We've previously covered the "Fill and Spill" method of creating a mixed container.  In this post, we're going to go in a different direction.  Edible containers! … Well.  Not the container, but the plants. You might have limited space for traditional gardening or want a focal point for your patio that features a tasty treat, here are some awesome mix ideas.

Let's start off with your outdoor dining space.  Creating a planter with mixed herbs is a great option.  Imagine serving up pasta and being able to pick some fresh basil right from the center of the table.  Likewise, chives would pair well with baked potatoes.  Combine plants like that into a delicious bouquet for your patio table's centerpiece.

The fill and spill method isn't just reserved for flowering containers either.  Imagine some lettuce and herbs filling a tall container with something like peas vining down the side.  In my own home, I have a hydroponics system and peas look beautiful spilling over the side of the unit.

Your imagination is really the limit when it comes to using edible plants in containers.  You can even mix flowers with edibles too, and some flowers like violas and nasturtiums are edible in their own right.  However, do keep in mind that some vegetables play nicely together while others do not.

Good Companion Plants:

• Beans, carrots, squash

• Eggplant, beans

• Tomatoes, basil, onions

• Lettuce, herbs

• Spinach, chard, onions

Combinations to Avoid:

• Beans with onions and garlic

• Carrots with dill or fennel

• Tomatoes or squash with potatoes

• Onions with beans and peas