Mix edibles and ornamentals, says Alex Mitchell, “in a way that they both function properly.” A few of her suggestions:

✔ Marigolds and tomatoes: “The marigolds help control whitefl ies,” she said.

✔ Nasturtiums and bare-stemmed vegetables: “With black Tuscan kale, there’s nothing at the bottom, so hide the base with a froth of color.” Chard is another

option.

✔ Peas or beans and sweet peas: Choose a climbing edible to pair with the flowers. Provide support, such as a small trellis, to help both climb.

✔ Cosmos and green vegetables: Cosmos give “fantastic displays of color and they’re easy to grow. Mix with chards or beans.”