Possibilities and importance of planting edible vegetation in the urban environment

The vegetation layer constitutes an integral part of urbanized spaces, serving numerous functions within the urban organism (recreational, hygienic, aesthetic, biocorridors, etc.). Trees and plants enhance the physical and psychological environment of the city (dust reduction, water retention, shading, natural cooling).

Green infrastructure plays a significant role in territorial planning and the design of individual areas. There are strategies, regulations, and recommendations at various levels, ranging from international (Natura 2000) to regional, urban, and detailed rules for community gardens. Local authorities create their manuals, guidelines, handbooks, and ideals.

Currently, there are manuals and standards for urban vegetation planting that focus on the spatial requirements and technical implementation of macro green infrastructure biocorridors. However, these primarily address technical and spatial arrangements.

The absence of edible vegetation planting in urban environments in the mentioned documents leads to further reflection on why this is the case. There are several reasons, but none of them apply to all types of urban environments or encompass all the specific characteristics of individual cultivars of edible flora and planting methods. However, planting fruit-bearing plants can bring additional benefits, whether they be educational, economic, community-oriented, or sustainable.

Interdisciplinary research aims to map the development of edible vegetation planting in urbanized environments in Central Europe from the early 20th century to the present day. It summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of planting edible vegetation through existing examples and categorizes them accordingly.

Cooperation between the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Fine Arts BUT