What if you happen to may have a backyard that principally planted itself? The concept isn’t as far-fetched as you would possibly suppose. Self-sowing crops are delightfully serendipitous crops that can fortunately disperse seed with none intervention from you. Sure, there are many crops on the market that unfold indiscriminately and obnoxiously–however these aren’t those we’re discussing on this episode. As an alternative, we’re specializing in an array of perennials, annuals, and even edibles that can create offspring politely–filling in gaps and clean spots in your beds and borders. The English have embraced the thought of self-sowers extra readily than gardeners stateside, however on right this moment’s podcast we argue that opportunistic crops have a spot in nearly each backyard. Hear now to seek out out which self-sowers dance by way of our gardens (and driveways).
Professional testimony: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, backyard designer, and writer based mostly in suburban Chicago.
Carol’s Crops
‘McKanna Giants’ columbine (Aquilegia ‘McKanna Giants’, Zones 3-10)
Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum, Zones 5-8)
Mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘Victoria White’, Zones 8-10)
‘Hon Tsai Tai’ mustard (Brassica rapa ‘Hon Tsai Tai’, annual)
Danielle’s Crops
Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites, Zones 5-9)
Mexican speckled tinantia (Tinantia pringlei, Zones 6-10)
Golden jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum ‘Aurea’, Zones 9-10)
Foxglove (Digitalis spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9 )
Professional testimony: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, backyard designer, and writer based mostly in suburban Chicago.
‘Dietrich’s Wild’ broccoli raab (Brassica rapa ‘Dietrich’s Wild’, biennial)
Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’, Zones 4-9)
Purple shiso (Perilla frutescens, annual)
Moonflower (Datura innoxia, Zones 9-10)
