Hardscaping 101: Edible Gardens

Edible plants were the first thing gardeners learned to grow, which means there’s a direct line stretching across centuries from the ancient Egyptians’ vegetable gardens to your backyard tomatoes.

A plant-based diet is possible. No matter the size or style of your edible garden, our design guides offer tips for layout, soil prep, and companion planting. (Skip to the advice posts.)

We’ve collected our favorite raised bed kits, cold frames, seed starter equipment, grow lights, pea trellises, fruit cages, and natural fertilizers. We’ve covered irrigation basics, postage stamp gardens, and perennial herbs, so if you’re planning a new edible garden (or overhauling last year’s), start here.