What Kind of Grass Works Best for Edible Landscapes? - Plant Care Guide

For edible landscapes, the best grass isn't always traditional turf grass; instead, it often involves edible groundcovers or low-growing, non-invasive alternatives that support the main food crops without competing with them. These options enhance soil health, suppress weeds, and sometimes even yield an additional harvest.

Why is Traditional Grass Problematic in Edible Landscapes?

Traditional turf grasses, like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue, often compete aggressively with edible plants for water and nutrients. Their dense, shallow root systems can quickly outcompete young vegetable seedlings or fruit bushes. Furthermore, maintaining a pristine lawn typically requires frequent mowing, fertilization, and sometimes pesticides or herbicides, all of which can be detrimental to an organic edible garden. These practices also take away from the natural ecosystem that benefits edible plants.

What are the Drawbacks of Monoculture Lawns?

Monoculture lawns, composed of a single type of grass, are generally poor for biodiversity. They offer little habitat or food for beneficial insects, pollinators, or soil microbes. This lack of diversity can lead to less resilient soil and make the entire landscape more susceptible to pests and diseases. For an edible landscape, a healthy, diverse ecosystem is key to long-term success and abundant harvests. The effort and resources spent on maintaining a uniform lawn could be better invested in more productive groundcovers.

What are the Best Grass Alternatives for Edible Landscapes?

The best grass alternatives for edible landscapes are plants that provide groundcover benefits without hindering the growth of your primary food crops. They should ideally be low-growing, non-invasive, and offer additional benefits such as attracting pollinators, improving soil, or even being edible themselves. These alternatives contribute to a multi-functional landscape, making every square foot productive.

Which Edible Groundcovers Work Well?

Several edible plants double as excellent groundcovers, offering a dual purpose in your landscape:

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A fragrant, low-growing herb that forms a dense mat. It's drought-tolerant once established, suppresses weeds, and its tiny flowers attract bees. You can also harvest its leaves for culinary use. It works great as a border or between stepping stones.
• Wild Strawberries (Fragaria virginiana): These native strawberries spread readily, forming a green carpet. They produce small, sweet berries and are much less aggressive than their cultivated cousins. They're excellent in partial shade and help retain soil moisture. Consider specific varieties like Alpine Strawberry Seeds for easy propagation.
• Clover (Trifolium repens): White clover is a fantastic nitrogen-fixer, meaning it naturally enriches your soil. It tolerates light foot traffic, suppresses weeds, and its flowers are a favorite of many bee species. It's a great choice for paths or as an underplanting around fruit trees.
• Mint (Mentha spp.): While incredibly vigorous and sometimes invasive, certain mints can be contained in raised beds or large pots to serve as a fragrant, edible groundcover. Their strong scent can also deter some pests. Varieties like Corsican Mint are very low-growing.
• Viola (Viola odorata): Edible flowers and leaves, violets form a lovely, low-growing groundcover, especially in shadier spots. They spread gently and provide early-season blooms for pollinators.

What Non-Edible but Beneficial Groundcovers Can I Use?

Not all groundcovers need to be edible to be beneficial. Some offer excellent weed suppression, soil improvement, or aesthetic appeal without competing with your food plants.

• Dutch White Clover (Trifolium repens): While its leaves are sometimes used in salads (sparingly), its primary benefit here is as a living mulch. It builds soil, attracts beneficial insects, and is very durable. It stays low, so it won't overshadow taller edibles.
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): A bright green to golden-leaved plant that spreads vigorously, making it excellent for covering bare ground and suppressing weeds. It's visually appealing and thrives in moist conditions. Be mindful of its vigorous spread; some gardeners prefer to use it in contained areas.
• Sedum (Sedum spp.): Many varieties of sedum are low-growing and highly drought-tolerant. They offer interesting textures and colors, and some produce flowers that attract pollinators. They are particularly good for dry, sunny areas where other groundcovers might struggle.
• Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): A fragrant, shade-loving groundcover that forms a dense mat. It's excellent for underplanting fruit trees or in shadier parts of an edible forest garden. It has delicate white flowers in spring.

