Having a garden full of fresh plants you can eat is such a great idea. Growing your own plants that you can consume makes gardening so much easier and fun. It’s a sustainable lifestyle that gardeners from all over the world have embraced over the last decade.
The best part about cultivating consumable plants in Australia is the climate. It works perfectly for growing all kinds and sorts. From tomatoes and lettuce to citrus fruits, nuts and herbs, there is a rich selection of Australia edible plants that love sunny weather and don’t need much to be happy and thriving. It’s a rewarding way to grow your own food at home.
What Food Plants Are Native to Australia?
Some of the top food plants that are native to Australia are:
- Macadamia nuts
- Bush Mint
- Bush Tomatoes
- Finger Lime
- Davidson’s Plum
- Kakadu Plum
- Lemon Myrtle
- Bush Banana
- Brown Pine
- Tasmanian Pepperberry
- Wattleseed
Edible Plants Every Garden Should Have
Herbs
Herbs are some of the easiest to grow at home. They are super easy to look after, grow very fast and work amazingly for small gardens and tight spaces like garden beds and pots.
- Basil is ultimately the most common and popular herb grown across Australia and other regions of the world. It thrives in sunny weather and with just a little care, it flourishes into a flavourful herb that makes every dish super tasty. Basil thrives in nutrient-rich soil. Use a pot or container with a drainage system to avoid waterlogging.
- Mint is another amazing herb that thrives in Australian weather but prefers a bit of shade and higher moisture. It’s perfect for adding freshness to your meals or you can even use it to prepare and drink tea. Mint has a lot of health benefits such as improving digestion, relieving headaches, and supporting overall immune health. You can even chew raw mint leaves to refresh your breath. Because this herb can easily take over your other plants, it’s best to plant it in a pot or a container and keep the soil slightly damp.
- Rosemary, it’s a fantastic herb that is used for more than just cooking. You can even use it to make your own rosemary oil which is believed to help your hair grow stronger and healthier. Rosemary loves the sun and tolerates drought pretty well. Plant it in well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Vegetables
Every garden needs to have veggies. They are some of the most rewarding edible plants you can grow in your garden.
- Tomatoes are some of the most common vegetables grown in Australia and around the world. They are extremely nutritious and healthy because they are packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that work together to promote overall health. Tomatoes love sunlight which makes them perfect for the Australian weather. Choose a sunny spot in plant them in well-drained soil for optimal growth. Water consistently or use mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
- Lettuce is an all-time favourite vegetable consumed across the globe as it provides a quick snack whenever you feel like eating something refreshing. Lettuce grows quickly when properly planted. Grow it in loose soil with good drainage and avoid direct sun to prevent the vegetable from bolting. Water regularly and keep the soil moist.
- Eggplants are perfect for Australian gardens as they love the sun and thrive in the summer months. Plant it in well-drained soil in a spot with lots of direct sunlight. Water deeply and regularly.
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts are a fantastic addition to any garden. Not only do they provide nutritious harvests but also lots of shade and a place to chill in your garden.
Some of the best types of nuts you can grow under the Australian sun are macadamia, almonds and walnuts. Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, nuts are a long-term investment as they will produce harvests year after year for a very long time.
When it comes to fruits, stone fruits, berries, citrus and apples are some of the best plants you can grow and eat.
- Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines and plums love warm temperatures but can also thrive in regions where there are cool winters. They require well-drained soil and an area with lots of sun. Water them consistently during fruiting season and prune them annually to keep them healthy and in shape.
- Citrus fruits love the Australian’s hot weather. They are easy to grow and don’t require much other than well-drained soil and full sun. Water them regularly and use mulch around the base of the trees to help the soil retain moisture.
- Apples thrive the best in cooler regions, although you can also grow them in very hot climates but with extra care. To grow, apple trees need fertile, well-drained soil, full sun and consistent watering during fruiting. If you live in a very hot climate, make sure you plant them on the east side of your garden to avoid the intense sun and water them regularly so they stay hydrated at all times.
