Edible Landscaping for Resilience (USDA Zone 8a)
Earlier this year, I shared my letters to Senators Ossoff and Warnock requesting report language in the current appropriations cycle in support of urban agriculture. One requested technical assistance for local governments, land banks/trusts in acquiring and repurposing vacant urban land for food production; and the other proposed the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production as an independent, standalone agency. A few weeks ago, I began a light discussion with the Mayor’s Office to that end as well. I shared the following info as a followup. -kgordon
In USDA Zone 8a, you have a wide variety of plants, trees, and shrubs to consider for edible landscaping that can help with ecological restoration, food security, and community well-being. Here's a breakdown of suitable plant options and permaculture practices to focus on:
1. Edible Plants & Trees for Zone 8a
These plants and trees are well-suited to your area’s climate and can support food security:
Fruit Trees:
Apple (Malus domestica) – Look for disease-resistant varieties.
Pears (Pyrus spp.) – Best suited for Zone 8a, including varieties like 'Bartlett' and 'Kieffer.'
Plums (Prunus domestica) – European and Japanese varieties thrive here.
Peaches (Prunus persica) – They grow well in Zone 8a but need attention to pests and diseases.
Figs (Ficus carica) – Well-adapted to warmer climates.
Pomegranates (Punica granatum) – Thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Nut Trees:
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) – A native tree that’s drought-tolerant and long-lived.
Walnuts (Juglans spp.) – Both black and English varieties grow well in Zone 8a.
Berries & Vines:
Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) – They thrive in Zone 8a and produce abundant fruit.
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) – Requires acidic soil, which can be amended if needed.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera or Vitis labrusca) – Perfect for creating a productive vine canopy.
Vegetables & Herbs:
Tomatoes, peppers, kale, collards, and beans – These common garden vegetables grow well in Zone 8a.
Herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and mint.
Chard, arugula, and spinach – These can grow year-round with some winter protection.
2. Shrubs & Perennials:
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) – A perennial vegetable that can be harvested yearly.
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) – Another perennial, excellent for pies and jams.
Artichokes (Cynara scolymus) – Hardy in Zone 8a.
3. Permaculture Practices for Resilience:
Keyhole Gardens:
A permaculture-friendly design that is perfect for maximizing space in urban settings and for storm-prone areas. Raised beds in a keyhole shape allow for better water retention, easy access, and great organization for diverse crops.
Companion Planting:
Grow certain plants together that benefit each other. For example, pairing beans with corn and squash in a "Three Sisters" planting pattern. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, helping the corn grow taller, and squash acts as a ground cover.
Rainwater Harvesting:
Install rain barrels or other water capture systems to ensure you have access to irrigation during dry spells. This is crucial for post-storm recovery when water availability may be inconsistent.
Mulching & Ground Covers:
Use organic mulches such as straw, wood chips, or leaf litter to protect soil from erosion after storms. Ground covers like clover or sweet potatoes can reduce soil compaction and increase nitrogen.
Swales & Berms:
Swales (shallow trenches) and berms (mounds) are perfect for capturing rainwater and preventing erosion. These can be placed on slopes to divert stormwater to the plants that need it most.
Food Forests:
A multi-layered system of perennials (trees, shrubs, herbs, etc.) that mimic natural forest ecosystems but provide food. By integrating nitrogen-fixing plants (e.g., clover), mulberry trees, and hazelnuts, this approach maximizes space and provides ongoing yields.
Native Plant Integration:
Incorporate native plants alongside edible varieties. Native species like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower, and milkweed will attract beneficial pollinators and improve ecological balance, while also ensuring that your landscape is resilient to pests, drought, and disease.
4. Incorporating Pollinator Habitat:
Create pollinator-friendly zones with wildflowers, herbs, and fruit trees to ensure a thriving ecosystem for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These creatures are essential for food security as they support the pollination of crops.
5. Tree Guilds:
Use a tree guild to support trees in their early growth stages. This might include planting ground covers, nitrogen-fixing plants, and herbs around your fruit trees to help create a symbiotic relationship and improve the long-term health of the trees.
Summary of Recommended Plants/Practices:
Fruit Trees: Apples, pears, plums, peaches, figs, pomegranates.
Nut Trees: Pecans, walnuts.
Berries & Vines: Blackberries, blueberries, grapes.
Edible Shrubs & Perennials: Asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes.
Permaculture Practices: Keyhole gardens, rainwater harvesting, mulching, swales & berms, food forests.
Native Plants & Pollinators: Integrating native species and creating habitats for bees and butterflies.
By incorporating a mix of these plants and practices, you'll not only enhance the food security and resilience of your community, but also contribute to the ecological restoration and long-term well-being of your local environment.