Low Maintenance Plants you can Grow to Eat

If you are anything like me, time is a luxury that is not often available. I wish I could say that am like the iconic Disney princess (if there was a gardening princess) - dancing through daily rounds of all my garden spaces, carrying a big wicker basket and leisurely harvesting things that need picking, stopping to smell all the flowers and chatter with all the helpful bugs.

But I don’t. More often than not, I’m either running to the garden to quickly harvest items for that night's dinner, or rushing through the yard to harvest any fruits and vegetables that past the harvest time. Too often I am surprised by big changes in my garden — squash that needed to be pulled already due to size, tomatoes that should have been staked days ago, etc.

When planning my garden for the season, I look to combine my favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables with a number of low maintenance plants that can even out the work load.

In my opinion, there are two different ways that a plant can be considered low maintenance.

1. Perennials – these involve an initial time investment (preparing the area, planting, pruning) and then, aside from a bit of annual preventative maintenance, require little in the way of care.

2. Care free annuals - edibles that mostly resist pests and diseases, don’t need staking or spraying or coddling, hold well in the garden (i.e. don’t need frequent picking to avoid over-maturity), or self-seed, reducing the need for yearly replanting.

Here are my picks for the best of both:

1. Asian Pear Trees

Also known as "apple pears" because they're round and firm like apples. The crunchy fruit is wonderful when eaten fresh. Chilling it before eating enhances the delicious flavor. You can also enjoy the texture in salads and stir-fries. Plan to prune your pear tree annually for vigorous growth, good health, and a bountiful harvest.

2. Asparagus

A common perennial vegetable, asparagus is packed with nutrition, including vitamins A, C, and K, and it's an excellent source of dietary fiber. Asparagus can last more than 15 years in the right conditions so be sure to plan ahead on placement.

3. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are classic summer vegetables which are pest- and disease-resistant. Red and green peppers are good sources of vitamin C, some vitamin A, and small amounts of several minerals. They’re wonderful raw in salads or as a snack with dip or hummus. You can also stuff peppers with seasoned bread crumbs or meat and bake them.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are easy to grow if you have the right soil conditions. They’re high in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. When you have eaten your fill of fresh berries, freeze them for pies and smoothies throughout the year.

5. Chives

Chives are perennial members of the onion family that sport beautiful edible flowers. Plus, they’re a wonderful companion plant that helps deter pests.

6. Fennel

Another perennial, this nutritious bulb will perk up salads, side dishes and entrees. One cup of fennel provides about 14% of your Daily Value for vitamin C. It's also a good source of both potassium and fiber, both of which may improve overall cardiovascular health.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes aren’t fussy vegetables, which makes them a fabulous choice for first-time growers. Also, think about all the different ways you can eat potatoes - boiled, fried, baked, roasted. The list is endless.

8. Radishes

Because radishes mature so quickly, you can plant them anywhere there is an empty space multiple times a season. Radishes also happen to make excellent companion plants to help deter pests from other vegetables.

9. Rugosa Roses

My favorite roses - not only are they beautiful but good for you. Rose hips are the most recognized part of this shrub as being edible. Well recognized for containing vitamin C, these rose hips boast by far more vitamin C than oranges. The flowers can be used to make beverages or added to salads and to decorate baked goods.

10. Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow. They are perennial as well, and are naturally cold hardy and will survive mildly freezing temperatures. So, if your area has mild winters, little care is needed.

These suggested plants will provide some flavorful food without a lot of effort. That way you can devote your time to those pesky plants that demand all of your attention.

Good luck!