How would you use this space for edible plants?

NamedUser

Location is SEQ. This spots sees full sun mostly all day, the sun sets on the neighbouring fence side, so 1-2m out from that fence sees shade from about 3-4pm.

Looking to grow:

- blueberries and raspberries

- passion fruit vine

- standard vege patch for lettuce, tomatoes, carrots etc.

- eventually lime or lemon lime if there’s space

Passionfruit vine I can trellis up the back fence. I was thinking of putting blueberries and raspberries here also. Should I put all three in pots or slightly raised gardens beds?

For the vege patch I was thinking of putting it along the neighbouring fence area.

Any thoughts, idea, or bunnings products (raised beds etc) to consider?

Thanks

EricL

Hello @NamedUser

You’ve got a fantastic space to work with there, and in SEQ that full sun is a real asset for growing food. The way the sun moves across your yard, with some afternoon shade along the neighbouring fence, actually gives you a nice opportunity to position plants strategically rather than everything baking in peak summer heat.

For blueberries and raspberries, I would strongly recommend large pots rather than planting them directly into the ground or standard raised beds. Blueberries in particular need acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Most backyard soils in SEQ are too alkaline, and even in raised beds it can be difficult to maintain the right acidity long term. Growing them in pots allows you to fully control the soil mix and makes feeding and pH management much easier. Look for a premium potting mix designed for acid loving plants, such as an azalea and camellia blend.

A pot around 40 to 50 centimetres wide per plant is a good starting point, with mulch on top to keep the roots cool. Raspberries are a little more forgiving, but in our heat and humidity pots give you flexibility and help manage root spread.

That slightly shaded strip about one to two metres out from the neighbouring fence could actually be ideal for these pots. They will still get plenty of morning and midday sun but some relief from the harsh late afternoon heat, which can stress berries during summer.

Your idea of growing passionfruit along the back fence is spot on. They love warmth and full sun, and a fence makes a perfect support structure. I would plant the passionfruit directly into the ground, as they perform very well in SEQ if drainage is good. Improve the soil with compost and quality garden soil, and consider mounding the planting area slightly to prevent waterlogging during heavy rain. Add a simple wire trellis or horizontal support lines so the vine can spread out and fruit more heavily.

For the vegetable patch, the neighbouring fence line is a smart choice. The light afternoon shade will help leafy greens like lettuce last longer through summer. Tomatoes, carrots and most other vegetables will still perform well as long as they receive at least six hours of sun. If your soil drains well, you can garden in ground and build it up with compost over time. Otherwise, a raised bed about 300 to 400 millimetres high gives you better soil control. A long, narrow bed that you can easily reach across works best in a space like yours.

Down the track, a dwarf lime or lemon lime tree would suit the sunniest open area. Citrus thrive in full sun and good drainage, and a dwarf variety will stay manageable in a suburban yard. I suggest having a look at this guide - How to plan a garden makeover by @Adam_W. I also recommend having a look at this discussion - No-dig garden bed for edibles by @mich1972.

With thoughtful placement and consistent watering, especially through summer, your yard has excellent potential to produce a steady supply of fruit and vegetables.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric