DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – The first day of spring is here — and for many, that means more time spent outside. But instead of traditional landscaping, a new trend is taking root across the South: foodscaping.
At its core, foodscaping blends beauty with function — replacing purely decorative plants with fruits, vegetables and herbs you can actually eat. Think blueberry bushes as hedges, tomatoes in garden beds, and fresh herbs lining your walkway.
At Dothan Nurseries, employee Megan Polk says the idea is simple — and accessible to just about anyone.
“Foodscaping…the biggest thing is just having good intent,” Polk said. “You don’t need a big yard or even a big garden. You can incorporate your herbs and veggies into your existing garden areas or even in a container garden.”
Polk made the switch during the COVID-19 pandemic and hasn’t looked back. At her home, she now grows peach and pear trees, blueberry shrubs, blackberries along the fence line, and raised beds filled with herbs and vegetables year-round.
“Being able to go home and pick my own tomatoes and blueberries and peaches is so much fun,” she said. “And then you also get to have fun learning different recipes — how to cook them or how to store them.”
And with grocery prices continuing to rise, Polk said the long-term savings can be significant. While it may take a few years to fully establish, the payoff is worth it.
“I would say probably a couple hundred dollars a month,” Polk said. “And then you can start canning things as well — so I have a really good stockpile.”
One of the biggest advantages for gardeners in the South is the long growing season. With the right sunlight and care, many plants can thrive for months.
“You can start your tomatoes and peppers now, and you’re going to get fruit off of them until October, November,” Polk explained. “A lot of your herbs and veggies need full sun — six plus hours a day. And even if you have three hours of afternoon sun, we consider that full sun here. So it’s usually very easy to incorporate.”
For beginners, Polk recommends starting small and building over time.
“Start super simple,” she said. “You can incorporate tomatoes, peppers, and basil into your existing garden beds or container gardens — and then kind of just work your way up from there.”
As spring begins, foodscaping offers a fresh way to rethink your outdoor space — one that’s not just beautiful, but also practical, sustainable, and delicious.
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