Edible Lawns

In areas with little yard space, carving out a garden can be incredibly difficult. But with so many people facing reduced incomes, the edible lawn concept is taking on renewed interest.

Upon first glance this yard looks like any other yard. However, it ‘s very different. This yard contains strawberries, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Strawberries are packed along the border of the lawn and tomato bushes are closer to the house behind a large bush. Rose bushes hide cucumbers and carrots.

Edible lawns exist in many forms. In Portland, neighbors grow food and swap it with other neighbors. In Rego Park, Queens, a group of neighbors along Alderton can be found doing the same thing. For more information on how you can create your own edible lawn contact the Rego Park Green Alliance.

Carrot Top

What you are seeing are the tops of probably 100 carrots. Today I will make time to thin the carrots and plant them in several other planters. Thinning this many carrots is very time consuming but if you get a couple of kids to help you can sing songs and get it done in no time.

Strawberry Delight

I have to admit the first time I had a freshly picked strawberry from the garden I thought I was in heaven. I looked at the front of every house on my block and thought about ripping up their lawn and planting strawberries.

The best way to grow strawberries is to go to the store or order small plants from Burpee. I have tried growing them from scratch but it has proven very difficult. I get the plants in April, put them in a planter, and by early June I have big lush strawberries. Perfect for a family of four and several Rego Park Green Alliance members.

Pak Choi

This is pak choi (hybrid) picked from our garden. It is sitting in a pan and ready to be sauteed with garlic and oil. I've found that many kids love the long rich stems and will eat them right out of the garden.