What will the NEIGHBORS THINK?!? 6 Tips to Grow Food Not Lawn in your Front Yard Vegetable Garden

Want to start a front yard vegetable garden? Love the idea of growing food not lawns? But are worried about what will the neighbors think? In this video I will give you tips to help you urban homesteading front yard.
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[@tammystoddard2830]

“Put your crazy in a box” sounds like a great T-shirt!

[@WildFloridian]

LOL!!! 🤣😋🤣 That is a great short idea!

[@samelita007]

Totally!

[@st.peterunner8758]

Me and my wife will buy a house in st Pete eventually, living in a condo now. I can’t wait to plant stuff in the ground. I’m “that guy” in my complex who’s porch is loaded with potted plants lol

[@WildFloridian]

🙌 I love it!!! I can’t wait to hear how you transform a St Pete lawn!!!

[@Alpha_Anthony]

In Brandon here. I used to have them all over my balcony when I used to live in an apartment. There’s so much more space with a house 🏡

[@fernandezfarm]

Ditto here, I used to have my apartment balcony packed with plants… it’s even where is started my Icecream bean tree from seed. Never stop planting 👍

[@sc_arriola382]

As an artist your totally right with sets of three. I was taught in art class not to do even numbers, always have odd numbers of objects in your art

[@deborahtheodore5407]

My neighbors love my front yard garden. They stop and ask about it. I share with their children too.

[@SonderSurreal]

Thank goodness for that Florida bill protecting vegetable gardens.... I'm a pretty anxious person and I don't know if id have all this back to eden stuff going without it to be honest. It was interesting to go read all the state congress-people who voted against it you might be surprised.

[@plamendobrev5416]

Can you share the lost of people that voted against it? What part of Florida are you from?

[@SonderSurreal]

@@plamendobrev5416 NE FL. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support however if you look up this information you can see the list of how people voted. CS/SB 82: Vegetable Gardens GENERAL BILL by Rules ; Bradley Vegetable Gardens; Prohibiting local governments from regulating vegetable gardens on residential properties except as otherwise provided by law; specifying that such regulations are void and unenforceable, etc.

[@plamendobrev5416]

@@SonderSurreal thank you, I will look into it more.

[@SonderSurreal]

@@plamendobrev5416 You are welcome.

[@WildFloridian]

I can understand not wanting to go rogue 😄

[@frankbelt633]

A Rebel with a cause, a hand hoe, a watering can, a cattle trellis, and a raised bed. I think it looks fantastic. You go girl.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you!

[@samelita007]

"Containing your crazy" is definitely the way to ensure it is HOA-compliant. This week we are doing the tree trimming so getting excited for new raised beds!

[@WildFloridian]

YAY for the tree trimming!

[@barefootbarbie]

People complain about the food shortage, yet choose to grow grass instead. SMH

[@BeuTful]

In our neighborhood, we have garages in the back and a shared alley so people can see what is going on in your backyard. We decided to start a garden and I will say that we met so many neighbors that way. People continually would stop and talk with us and ask us what we were planting and mention how they always looked forward to seeing what we were doing with it.

[@WildFloridian]

🥰 That is wonderful! I think that is a hidden benefit that neighbors under estimate until they can experience... standard Florida yards look the same all year... which means that it is monotonous for the walkers. Gardens that change during the day, week, month and year make walks way more interesting. I know when I walk my dogs I gravitate to the other gardens that change. I'm so happy you have met more neighbors! 🥰 Keep going!

[@cathyeller5722]

I have a back yard garden, the kid next door told me "your tomatoes' taste better than Kroger's" I had wondered who had been taking them. We only have one neighbor who reports everything to the city. I made friends with her years ago. Most of them don't say anything since some of the overflow of veggies gets left on their doorstep.

[@WildFloridian]

🤣 The kid was telling on himself 🤣 You sound like you have a wonder neighborhood 😊

[@kukulcangod1]

I can' t remember where but it is in Europe...All the neighboors grow vegetables and echange for what f they don't grow!! The community is very peaceful and friendly as a result! Don't ever give up !! Your husband is so lucky to have you!! You are the "Joan of arch of gardening"!! a revolutionary!! "Viva la resistance'!! We will survive the zombie apocalypse!!

