Edible Landscaping 101

Latitude’s Alissa Collins spent the fall season attending East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District’s workshop series on the topics of naturescaping, edible landscapes, supporting beneficial insects and pollinators, and more.

These free classes are an excellent way to dive into the world of sustainable gardening practices that reduce pollution and conserve water while learning how to save oneself time, money and energy.

So, why create an edible landscape?

• Eat more fresh food

• Know how it’s grown

• Create more family bonding and social time

• Connect to nature and food systems

• Build resilient community

By making small steps towards a more sustainable, urban life, you can truly impact the health of you, your family, neighbors, and your pocket book!

Where Should You Start

Step One: Create your edible landscape wish list

Here is a basic outline of prompts to get your creativity flowing:

List the fruits, veggies, and herbs that you enjoy eating.

1. ID the fresh foods you buy often from the grocery store and write them down.

2. What do you want to do with your harvested crops? Examples include pickling, making jam, daily salads, fresh after-school snacks, etc.

3. Write down the fruits, veggies, and herbs that you’re curious to try.

This wish list becomes the 30,000 foot view to guide the next phase of your inquiry and planning.

Step Two: Identify the existing conditions on your property

This will include:

• A map of your home and permanent structures

• Property lines

• Paved or impervious surfaces

• Significant slopes, hills, or ditches

• Water bibs/spigots

• Downspouts

• Utility access points

• Existing plant and planting beds

• Potential sources of pollution and contamination

• Adjacent structures or plants that impact your property (tall trees, buildings, invasive species, etc.)

• North arrow and directionals!

Step Three: Identify the Environmental factors and exposure on your property

Where and what are the:

• Hot and cool spots?

• Bright and shady areas?

• Seasonal wind patterns?

• Soil types?

• Drainage?

• Wildlife movements?

Step Four: Break your property into zones

• Zone 1 — you visit this area every day

• Zone 2 —you visit this area weekly

• Zone 3 —you visit this area monthly

Step Five: Create your ‘design opportunities’ overlay

1. Annual crops

2. Perennial crops

3. Fruit or nut tress

4. Pollinator habitat

5. Wildlife habitat

6. Rain garden or collection

7. Pathways

8. Gathering spaces

See our map gallery below to get a visual sense of how to plan and succeed with your edible landscape!

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