Urban Edible Gardens: A Cambium Landscape Guide
Cambium can turn almost any property into a productive, beautiful edible landscape. From compact Seattle city lots to larger suburban parcels in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond, urban gardening thrives with the right design. In fact, vegetables, herbs, berries, and dwarf fruit trees all grow well in planters, in-ground beds, or the wider home garden. For smaller urban sites, raised planters are often the smartest choice. They improve accessibility, reduce bending and back strain, and help keep pests out. In addition, raised beds make it easier to manage soil quality and moisture—a real advantage when growing food in tight spaces. Cambium designs custom contemporary steel planters, warm wooden beds, and formal brick planters that complement each home’s architecture. For clients who want fresh, nutritious produce, organic growing methods are an easy option.
Fresh Food, Beautiful Spaces
Edible landscapes can be both useful and beautiful. For example, mixed annual flowers, herbs, and vegetables layer together for a rich, garden-like look. Even small containers can grow cherry tomatoes, gourmet greens, and culinary herbs—making fresh food possible on patios, terraces, and city courtyards. Urban edible gardens also support healthier eating by keeping produce close at hand. As a result, families cook more, garden more, and enjoy food at peak freshness. Growing food at home even teaches children the value of the garden.
Smart Watering and Protection
To keep plants healthy, Cambium can install drip irrigation systems. These systems conserve water, reduce waste, and keep beds consistently moist. Where deer pressure is a concern, we can add discreet fencing that protects the plants without overwhelming the landscape design. Larger suburban properties also have room for more expansive edible beds—including corn, sprawling melon vines, raspberry and blueberry patches, and fruiting trees.
A Garden for Families
Edible gardens are especially rewarding because they invite children to plant, water, harvest, and taste what they grow. Above all, a garden teaches patience, responsibility, and where food comes from. Watch a child’s amazement as they pull fresh potatoes from the earth. In many Pacific Northwest municipalities, urban chicken coops are also allowed, adding fresh eggs to the household. Rooster restrictions often apply to avoid disturbing neighbors, but hens fit easily into city life.
—Tim Moshier, Principal & Landscape Architect
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Edible Gardens
How long is the growing season for vegetables in Seattle?
Seattle’s mild climate supports growing nearly year-round. In the warm summer months, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, and green beans thrive. In spring and fall, cool-weather crops like lettuce, kale, arugula, and peas do best. In fact, many cool-weather greens keep producing well into the winter.
Do rats become a problem in urban vegetable gardens?
Rats are common in cities, and they are opportunistic. Fruit or vegetables left rotting on the ground can attract them. Therefore, keeping the growing area clean is a big help. In addition, tall, smooth-sided steel planters, like the ones Cambium welds right on site, prevent climbing pests. A vegetable-safe deterrent such as Bonide Rat Magic Repellent is another option.
What type of soil is best for a raised vegetable planter?
Many bagged soil blends are designed for herbs and vegetables, and fully organic options are widely available. For added nutrients, Cambium suggests mixing in decomposed steer or chicken manure, or mushroom compost.
How much sunlight do herbs and vegetables need to grow well?
Sunlight is key to success. Most herbs and summer vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun per day. Root crops need a little less. Leafy greens can often get by with just four hours a day.
Do I need an irrigation system for a vegetable planter?
Not always, daily hand-watering works if you are consistent. However, planters in full sun can dry out quickly. A simple drip system can attach right to your hose bib. Or, if you’re heading off on a luxury three-week European summer tour, ask a neighbor to water thoroughly and often.