How Do I Transition to a Groundcover-Based Edible Landscape?

Transitioning from a traditional lawn to a groundcover-based edible landscape is a gradual process that involves careful planning and execution. It's not about instantly replacing everything, but rather about creating layers and ecosystems over time. The goal is to establish beneficial groundcovers that support your edible plants.

What are the Steps to Replace Lawn with Groundcover?

1. Plan Your Layout: Identify areas where you want to plant edibles and where groundcovers will fill in. Consider pathways and access points.
2. Remove Existing Lawn: This is a crucial step.
   • Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Gardening): Layer cardboard, newspaper, compost, and other organic materials directly over your existing lawn. This smothers the grass and builds soil over time. It's a no-dig, no-till method.
   • Solarization: Cover the area with clear plastic sheeting for 6-8 weeks during the hottest part of summer. The heat will kill the grass and weed seeds.
   • Manual Removal: For smaller areas, you can simply dig out the turf with a spade. Ensure you remove as much of the roots as possible.
3. Improve Soil (if needed): Once the lawn is removed, add compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil for your new plants.
4. Plant Groundcovers: Plant your chosen groundcover plants according to their spacing requirements. For seeds, spread them evenly and lightly rake into the soil.
5. Mulch (Initially): Apply a thin layer of organic mulch (like straw or wood chips) around new plantings to suppress weeds while your groundcovers establish. Once the groundcover forms a dense mat, less mulching will be needed. Consider a high-quality organic mulch like Gardens Alive! Organic Straw Mulch.
6. Water Consistently: New groundcovers need regular watering until their root systems are established.

How Can I Convert Lawns to Edible Forest Gardens?

An edible forest garden is a multi-layered planting system that mimics a natural forest, with edible plants at every level – canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, groundcovers, and root crops. Groundcovers play a vital role in the lowest layer.

• Establish Key Layers First: Begin by planting your canopy (fruit/nut trees) and understory (berries, small fruit trees).
• Integrate Groundcovers Gradually: Once the taller layers are established, introduce groundcovers like clover, wild strawberries, or creeping thyme around the base of trees and shrubs. These will suppress weeds, build soil, and provide additional harvests.
• Consider Dynamic Accumulators: Incorporate plants like comfrey (Symphytum officinale), which are not groundcovers but accumulate nutrients from deep in the soil. You can chop and drop their leaves to mulch groundcovers and feed your edibles.

What are the Benefits of Using Groundcovers in Edible Landscapes?

Using groundcovers in an edible landscape offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a healthier, more productive, and more sustainable system. These advantages far outweigh the effort of transitioning away from traditional turf grass.

How Do Groundcovers Improve Soil Health?

• Weed Suppression: A dense groundcover physically blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, significantly reducing weed growth. This means less time spent weeding for you.
• Erosion Control: Groundcovers hold soil in place with their root systems, preventing soil erosion from wind and rain, especially on slopes.
• Moisture Retention: They act as a living mulch, shading the soil surface and reducing water evaporation. This keeps the soil cooler and more consistently moist, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Nutrient Cycling: Many groundcovers, especially legumes like clover, fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to surrounding plants. As they die back and decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
• Increased Soil Life: A stable groundcover provides a consistent environment for beneficial soil microorganisms, fungi, and invertebrates to thrive, further enhancing soil health.

How Do Groundcovers Support Pollinators and Beneficial Insects?

• Continuous Nectar and Pollen: Many groundcovers, like clover, thyme, and violets, produce small flowers throughout the season, providing a steady food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Habitat and Shelter: The dense foliage of groundcovers offers shelter for beneficial insects, such as ground beetles, spiders, and predatory wasps, which help control garden pests naturally.
• Reduced Need for Pesticides: By fostering a healthy ecosystem with diverse plants and beneficial insects, you naturally reduce the incidence of pest outbreaks, eliminating the need for harmful chemical pesticides. This protects not only your edible crops but also the pollinators visiting your garden.

