There are so many reasons to take up gardening [1], it's no wonder it's become a popular Summer hobby for millennials [2]. Surrounding yourself with greenery can help reduce stress, and toiling in the soil can even be a good way to exercise. And who doesn't love to see plants grow from seed to seedlings to healthy full-grown plants, all as a result of our hard work? But there's another reason we can all get behind gardening: growing plants that you can eat.

There's something so satisfying about being able to whip up a salad using your own, homegrown greens, or using your own herbs as the finishing touch to an elaborate meal served at a dinner party. Plus, if you have children or just want to make your outdoor space friendlier for nieces, nephews, children [3] of friends, or neighbours, filling your backyard or patio with digestible flora is an easy way to do that.

When it comes to edible plants, fruits and vegetables are the obvious place to start [4]. But successful gardening is all about variety, and in addition to a fruit and vegetable garden, there's a world of herbs and edible flowers that you can plant as well. These plants are all ideal for having a garden that's both beautiful and fit for human consumption.

• Flowering artichoke
• Hot peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Kale
• Fig
• Lavender
• Basil
• Lemongrass
• Sunflower
• Swiss chard
• Pansies
• Nasturtiums
• Strawberries
• Arugula
• Bay laurel
• Chives
• Rhubarb
• Fennel
• Rose hips
• Mint