[@lottiedottiewholikestoparty]

I started one recently, and i live in the Hood in Fl. My neighbors (most are older) started coming up to me giving me tips and they even told me we had a community garden down the street.

[@inchristalone25]

I'm in a HOA with the grumpy president cross corner from us with his manicured st augustine lawn, so far all I have planted are bananas and a guava tree in the front. We got the party going on in the back! Also I am still struggling to grow a vegetable garden after living in the north all my life. The potatoes prefer to grow in the compost pile more than my raised bed lol. It is a different ball game down here! (I'm in manatee county)

[@WildFloridian]

So you have a mullet garden?!? 😂🤪😂 Tidy in front, party in the back. LOL! BOOO on a grumpy president. Manatee county has sooo many HOA communities now. I used to work in Manatee county. I would try to grow white sweet potatoes. They are easier and taste the same as potatoes.

[@zaneymay]

Lol! "Contain your crazy". I read Florida has change their law on gardening, except for HOA.

[@WildFloridian]

Yes! Contain the crazy! Yes Florida Senate Bill 82 passed in July 2019 which protects Floridians rights to grow food in their yard (HOA still have the right to restrict as long as they provide provisions for Florida Friendly Landscapjng in their CCR)

[@sarahbhutta251]

Smart way to approach a front yard garden! Offering neighbors some of the extra veggies you grow could help and encourage them to join you in growing their own. Building relationships makes for a happier neighborhood and better world. BTW your dessert rose is GORGEOUS!!

[@WildFloridian]

Very true!

[@zm35r2bn]

Those light 3ft tall grassy plants they look like can grass that you'd see in a western movie. If you quit just a little tall 3ft grassy plant right in front of those containers you would not even know you had containers

[@zm35r2bn]

You have to remember we're hunters and gatherers and gardeners by Nature

[@kalesmonroe2556]

Exactly. If you want to put a giant chicken coop in your front yard do it! If you want to pull up all of the trees and cover your yard in sand and put lawn chairs all over it do it! If there is no HOA, people can literally do whatever they want to do so do it!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Love the psychological play of "containing the crazy" (although my sliver of Orlando doesn't seem to have neighbors that would mind if I made the whole thing a garden, thankfully)

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

How wonderful if more people were growing all around their properties. I know it can be done is a very pleasingly aesthetic way that isn’t going to affect property values as some seem to think. On the other hand we live in a well “manicured” old neighborhood an although there are quite a few newly renovated grand homes there are two that are horribly overgrown and unkept so there will always be that. As long as I don’t need to live under the policing of an HOA I’m good.

[@truclam8734]

I've been taken steps to convert my front yard into a pollinator/food garden over the spring. I planned out a foundation tructure (privacy along the property line and a more open area towards the centwe of the house) added my hardscape and picked plants with this in mind.

[@staghornthedruid957]

I was thinking about 3-4 foot high chainlink fence on some of my yard up to my front door and containing my crazy in there

[@frankbelt633]

I love it. 😂😂😂

[@LarryMilligan]

Excellent video. Covered every single concern and thought I had.

[@mgmg77867]

It’s beautiful!❤

[@zm35r2bn]

You can also put like a pretty statue out there

[@MsSlushatel]

I love this video SO MUCH 💖

[@florenciazarco2384]

I like your video. I live in Florida ❤️. I love natural places.

[@jenc8953]

I converted my front yard to a vegetable garden 2 yrs ago. I installed a hedge using brush cherry around the perimeter of front yard and grew the shrubs in a pleached style to provide some screening from the street. I created a formal entry by having a large wooden arbor installed with stone pillars. My vegetables are planted amongst flowering shrubs. My neighbors love it. It’s better to see a vegetable garden in a neighbor’s front yard than to see their cars parked on their front lawn or recliners and sofas on the lawn or front porch.

[@justinskeans3342]

99% of people I'd say are loving what you got growing on. Dont worry about it people do you. Let the haters hate.

[@brittnaynaychevynova1324]

🤪 put your crazy in a box… I like that quote but I usually just give the neighbors a smile and a wave like you mentioned.