How Do I Maintain Groundcovers in an Edible Landscape?

Maintaining groundcovers in an edible landscape is generally less intensive than maintaining a traditional lawn, but it does require some thoughtful attention. The focus is on ensuring the groundcover coexists harmoniously with your edible plants and continues to provide its many benefits.

What are Key Maintenance Practices?

• Watering: Initially, consistent watering is crucial for establishment. Once established, most groundcovers are quite drought-tolerant and will require less water than turf grass. Monitor the soil moisture and water deeply when the top few inches feel dry. Consider using a soaker hose for efficient watering.
• Fertilization: Often, no additional fertilization is needed, especially if you've chosen nitrogen-fixing groundcovers like clover or are incorporating compost into your edible beds. If your soil tests show deficiencies, use organic, slow-release fertilizers or compost tea to avoid over-fertilizing or harming beneficial soil life.
• Weed Control: Once established, a dense groundcover will naturally suppress most weeds. For any persistent weeds that do emerge, hand-pulling is the best and safest method in an edible landscape.
• Pruning/Trimming: Some groundcovers might need occasional trimming to keep them tidy or to prevent them from encroaching on your main edible plants. For example, creeping thyme might benefit from a light trim after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
• Monitoring: Regularly inspect your groundcovers for signs of stress, disease, or unexpected pest issues. Early detection allows for non-chemical interventions if needed.

When Should I Harvest My Edible Groundcovers?

Harvesting edible groundcovers depends on the specific plant:

• Creeping Thyme: Harvest small sprigs as needed for culinary use throughout the growing season.
• Wild Strawberries: Pick berries as they ripen, typically in late spring to early summer. The leaves can also be harvested for tea.
• Clover: Young clover leaves can be added to salads in small amounts. The flowers are edible and a favorite of pollinators.
• Mint: Harvest mint leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Be mindful of its vigorous spreading nature.
• Violets: Harvest the flowers for garnishes, salads, or crystallization in spring. The young leaves can also be added to salads.

Harvesting regularly from your edible groundcovers not only provides fresh ingredients but can also encourage fuller, healthier growth of the groundcover itself.

How Do I Choose the Right Groundcover for My Climate and Soil?

Choosing the right groundcover involves considering your local climate, the specific conditions of your site, and your soil type. Matching the plant to its environment ensures the best success and lowest maintenance for your edible landscape. A well-chosen groundcover will thrive naturally, requiring less intervention.

What Climate Zones are Important?

Understanding your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is crucial. This zone indicates which plants are likely to survive the winter in your region. Most seed packets and plant tags will list a hardiness zone range.

• Cold Climates (Zones 3-6): Look for cold-hardy groundcovers like certain varieties of clover, wild strawberries, creeping thyme, and violets. Consider plants that can tolerate frost and snow.
• Temperate Climates (Zones 7-8): A wider range of options is available. Many herbs, some sedums, and various clovers will thrive.
• Warm Climates (Zones 9-11): Focus on heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant varieties. Some types of mint (if contained), creeping thyme, and certain low-growing succulents might be suitable.

What Soil Conditions Should I Consider?

• Soil Type (Loamy, Clay, Sandy):
  • Loamy Soil: Most groundcovers will do well in well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Clay Soil: Choose groundcovers that can tolerate heavier, less-drained soil, or amend the clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Clover can often do well in clay.
  • Sandy Soil: Opt for drought-tolerant and less nutrient-demanding groundcovers like sedum or creeping thyme.
• Soil pH: Most groundcovers prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). If you're unsure of your soil pH, a simple soil test kit can provide valuable information.
• Drainage: Good drainage is key for most groundcovers. Avoid areas where water tends to pool. If drainage is poor, consider raised beds for your edibles and select moisture-tolerant groundcovers for surrounding areas.

What About Sun Exposure?

