Question

Can anyone recommend low maintenance (preferably zero) edible plants I can start now and will be usable in under 5 years? I currently have an apple tree, pear tree and rhubarb. I love the idea of picking the fruit and cooking it with my daughter in the future, she’s currently under 1. So I was wondering what else I can plant that doesnt take much work? I was considering berry bushes, I have a large garden and it is split into two sections so I could plant jaggy bushes away from where she would play. Also what herbs can I plant outside that will survive northern Scottish weather? Would I just buy the potted version at the supermarket and plant it in a pot? Thanks in advance!  

Answer 1

Live in southern Scotland and I have raspberries, strawberries, my parents have red and black currants, blackberries, loganberries, apples pears plums. Chives, rosemary, marjoram, mint, lemon balm, as far as herbs go just plant and see what happens. it won't be no maintenance if you want to grow food but you can choose how wild you want to let it all get!  

Answer 2

Mint! I have a few varieties in pots and it always grows back every year x

Answer 3

Do you have a shady spot ?  

Comments

@pedro9 yes I have some

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@judaize76708 Good King Henry then a Chnepodium, related to quinoa leaves for salads or cooking like spinach, and edible seed heads, either green done like asparagus or dried and added to stuff. Slow grower, perennial spreads if happy but not invasive.  

Answer 4

Raspberries are worth a try. Some research will suggest varieties that suit your area.  

Answer 5

I have redcurrant and blackcurrant bushes which take zero upkeep, apart from trimming back in the autumn/winter and are great to pick. They make lovely jam. Also thornless blackberry bushes are great x

Answer 6

Raspberries and blackcurrants do well in Scottish climes look for yellow raspberry.  

Answer 7

Gooseberry - I have mine intermingled with both raspberries and currants (black, red, white) and can pick something to eat over a long period of time

Answer 8

I bought a strawberry plant a few weeks ago from Aldi and it is thriving in the unpredictable Scottish weather ☺️

Answer 9

Perpetual spinach? Chives?  

Answer 10

Rhubarb, currant bushes, artichokes, asparagus. Lots, but most vegetables you plant each year.  

Answer 11

The herbs sold in the veg section in lots don’t tend to survive, but you can buy herbs from any garden centre. Rosemary is brilliant, as is sage, thyme, marjoram and mint (keep in pots or it’ll take over).  

Answer 12

Fruit bushes- I have redcurrant, blueberry, blackberry, honeyberry, they get a quick haircut once a year. Raspberries do well but need training/pinning/pruning. Strawberries need the runners pinning down and snipping off once rooted.