Confessions of a Lazy Gardener
I must confess – I am a lazy gardener. There, I said it. While I absolutely adore spending time in my garden, tending to each and every plant, the reality is that I don’t always have the time or energy to keep up with the constant demands of a high-maintenance landscape.
Before my recent trip to Baja, I was frantically setting up drip lines for my potted tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and native perennials. As I was doing this, my husband cautiously mentioned that my gardening seemed like a lot of work. Well, it’s not work to me – it’s play! But he’s not wrong. Even though I thoroughly enjoy every moment I spend in the garden, it does require a significant time commitment.
As Barbara Eisenstein from Weeding Wild Suburbia points out, “For those who wish to enjoy their yards without communing with each and every plant, here are a few thoughts on creating a low-maintenance native plant garden.” And you know what? I think her advice applies not just to native plants, but to edible gardens as well.
Choosing Low-Maintenance Edibles
When it comes to creating a low-maintenance edible garden, the key is to select plants that require minimal effort to thrive. After all, I’d much rather spend my time savoring the fruits (or vegetables) of my labor than constantly fussing over my plants.
One of the best ways to reduce the workload in your edible garden is to focus on perennial crops. As Lisa Lapaso suggests, “Perennials require less maintenance than annuals, as they come back year after year.” This means you won’t have to worry about replanting from scratch each season, which can be a real time-saver.
Some of my favorite low-maintenance perennial edibles include:
| Crop | Maintenance Requirements |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Minimal weeding and watering once established |
| Rhubarb | Divide every 3-5 years, otherwise, hands-off |
| Horseradish | Spreads readily, just keep an eye on it |
| Chives | Divide clumps every few years, otherwise, self-sows |
| Lavender | Drought-tolerant, just needs occasional pruning |
In addition to perennials, there are also some annual edibles that require relatively little effort to grow. According to the BBC, “Edible forest gardens can provide a varied, year-round harvest with minimal maintenance.” Some examples of low-maintenance annual edibles include cherry tomatoes, pole beans, and leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the biggest keys to maintaining a low-maintenance edible garden is to embrace a little bit of imperfection. As Barbara Eisenstein points out, “Disturbing soil whether raking, hoeing, or even weeding encourages more weeds. This is one reason why new gardens require so much work.”
Instead of constantly fussing over every weed or blemish, I’ve learned to let some things go. A few errant weeds here and there? No problem. A few bug-nibbled leaves on my kale plants? I can live with that. The important thing is that I’m still harvesting delicious, nutritious produce without burning myself out in the process.
Creating a Resilient Garden
Another way to reduce the maintenance required in your edible garden is to focus on building a resilient ecosystem. As the BBC suggests, “Edible forest gardens can provide a varied, year-round harvest with minimal maintenance.” By incorporating a diverse array of plants – including herbs, flowers, and even native species – you can create a self-sustaining garden that is far less susceptible to pests, diseases, and other challenges.
Additionally, incorporating techniques like mulching, companion planting, and drip irrigation can all help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to keep your edible garden thriving. And don’t forget to take advantage of any automated watering systems or other labor-saving devices that your landscape company, like A1 Landscape Construction, can provide.
Embracing the Lazy Gardener’s Lifestyle
At the end of the day, gardening should be a joyful and fulfilling experience, not a chore. That’s why I’ve fully embraced the lazy gardener’s lifestyle. I may not have the most pristine, manicured garden on the block, but I can guarantee that I’m having a whole lot more fun than my neighbors who are sweating it out in the yard every weekend.
So if you’re like me and you want to enjoy the benefits of a bountiful edible garden without the constant upkeep, I encourage you to try some of these low-maintenance strategies. Your body (and your sanity) will thank you.
