Zone 6B. Been tasked to help plan a vegetable and herb garden for a high end client. Emphasis on salads and decorative food. Spent 16 years in the food industry. I have a few ideas but want to see if Reddit can recommend something above what myself and my Google research has. Thanks in advance!
by jimmyshredder412
13 Comments
what are your ideas first.
Is the client more interested in “high end” vegetables, or would they be receptive to a garden with roots (so to speak) in the surrounding Appalachian region? I’m not fond of the gentrification of Appalachian food culture, but if you think the client would go for it this could be a good opportunity to experiment with mountain foodstuffs.
Is the site prepped and how will the planting be maintained?
Vegetables are high maintenance plants – could easily turn to a massive weed situation
Include some edible flowers. Things that are quick and easy, that can be replanted like green onions, peas, spinach, lots of greens. Also there are so many herbs and some are very decorative too.
1. **Salads**:
* **Lettuce**: Lettuce is an excellent choice for salads. It thrives in Pittsburgh’s cold spring and cooler fall months. You can even grow it when there’s snow or frost on the ground. Popular varieties include Butterhead, Boston, and Loose Leaf.
* **Kale**: Kale is incredibly cold-hardy and can be grown throughout the entire year in Pennsylvania. It’s not only nutritious but also adds ornamental beauty to your garden.
2. **Cooking Ingredients**:
* **Cucumbers**: Cucumbers grow quickly and can be planted directly into your garden.
* **Zucchini**: Similar to cucumbers, zucchini grows rapidly and can be used in various savory dishes.
* **Peppers**: Bell peppers, chili peppers, and other varieties thrive in Pennsylvania. They add flavor and color to your cooking.
* **Tomatoes**: Tomatoes are versatile and can be used in sauces, salads, and sandwiches. Consider growing cherry tomatoes for snacking.
3. **Decorating Food Plates**:
* **Herbs**: While not vegetables, herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme can enhance the visual appeal of your dishes.
* **Edible Flowers**: Consider growing edible flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, and marigolds. They add a pop of color to salads and other dishes.
Remember to choose vegetables based on your available space, sunlight, and gardening preferences.
Regarding herbs and plants to grow for decorating, there is a book called Herbs, by Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead. So many ideas.
ChatGPT:
In Pittsburgh’s climate, you can grow a variety of vegetables and herbs that are perfect for salads, decorating food plates, and adding flavor. Here are some common options:
1. Lettuce (varieties like butterhead, romaine, and leaf lettuce)
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Arugula
5. Radishes
6. Cucumbers
7. Cherry tomatoes
8. Bell peppers (various colors)
9. Carrots
10. Spring onions or scallions
11. Basil
12. Parsley
13. Cilantro
14. Chives
15. Mint
These vegetables and herbs thrive in Pittsburgh’s growing season and can add freshness, color, and flavor to your salads and food presentations. Make sure to provide them with proper sunlight, soil, and water to ensure healthy growth.
I think what we’re looking for are plants that will add color and interest to the garden itself as well as to whatever food is ultimately prepared. Definitely looking for perennial plants but will probably be ok to add 1 or 2 annuals if it makes sense for the aesthetic.
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I have read the other excellent recommendations, and the only must have I see missing is french tarragon.
I also fill between everything (where there is still lots of sun) with marigolds to give a consistent and long lasting colour pop that ties things together.
While lavender generally works better as a landscaping plant (as opposed to garden), lavender is my favorite edible-ish flower.
Jerusalem Artichokes aka Sunchokes is one that I haven’t seen any mention of. Tuber plants with tall greens and small sunflower like flowers
Parsley first. Then everything else.
This is a question for ChatGPT