Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

LilBittyBean 8/6/2022, 8:06 pm

Anyone have any experience growing an edible hedgerow? I have the opportunity to redo the front hedge of my home due to the unfortunate need to have my foundation leveled. If anyone has any helpful info or experience on what could be grown in this manner (as a hedge) with partial shade, I would love to get your advice.

Specifically looking for a short- to medium-height hedges. Mixing is okay.

I *think* some of my options are serviceberry, American beautyberry, and maybe persimmon.

Thanks for the help!

OhioGardener 8/6/2022, 9:22 pm

I have an edible hedge row of Persimmons, Service Berries, and High Bush Cranberries. Unfortunately, the only ones that get to partake of the "edible" part are the birds and raccoons.

LilBittyBean 8/6/2022, 9:37 pm

OhioGardener wrote:I have an edible hedge row of Persimmons, Service Berries, and High Bush Cranberries. Unfortunately, the only ones that get to partake of the "edible" part are the birds and raccoons.

Ah, OG! It seems we think alike! Interesting info about the raccoons. I am not opposed to feeding the birds.

I hung three bird feeders (seed, mealworms, nectar) near my garden and they kept all the birds (and even the squirrels) away from my goodies. I am wondering if the same approach near the edible hedgerow would work. Maybe there would be some edible harvest left for me!?

OhioGardener 8/7/2022, 8:24 am

LilBittyBean wrote:I hung three bird feeders (seed, mealworms, nectar) near my garden and they kept all the birds (and even the squirrels) away from my goodies. I am wondering if the same approach near the edible hedgerow would work. Maybe there would be some edible harvest left for me!?

The song birds - the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Wing Blackbirds, Mockingbirds, etc. - think I planted those berries just for them. They will visit the bird feeders to get a few sunflower seeds for appetizers, and then they head to the bushes with berries for the main coarse. But, they sing such pretty songs after they have had their fill.

markqz 8/7/2022, 2:56 pm

Eugenia definitely makes a good hedge and the fruits are edible, if not always tasty. They generally thrive on neglect. You do have to trim the top to prevent it from becoming a tree.

LilBittyBean 8/7/2022, 4:03 pm

markqz wrote:Eugenia definitely makes a good hedge and the fruits are edible, if not always tasty. They generally thrive on neglect. You do have to trim the top to prevent it from becoming a tree.

Thanks, marqz! Hadn't thought about eugenia. Is there a certain cultivar you recommend for the tastiest berries?

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Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

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Re: Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

Re: Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

Eugenia

Re: Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard

Re: Edible Hedge for Part Shade in Front Yard


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