[@joniboulware1436]

Really great advice. I think mixing some flowers with the edibles would also help with acceptance.

[@WildFloridian]

I think so too!

[@MsZeus49]

What a great way to start my day! You have inspired me to do more! Thank you! I am going “box crazy” and don’t have to worry about neighbors! I have a huge back yard! You are a natural! Going to be watching all your videos! ❤️🌻❤️

[@WildFloridian]

🥰 Awww thank you ☺️

[@suzetterobinson9442]

We live in the massive lawn Midwest where farming is everywhere but for some reason people do not think to do it in front of the house. I'm slowing conquering our front and side lawns, leaving only one area in the back open, and that I just planted species tulips and naturalizing bulbs in for Spring color and pollinator food. I hope to eventually have it covered in low growing groundcovers as well. I had to convince my family it was a good idea. Part of that was mostly taking over the mowing and reiterating over and over how good it was to have beneficial, edible and ornamental plants instead of hours & days of lawn care to do for just grass. Of course there's many more hours of lawn care needed in the establishment phase, but in the end it should be less work with far more benefits.

[@tammybinfl4755]

Thank your insight. I am in st.pete large lot want to expand out front for better sun spots. I already give some of what i grow so i am in good graces with them. I am going for it this fall. Thank you for all you do for us all.

[@WildFloridian]

You are so welcome! 🥰 That sounds amazing! You should definetly expand into your front yard! I see more and more houses in St. Pete making the switch to ditch grass and make gardens. Absolutely best wishes on your gardening journey!

[@zelavie]

I'm in an apartment near St. Pete, and looking to buy in the next year. I'm glad to have found your channel now, so I'll be ready when I get that yard! I've only watched a few videos so far, but I can tell your channel is going to help me a lot. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experiences with us!

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! I'm so glad you are enjoying the videos! Best wishes on your house hunt!

[@SuperTeamvip]

For the record……. you and your family would be amazing neighbors in my book girl and your front yard garden is beautiful and very inspirational. Cheers!

[@WildFloridian]

Awww! Thank you! 🥰

[@MsSlushatel]

Totally love the approach. In our front yard, I am, my family is not ready to have a garden, but we have fruiting trees along with magnolia and decorative bushes.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you! Hopefully one day they will. 😊

[@scoobydoo5447]

Keep it neat and tidy and don’t be a pest to others. Other than that, do what you want with your own property.

[@user-nb7lr7cq8q]

Good tips

[@WildFloridian]

Thanks!

[@noraalvarado8178]

What a fabulous video. I'm in N.Y and last fall after thinking about it for a few years I tore out alot of the sod in my front yard. I'm gonna put in a butterfly garden after seeing some monarchs and a giant swalow tail. I'm growing milkweed under grow lights along with parsley, dill and fennel. I get more sun in the front than in the back. People I think are sceptical because of design. If you mess up in the back of the house no one might see. But the front yard where everyone is watching you is very a different story or I think more people would do it. Your yard is gorgeous. Grass is over rated!!! LOL

[@WildFloridian]

OMG! I love that you are starting a butterfly garden in your front yard! Yes, the pressure is on when it is your front yard. But the neighbors you meet can also be wonderful. We have a few neighbors who have taken out most of their gardens for butterfly gardens. They are beautiful! I wish you the best on starting your front yard butterfly garden!

[@nickl2426]

Nice!!!

[@WildFloridian]

Good morning Nick! 🌞

[@katiecannon8186]

This is the first time I’ve gotten the general layout of your house & garden. And it is gorgeous !!!!!! You need to do another video where you really concentrate on long shots. Because it way, way, way, more absolutely GORGEOUS than I realized.

[@WildFloridian]

Awwww! Thank you! I fee like I show it all the time... but you are right. I'm usually focused on one section or another. Sometimes I feel like it doesn't show very well in video. It is much prettier in person. 🥰

[@katiecannon8186]

@@WildFloridian You’ve done a FANTASTIC design job. You need to show it off. And - yes - it comes across very nicely on video. We ALL demand a more thorough walk around with small long shots. Or, all long shots 😉. And I’m sure it is even more GORGEOUS in person. Still …..

