Hedgerows are an ancient gardening technique that is currently undergoing a revival around the world thanks to the many benefits hedges provide.

In the Midwest today, hedges are most commonly used as simple privacy screens consisting of one or two species of shrubs. However, a traditional hedgerow incorporated a variety of trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that served as a fence, a windbreak, a haven for beneficial insects and birds, and many other uses. Many of the plants incorporated into a traditional hedgerow were also edible for humans.

Modern gardeners can adapt traditional agricultural hedgerows to transform a simple privacy hedge into a beautiful and productive part of your garden.

The easiest way to create an edible hedge is to start from scratch.

If you have a large backyard or acreage, consider incorporating trees such as apples, plums, oaks, hickories, and dogwood into your hedgerow. If you plan to use the hedge as a windbreak to lower your winter heating bills, be sure to incorporate plenty of evergreens as well.

In a smaller yard, however, it is probably best to use flowering and fruiting shrubs as the tallest plants in your hedge. Good choices for the Midwest include serviceberries, raspberries, shrub roses, chokecherry, and elderberry.

In addition to trees and shrubs, incorporate native ornamental grasses and flowering plants. These are not only beautiful, they also attract plenty of pollinators, which will increase the productivity of your edible plants. Good choices for the Midwest include little bluestem, switchgrass, purple coneflower, New England aster, bee balm, joe pye weed, cupplant, and sunflowers.

Depending on your hedge design, you may also be able to incorporate vines such as wild grapes.

Finally, incorporate annual and perennial vegetables, fruits, and herbs such as basil, thyme, strawberry,  and tomatoes on the sunny side of your edible hedge.

Mulch your new hedge heavily to reduce weeding and watering needs while it becomes established. Replant annuals as necessary every year, and every 5-10 years, thin the hedge strategically so that it remains diverse and productive. Prune as necessary to keep the neighbors happy.

If you already have a hedge that you want to convert to an edible hedge, thin it strategically and start planting edible shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the gaps and edges. A good goal is to convert a single row into two or three staggered rows of plants to encourage maximum productivity.

Related posts:

1. Reduce Heating Costs With Energy Efficient Landscaping
2. Edible Plants for Midwestern Gardens
3. How to Attract Wildlife To Your Garden for Beginners