There are so many reasons to take up gardening [1], especially if you're looking for a fun and relaxing new hobby [2]. Surrounding yourself with greenery can help reduce stress [3], and toiling in the soil is a good form of exercise. Plus, who doesn't love to watch plants grow from seed to seedlings to healthy, full-grown plants as a result of their hard work? While the benefits to gardening can go on forever, our favorite perk is growing plants that you can eat [4].
There's something so satisfying about being able to whip up a salad using homegrown greens or using your own herbs as the finishing touch to an elaborate meal. Plus, if you just want to make your outdoor space friendlier, filling your backyard or patio with digestible flora is an easy way to do that.
When it comes to edible plants, fruits and vegetables are the obvious place to start. But successful gardening is all about variety, and in addition to a fruit and vegetable garden, there's a world of herbs and edible flowers [5] you can plant as well. These plants are all ideal for having a garden that's both beautiful and fit for human consumption.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Hot Peppers
Add a little spice to your garden with this Bonnie Plants Jalapeno Pepper [6] ($8 for two).
Cherry Tomatoes
The Bonnie Plants Tomato-Husky Cherry Red [7] ($6) will produce fruit that has great flavor.
Fig
This disease-resistant Southern Living Plant Collection Little Miss Figgy Dwarf Fig Shrub [8] ($23) will go great in your garden.
Lavendar
The purple flowers and silver-gray leaves on the Bonnie Plants Lavender [9] ($10) will add nice color to your garden.
Basil, Parsley, and Oregano
Take your favorite meals to a whole new level with the basil, parsley, and oregano in the Savory Herbs Collection [10] ($65).
Lemongrass
Add a fresh, lemony taste to your food with this Ohio Grown Lemon Grass Plant [11] ($9).
Sunflower
Yup, sunflowers are edible! This Quality Dwarf Size Sunflower Basalt Grow Kit [12] ($17) will help you easily grow one in weeks.
Pansies
Plant these Swiss Giants Mix Flower Seeds [13] ($6) in the spring so that they bloom before the first frost! It typically takes three months for pansy seeds to mature.
Swiss Chard
These Earthcare Swiss Chard Seeds [14] ($4) grow into colorful leaves that taste great in soups and casseroles.
Strawberries
As long as you mix sand into the soil of these Quinalt Everbearing Strawberry Bare Root Plants [15] ($29), you'll see growth in a matter of days!
Arugula
Grow fresh arugula for all your salads with these Arugula Seed Balls [16] ($13 for 20).
Bay Laurel
The leaves on the Ohio Grown Sweet Bay Laurel Herb [17] ($10) are perfect for cooking.
Cilantro, Chives, and Oregano
This Spicy Herbs Collection [18] ($65) contains cilantro, chives, and oregano that can hang out in your home or garden.
Rhubarb
You can't go wrong with Gurney's Glaskin's Perpetual Rhubarb [19] ($17) — it's so hardy, it can last throughout winter.
Fennel
The Organic Fennel Florence Seeds [20] ($3) are best planted after the last frost in spring.
Rose Hips
Once these Rose Hip Seeds [21] ($8) mature, you'll have a fruit that's perfect for jam, jellies, wines, and more.
Mint
If you love mojitos, you absolutely need this Clovers Garden Mojito Mint Plant [22] ($20) in your backyard.
Flowering Artichoke
Once these Imperial Star Globe Artichoke Seeds [23] ($4) fully mature, you can eat the leaves and enjoy the pretty foliage.
Kale
There's nothing better than having fresh kale in your garden, and with this Kale Live Plant [24] ($15), you can have just that.
Rosemary
Sprinkle a few leaves from this Potted Rosemary Indoor Herb Bush [25] ($150) on your food, and it'll taste 10 times better.