[@txLALA]

So far I’ve only grown jalapeños in my front yard. My house faces south, so the front yard gets full sun all day. My backyard only has a few spots that get full sun year round. I think I’d definitely like to add more peppers, since the squirrels would likely leave those alone.

[@WildFloridian]

That is awesome! One plant at a time 🙌 Soon you'll be growing pounds and pounds of food! 😄

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

I love your research that you put into all your videos. As another Florida gardener who has veggies 10 feet off the road, in my side lot, I have experienced some of this. We have our area open-fenced (legally) and so haven't been reported. The boundary helps. I have the slow drive-bys. My neighbors love the look. They also ask me every time if I am videoing before they start talking. 😅 I'd love to meet you one day to talk plants.

[@sue6251]

Just relocated to Florida. Avid Gardner for many years. What do you all do about deer? They run the neighborhood. State park nearby. Hoa says no fences over 4'. Thinking of double fencing? In front have to do shrubs as no fence. So while can do beds and borders, have to keep deer out??! Thanks and happy gardening!!

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

@@sue6251 I don't have deer problems. I have seen them close but only 1 ever on my street.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you 🥰 I love that you are front yard vegetable gardening too! Ahhhh the slow drive bys! That is so sweet that they are considerate of your filming. My neighbors who are around me are super considerate too. It would be super fun to meet one day! I'm home bound for now. But I'm thinking of going around to visit some day some fellow gardeners and youtubers.

[@chocalatekid8024]

Tell them to kiss your grits!😊

[@user-he3ek3cs4z]

I have never seen a desert rose that big!

[@AlannaSingsALot]

I know a pergola is most likely more expensive, but how have your cattle panel trellises been doing in the wind? I am closer to the east coast, and close to a river, and find it can get pretty windy. So. I was considering saving & waiting to put up something wooden. But, I do love the look of yours! And probably way cheaper…I just planted my dwarf Mulberries in the front yesterday! I could not care less what the neighbors think of my front yard garden. I painted the house red & blue, so many colorful flowers & even a repurposed, graffiti-style mother Mary birdbath! 😋🤘🏼💜✨

[@WildFloridian]

Pergola would be more expensive but it would be a pretty look. The cattle panel trellis made it through a CAT 1 hurricane - no issue. I think it was about $300 for all of my arches in the front. Also consider what you are growing on it. The native vines cover my other arch really well and it would have been a waste to put something pretty because you would never see it within a year. I've looked at some prettier arches to offer options to people but haven't found a durable material yet. But whatever you do... what is most important... is that you like it! 🥰 YAY for planting mulberries! Your front yard sounds amazing!

[@lindylou3519]

I love St Augustine grass…feels so good on bare feet. I would have to have both if I lived in FL. Grew up on the FL Atlantic coast. My garden would be in the backyard keeping palms, banana trees & grass in the front just because I love them so.🥰

[@WildFloridian]

Thanks for sharing Lindy!! 🥰😊🥰

[@ezclean7022]

Omg I get that.. the seemingly amused people 😭 smh... Walk by and laugh and call me garden girl. I have a tiny side yard I'm dealing with and I'm actually growing alot for a tiny space but people seem to find it funny when I'm tending to my garden. Like oh hey still out there playing in the dirt and making comments like "what you gonna grow in that little spot" even telling me I'm wasting my time .. I loathe it but I don't let it stop me. If anything this is AT LEAST a learning expert for me until I DO own some nice land 🙏🏼

[@WildFloridian]

Yes! Make the most of what you got! People can be so 😒 I bet there are some who like it. It took time before people said nice things to our face and it very far between. BUT if you love it, then it is wonderful. Keep being the change! 🥰

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

yeah, thats one question I don't ask myself :)

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! 🙌

[@zieteniere7500]

you can replace the metal trellis with wooden ones and those are a bit more attractive (imo)

[@plamendobrev5416]

Your front garden looks amazing! I can’t believe someone called on you about your arches. Do you live in an HOA?

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you so much! 😊 LOL! It is a passive aggressive family. We don't have a formal HOA. We do have a HOA that plans an annual block party and does monthly meetings with a few other activities; but otherwise that is it. Actually the neighbors who defended our garden are now in "officer" positions in the HOA. Mostly they talk about people speeding in the neighborhood.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

HOA no cant do it. So I am doing flowers and stuff in the front, and planning the veggies for the back.

