden. Landscape designer Kate David shared a great idea with HGTV: a combination of snow peas, baby lettuce, and violas for a spring container garden that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. "It's the perfect marriage of beauty and function," she remarked.
The term edimental was popularized by Stephen Barstow in his book "Around the World in 80 Plants" in 2014. By integrating plants that are both aesthetically pleasing and tasty, gardeners can create charming container displays filled with homegrown food. The key is to choose plants that not only complement each other visually but also thrive together in the same environment. Snow peas, baby lettuce, and violas, as suggested by Kate David, are an ideal trio for edimental containers due to their similar growing requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cultivating Snow Peas, Lettuce, and Violas
If you're considering planting a container garden this spring, snow peas, lettuce, and violas are excellent choices. These cool-season plants can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for early spring. They all prefer temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit but struggle once the mercury rises past the mid-80s. These plants also share similar soil preferences, thriving in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and a slightly acidic pH. Just be cautious not to over-fertilize, especially with violas, as they can be sensitive to excess nutrients.
For optimal growth, place your container garden in a spot that receives full sun, particularly during the cooler spring months. While violas and lettuce can tolerate partial shade, snow peas may struggle to produce without sufficient sunlight. As temperatures climb into the 80s Fahrenheit, consider moving your container to a shadier location to extend the lifespan of your lettuce and violas.
Combining snow peas, lettuce, and violas in a container is not just about their similar growing conditions, but also about the beautiful visual appeal they bring. These plants play the roles of thriller, filler, and spiller in a classic container garden setup. Snow peas can climb a small trellis in the center, serving as the tall thriller element, while violas cascade over the edges and lettuce fills the middle space. Choose snow pea cultivars based on the height that suits your container.
Harvesting from this container is encouraged as violas, peas, and lettuce are all cut and come again plants that respond well to harvesting. These three plants can provide fresh ingredients for elegant salads. Additionally, don't overlook the edible and tasty pea tendrils. Beyond salads, viola flowers can add a touch of sophistication to cocktails and other beverages.