• Full Sun (6+ hours direct sunlight): Many edible groundcovers like creeping thyme, sedum, and clover thrive in full sun. Most strawberries also prefer full sun for best fruit production.
• Partial Sun/Shade (3-6 hours direct sunlight, or dappled light): Wild strawberries, violets, and sweet woodruff are excellent choices for areas with less direct sun.
• Full Shade (Less than 3 hours direct sunlight): Few edible groundcovers thrive in full shade, but sweet woodruff can tolerate it, and some mosses could be encouraged as a non-edible groundcover alternative.

By carefully assessing your site's conditions and choosing groundcovers that are well-suited, you can create a low-maintenance, thriving edible landscape that truly works with nature.

Can I Incorporate Pathways with Edible Groundcovers?

Absolutely! Integrating pathways with edible groundcovers is an excellent way to maximize the productivity of your space and create a functional, beautiful design. Instead of sterile stepping stones or gravel, imagine walking on a fragrant, edible carpet that contributes to your harvest and supports pollinators.

What Groundcovers Work Best for Paths?

When choosing groundcovers for pathways, consider their ability to tolerate foot traffic and their growth habit. You want something low-growing, resilient, and perhaps aromatic when stepped on.

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This is arguably the best choice for foot traffic areas. It forms a dense, durable mat, releases a wonderful scent when bruised, and its tiny flowers are beloved by bees. It also handles drought well once established.
• Clover (Trifolium repens): While not as resilient to heavy, constant foot traffic as thyme, white clover can tolerate moderate foot traffic, especially if mixed with other durable plants. It's great for less frequently used paths.
• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Specifically Roman Chamomile, which is a low-growing, spreading variety. It releases a sweet, apple-like fragrance when walked upon and can be used for tea. It prefers sun and good drainage.
• Mosses (Various Species): For very low-traffic, shady, and moist pathways, certain mosses can create a soft, green carpet. While not edible, they offer a beautiful, natural aesthetic and excellent erosion control.

How Do I Design Edible Pathways?

1. Define Pathways: Clearly mark out your desired path widths and routes. Consider ease of access to your edible beds.
2. Prepare the Path Area: Remove existing grass and weeds using sheet mulching or manual removal. Ensure the soil is somewhat level.
3. Enhance Durability (Optional but Recommended): For heavily trafficked paths, consider laying down a thin layer of gravel or crushed stone (2-4 inches) and then a layer of soil/compost (2-3 inches) on top. This provides better drainage and a firmer base for the groundcover. This also helps prevent compaction of the groundcover.
4. Plant Groundcovers: Plant your chosen groundcover directly into the prepared pathway. For thyme or chamomile, you can plant small plugs or sprinkle seeds.
5. Initial Protection: In the early stages, you might need to temporarily place stepping stones to direct foot traffic around newly planted areas until the groundcover is established.
6. Regular Trimming: Keep pathway groundcovers neatly trimmed, especially at the edges, to maintain clear access and prevent them from spreading into your main edible beds.

Using edible groundcovers for pathways adds functionality, beauty, and even more food to your overall edible landscape design.

What are Common Mistakes to Avoid with Grass and Edible Landscapes?

Transitioning to an edible landscape with beneficial groundcovers is a rewarding endeavor, but like any gardening project, there are common pitfalls. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid frustration and ensure the success of your project.

What are the Pitfalls of Unsuitable Grasses?

• Using Invasive Grasses: Some common turf grasses, like Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), are extremely aggressive and will quickly invade your edible beds, choking out vegetables and fruits. Avoid these completely in an edible landscape.
• Not Removing Turf Properly: Simply planting on top of existing turf grass often leads to failure. The underlying grass will regrow and compete relentlessly with your new plantings. Proper removal via sheet mulching or solarization is essential.
• Overestimating Foot Traffic Tolerance: Not all groundcovers can handle heavy foot traffic. Planting delicate groundcovers in high-traffic areas will lead to bare spots and frustration. Match the groundcover to the expected use of the area.
• Ignoring Sun/Shade Needs: Planting a sun-loving groundcover in a shady spot (or vice versa) will result in poor growth and a sparse, unhealthy cover. Always consider the specific light requirements of your chosen plants.