[@WildFloridian]

That is such a bummer. I was talking with a friend the other day who lives in a HOA and she showed how she snuck a few edible plants into her front yard and we were discussing how to do sweet potatoes. But I love that you are working with what you got!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I paid off my mortgage last month, so now the money I was funnelling to bankers (mostly interest) I am now spending on my yard. My difficulty is with lifting. I have no manpower to help. Have you done any videos on this? even teenagers nowadays are useless... I have 4 grands and they are not interested in doing any of this.

[@mariap.894]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 oh, Annie...I wished we were neighbors. I feel your pain, this is why I'm growing in heavy duty plastic tubs, over cinder blocks. I had to rip up my raised beds and talk about lifting, it was brutal!!!. Be safe and be well❤️👋😊👍💜Congratulations on paying off the bank!🥂🍾😉👍

[@WildFloridian]

Huge Congratulations! Paid off mortgage! 🥳🥳🥳

[@annalisasmith8066]

When did you plant your cabbage? I live in Lutz and planted in Sept/October. I have one that set a head a month ago but all the rest are just starting, which seems too late. Plus now I need room for my tomatoes!

[@WildFloridian]

I planted mine in January. They were starts. Most have set heads but I think we are getting too warm for them now and similar to you I'll be flipping the bed soon to other crops. I just need to figure out what I'm replacing them with soon. 😂

[@katiecannon8186]

Do an update on the 30 natives you put in in front of your grow boxes. Please.

[@ezclean7022]

Yes please

[@WildFloridian]

@katie cannon LOL! Ok! I'll do one in the next couple weeks. I'm planning on adding some more native wildflowers behind the raised beds. So hopefully more ideas and an update. I will say... it looks very pretty.

[@katiecannon8186]

@@WildFloridian See if your nursery has some old fashion pentas. You won’t be sorry. I promise. Also anise hyssop. Some native nurseries carry both even though they’re not native to FL.

[@KylieJonkman]

Or just dont give a shit about what other ppl think and do it anyways. At the end of the day youre growing your own food that's something that helps the planet and helps you.

[@AngelDRose]

What do you plant in the summer? I’m in St Pete and I have three beautiful raised beds. I don’t want them to sit empty over the summer. Is there anything that likes Florida weather? Or should I just cover it and wait until fall for my next crop?

[@plamendobrev5416]

We are also in central FL (Spring Hill) and grow okra, peppers, eggplant and herbs like basil during the summer.

[@jessicahurd5704]

sweet potatoes, okra, paprika peppers, Seminole pumpkin, flowers, cow peas

[@WildFloridian]

@AngelDRose I'm planning to plant sweet potatoes, ajise peppers, loufa, okra, roselle and I'm going to try a trick with corn that someone gave me last year and we'll see if it works. I'll also start carrots in late summer.

[@AngelDRose]

@@WildFloridian Awesome. Will you do a video on the corn thing? I would love to see how that works. Maybe try it myself.

[@AngelDRose]

@@plamendobrev5416 What do you do during the storms?

[@jennhoff03]

We have SUCH a strict HOA. Our neighbors love my garden and are so kind. But I constantly get letters from the HOA. "Take out your dead tree!" (It was just dormant). "Don't leave your garage door open for more than 30 minutes!" (Ok, I was literally walking in and out of it for 3 hours while I landscape on Saturday). It drives me crazy! HOAs are such a pain sometimes.

[@ezclean7022]

Nightmare

[@plamendobrev5416]

That sounds awful, I’m sorry you have to deal with that. What State see you kn?

[@liltinktinky2605]

Why does it matter if your garage door is open for more than 30 minutes?

[@WildFloridian]

@Jenn Hoff sounds like the worst. I'm glad your neighbors love it! People honestly get bored walking past the same cookie cutter / 10 plants on repeat. Hopefully some different neighbors will get voted in over time and then y'all can make more changes.

[@WildFloridian]

@LilTinkTinky because they think it is ugly... there are some weird HOA rules I have heard throughout the years. I remember hearing how a family was fined for choosing the wrong color mulch... it had to be red dyed mulch.

