By Andre the Farmer, aka Dr. Andre Baptiste, Owner & Orthodontist of Baptiste Orthodontics & Dentistry for Kids
Hey guys, it's Andre the Farmer here, and today I want to talk to you about what I call front yard plants and why I think they are essential.
Here in Central Florida, many of us live in communities with homeowners associations (HOA's). They can be good, but they usually aren't for food growers. So today, we're going to talk about food plants you can grow in plain sight without triggering a letter from your HOA.
I've seen the wasted opportunity many ornamental trees and grass bring. In many places in the world, plants are tough to grow. Here it is pretty easy, yet we spend countless dollars growing a plant only to cut it down and throw it in the trash. The main reason we grow lawns is that everyone else grows lawns.
Why not try planting front yard crops and trees?
First on the list are ginger and turmeric. They are easy to grow, and look like ornamental plants. You can grow them from the ginger and turmeric you purchase at the supermarket. Try to get organic to ensure it's not sprayed with a sprouting inhibitor.
In the early spring, cut them into pieces about two inches long and stick them in the ground. During the summer, you will have an ornamental plant, and in the late fall, you will have food. The leaves can also be used for teas and seasoning.
Next are pineapples. You can plant your pineapple tops and have ornamental plants that last for years. And in 2-3 years, get the best-tasting pineapple you've ever had. And instead of a magnolia tree, why not plant a jack fruit tree instead? They are just as pretty and will provide you with fantastic fruit. And instead of a dwarf palm, why not a jelly palm? It looks just like an ornamental palm.
These are just a few of the great foods you can grow in the front yard without anyone suspecting a thing.
It would be great if we all grew more food and fewer ornamentals. Now, if you don't have an HOA, you can grow these and plenty more in the front yard. For more tips, follow me on Instagram or TikTok @andrethefarmer, or go to permaculturelife.com for educational videos, and purchase apparel to help support community gardens.
Dr. Baptiste - or rather, Andre the Farmer - says there are endless things you can grow in Central Florida all year round. So for more ideas and how-to's, check out #andrethefarmer on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube.