The simplest definition of integrated landscapes suggests that a combination of flowers, decorative plants, vegetables, and spices – when planted together following a set of rules – becomes a mini-ecosystem that is self-sustainable. A mix of flowers, veggies, and scented herbs follow the main rules of organic landscaping and lawn care and offer you a healthy edible garden. Our lawn care Loveland, OH specialists were asked about the easiest way of achieving a small integrated landscape and today they came up with some ideas. The main point is that some vegetables, flowers, and scented herbs act as companions for one another, fending off pests and boosting each other’s healthy development. So let’s see today how you can create a small integrated landscape on your property with little effort.

 

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes grow well in container gardens, but if you want to enjoy both fresh veggies at each meal and an innovative integrated landscape, build a tomatoes garden. The first thing you need is well-fertilized soil and a drip irrigation system our lawn care Loveland, OH experts can set up for you. If you want to go organic all the way, use Epsom Salt as fertilizer to kick your tomatoes’ sweet taste, color, and size. In an integrated landscape, tomatoes go very well together with chives – planted at their base – as chives naturally keep pests and other insects away from the tomatoes. Marigolds are their best friends – plant the flowers around the tomato garden or in between rows and let them fight off nematodes by themselves.

2. Carrots

The step brother of the tomato is the carrot – or at least this is what our landscaping Mason, OH colleagues say – integrated landscape wise, of course. Tomatoes protect carrots from heat and pests while carrots actively help tomatoes thrive by pushing the soil and allowing sun rays, air, water, and nutrients reach the tomatoes’ root system. Plant the two companions at a 15 inches distance, as the tomatoes can sometimes stunt the carrots’ growth. If you decided you wanted a fully integrated bio-landscape with a gorgeous (and yummy) mix of vegetables and plants then you can also plant peppers, onions, radishes, and beans, together with sage and rosemary – they are great buddies of the all-mighty carrot.

3. Cucumbers

The integrated landscape’s holy triad is tomato, carrot, and cucumber. This delicious vegetable makes a great addition to the garden – provided you plant it closer to the carrots and farther from the tomatoes. Trellis the cucumbers for plentiful crops and easy harvesting every time. This magnificent trio can also benefit from the presence of dill – plant it in between rows or in patches here and there, as it is a great pest repellant and manages to protect all the other vegetables. Marigolds will also protect the cucumbers, not only the tomatoes. You can also plant oregano, tansy and nasturtium for more looks and disease or pest protection, but also cabbage – it makes a great companion for the cucumbers.

This may be just the beginning of a beautiful integrated landscape. Ask your local lawn care Loveland, OH specialists to help you build one and enjoy a lush (and edible!) corner of Paradise.