[@justhereforthefoliage]

Good stuff! I’ve always wondered about this in your front yard. Not being a jerk when asking this, as I am really just wondering and interested, but is there a physical/logistical reason why you didn’t plant this in your backyard? Like not enough sunlight or too small or some other barrier to have a vegetable garden around back? Just curious so I fully understand the situation! Keep it up though! Love it! Great job!

[@ezclean7022]

Hope she answers but probably more sun in the front.. and she has kids that probably use the backyard

[@justhereforthefoliage]

@@ezclean7022 Would make sense!

[@WildFloridian]

@Just Here For The Foiliage LOL... this is NOT an offensive question. I had to dig in my memory banks because it wasn't a one and done decision. Ready for a long answer...😂 When we moved into our house there were three parts of our yard that were a HOT mess, the front and the sides. The back yard was actually pretty good other than flooding. We had the backyard regraded and some perimeter plants done. And overall we were pretty happy. We weren't really into gardening at the time just dabbling. Then we lost three large trees that shaded the house on the south (front yard) and west side of the house. So the original focus was adding shade. I had started the vegetable garden on the west side of the house... but because it was getting hot... we added the food forest to get shade which pushed the veggies out. I for fun planted some sunflowers and pumpkin seeds where one of the trees had been which was the front yard and they started to take over. Then a bunch of shrubs died in the front and I threw a sweet potato in to see what would happen and that became the sweet potato bed. SOOO overall the front yard just started to become the place for veggies. The original plan was to fence in the back yard for kids and dogs... so I veered clear of the back yard. Later... I realized the back yard gets WAY too much sun... so without some modification.... and the fact that we play soccer back there... we kept expanding in the front. The south (front yard) gets dappled sun throughout the day. BUT it honestly was a journey to get the front yard looking nice and not wanting to do standard plants. So I keep picking at the front yard and the western side yard and they are getting closer to a place where I feel pretty good. I'll swing back to the eastern side sometime this year to fix some issues. The south will just expand the back yard orchard a little bit... but for now is for playing soccer and baseball and whatever else. Also I'm the crazy lady who doesn't care that deeply about what the neighbors think. 🤪 So funny story the gardening journey really started on three sides of the house trying to get more shade on the house to cool it down.

[@justhereforthefoliage]

@@WildFloridian Totally makes sense! I absolutely get it and understand that for sure! It’s ridiculous to me how many neighborhoods have no shade trees at all, just houses. That goes for even up here in SW Ohio too. Most folks don’t realize how much they can reduce their energy bill in the summer by having shade on their home! Thanks for the thoughtful and thorough response. I’m with you! Keep it up! Love the channel and content! Appreciate it!

[@robinchopra139]

find out where you septic field lines go and dont plant over them

[@ezclean7022]

Why is that 😳

[@WildFloridian]

Sewage leaking and contaminating

[@scottcurtis1425]

Millipedes eat the nasty bugs you don't want!

[@bryanplott2716]

I can't believe one of the tips wasn't give them some fruits or vegetables. Like if you have some extra

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! This is definetly a tip. Usually you'll have enough to do without adding the worry of making extra fruit and vegetables. Also I figured that takes 3 to 6 months; and these tips will help you in the first 30 days which is when you may start off on the wrong foot with the neighbors. And I didn't want to put that pressure on a new front yard gardener who is holding themselves back.

[@juliusq75]

Share your veggggies and they will like you!!😂

[@kalesmonroe2556]

Looks tacky as hell. The reason neighbors don't like it is is because it de-values everyone's property value. Plain and simple. Put it in the back yard. I lived in a neighborhood across the street from a woman who had a front yard garden and when trying to sell that house, the #¡ comment from potential buyers was "Can the person across the street really do that?" and it was a concern for them. Sorry but if it inhibits people being able to sell their homes, it is a problem.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Houses in my neighborhood sell as soon as the post goes up. Also mine isn't the only atypical front yard here. There are plenty of cookie cutter front yards for people to buy in Florida.

[@amydeik4231]

Have you ever caught people stealing your vegetables?

[@WildFloridian]

Nope. I've heard people joke about it. But only the critters have stolen from me 😂