How Can I Avoid Competition with Edible Plants?

• Provide Clear Boundaries: Use physical barriers like garden edging, raised beds, or pathways to clearly delineate your edible planting areas from any groundcovers or remaining lawn sections.
• Choose Non-Aggressive Groundcovers: Select groundcovers that are known to be well-behaved and spread gently, rather than those that send out long, invasive runners that will quickly colonize your edible beds.
• Regular Monitoring and Trimming: Even well-behaved groundcovers might need occasional trimming around the edges of your edible beds to prevent encroachment. A little regular maintenance goes a long way.
• Deep Rooting Edibles: Plant edible crops that have deeper root systems than your groundcovers. This helps them access water and nutrients lower in the soil profile, reducing competition with the shallower-rooted groundcover.
• Adequate Spacing: Ensure you provide enough space between your main edible plants and the groundcover areas, especially when the edibles are young and vulnerable. As they grow, they can better compete.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set your edible landscape up for success, ensuring a productive, beautiful, and low-maintenance system where your chosen grass alternative truly enhances your garden.

How Can I Implement a Phased Approach to My Edible Landscape?

Transforming an entire lawn into an edible landscape with groundcovers can seem daunting. A phased approach allows you to break down the project into manageable steps, making it less overwhelming and more sustainable. This method lets you learn as you go, adapt your plans, and enjoy incremental successes.

What are the Benefits of a Phased Transition?

• Budget-Friendly: Spreading the cost of materials (plants, soil amendments, tools) over time makes the project more financially accessible.
• Manageable Workload: You can tackle smaller sections at a time, fitting the work into your schedule without feeling rushed or exhausted.
• Learning Opportunity: Each phase provides valuable lessons about what works best in your specific garden conditions, allowing you to refine your approach for subsequent phases.
• Less Disruption: A gradual transition is less disruptive to your existing landscape and daily life.
• Enjoy Immediate Results: You can start enjoying harvests from the first completed sections while other parts are still in progress.

What Would a Phased Plan Look Like?

Here’s an example of how you might approach a phased transition:

1. Phase 1: The Core Edible Beds (Year 1)

   • Action: Identify the sunniest and most accessible areas. Remove lawn using sheet mulching or solarization. Build one or two raised garden beds or define in-ground planting areas.
   • Planting: Focus on your primary edible crops (vegetables, herbs).
   • Groundcover Introduction: Around the immediate perimeter of these new beds, plant a durable, low-maintenance groundcover like creeping thyme or white clover to suppress weeds and define the space.
   • Affiliate Suggestion: Consider a raised bed kit like Vego Garden Metal Raised Garden Bed for easy setup.

2. Phase 2: Fruit Trees and Underplantings (Year 2-3)

   • Action: Select locations for fruit trees or berry bushes. Prepare the planting holes.
   • Planting: Install your chosen fruit trees and shrubs.
   • Groundcover Expansion: Underplant these trees and shrubs with wild strawberries, violets, or sweet woodruff (depending on sun exposure). These will act as living mulches and provide additional edible yields.
   • Observation: Pay attention to how the groundcovers perform and if any competition issues arise.

3. Phase 3: Pathways and Remaining Lawn Sections (Year 3+)

   • Action: Define main pathways and any remaining lawn areas you wish to convert.
   • Planting: Establish foot-traffic tolerant groundcovers like creeping thyme or Roman chamomile in the pathways. For larger, less-used lawn sections, consider converting them to a clover lawn or a low-mow meadow mix.
   • Refinement: Fill in any gaps, expand existing groundcover areas, and add more diverse edible plants as desired.

By implementing a phased approach, you can successfully create a beautiful and productive edible landscape that incorporates the best grass alternatives, transforming your outdoor space into a thriving, food-producing ecosystem.