8 Edible Nitrogen Fixing Plants You Should Grow in Your Garden

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

The last time I talked about nitrogen fixing plants, I wasn’t specific about the types. After some more research, I have come back with a list of edible nitrogen fixing plants. So, do not be surprised that some of the names on this list appear on the one I did earlier on 30 nitrogen fixing plants. These too, play a crucial role in sustainable gardening by enriching the soil with nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth.

These plants have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This natural process reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes healthier plant growth.

But before we talk about the eighth edible nitrogen fixing plants, here is something I thought you should know:

What's in the Article

What is Nitrogen Fixing in Plants

Nitrogen-fixing in plants is a natural process where certain plants, mainly legumes (like peas, beans, and clover), convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a form that plants can use, such as ammonia (NH₃). This process is essential because nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, but most plants cannot use nitrogen directly from the air.

Nitrogen-fixing plants have a symbiotic relationship with specific bacteria, particularly Rhizobium species, which live in nodules on the plant’s roots. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for the plant. In return, the plant provides the bacteria with carbohydrates and a habitat.

This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, making it more fertile for other plants, which is why nitrogen-fixing plants are often used in crop rotation and sustainable farming practices.

8 Little-Known Edible Nitrogen Fixing Plants

These plants are edible, making them an excellent addition to your garden. Below is a list of eight edible nitrogen fixing plants, along with details on their growth, care, and culinary uses.

Other blogs to compare:

1. Fava Beans (Vicia faba)

Time to Maturity: To open our list of edible nitrogen fixing plants is Fava beans. These beans typically mature in 80-100 days.

Edible Use: The young pods can be eaten raw, while the mature beans can be cooked, dried, or even ground into flour. They are excellent in soups, stews, and salads.

Care Plan: Fava beans thrive in cool weather, so plant them in early spring or fall. They require well-drained soil and regular watering but are relatively low maintenance. Ensure they receive full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-11.

2. Peas (Pisum sativum)

Time to Maturity: Peas generally mature in 60-70 days.

Edible Use: Both the peas and the tender young shoots are edible. Peas can be eaten fresh, steamed, or added to various dishes like salads and stir-fries. The shoots make a delicious addition to salads and sandwiches.

Care Plan: Peas prefer cool weather and well-drained, fertile soil. They require regular watering and should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Provide support for climbing varieties.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-11.

3. Lentils (Lens culinaris)

Time to Maturity: Lentils take about 80-110 days to mature.

Edible Use: Lentils are a versatile legume that can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even as a meat substitute in dishes like lentil burgers.

Care Plan: Lentils prefer cool climates and well-drained soil. They require minimal care, just occasional watering, and should be planted in full sun.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 5-9.

4. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)

Time to Maturity: Chickpeas typically mature in 90-100 days.

Edible Use: Chickpeas are used in a variety of dishes, from hummus to salads and stews. They can be cooked, roasted, or sprouted for different culinary uses.

Care Plan: Chickpeas prefer warm climates and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. Plant them in full sun for the best yield.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 6-9.

5. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Time to Maturity: Alfalfa matures in about 70-85 days.

Edible Use: Alfalfa is commonly used in sprout form and can be added to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. It’s also used as an herbal tea.

Care Plan: Alfalfa prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. It’s a perennial plant that requires minimal care once established. Regular harvesting promotes new growth.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-9.

6. Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Time to Maturity: Clover matures in about 70-90 days.

Edible Use: Red clover flowers and leaves can be used in teas, salads, or as a garnish. They have a sweet, mild flavor.

Care Plan: Clover is hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of soils but preferring well-drained, fertile conditions. It requires minimal care and can grow in full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 3-9.

7. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Time to Maturity: Moringa can be harvested as soon as 6 months after planting.

Edible Use: Moringa leaves, pods, and seeds are all edible. The leaves can be used in salads, soups, or dried and ground into powder. The pods can be cooked like green beans, and the seeds can be pressed for oil.

Care Plan: Moringa prefers warm, tropical climates and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. Plant it in full sun.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 9-11.

8. Groundnut (Apios americana)

Time to Maturity: Groundnuts typically take 2-3 years to fully mature, though some can be harvested after the first year.

Edible Use: The tubers and seeds are edible. The tubers can be boiled, roasted, or fried like potatoes, while the seeds can be cooked like beans.

Care Plan: Groundnuts prefer moist, fertile soil and partial shade. They are relatively low maintenance but benefit from regular watering. Support for climbing vines may be needed.

Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4-9.

Let’s talk a bit about fruits:

Conclusion

Incorporating edible nitrogen fixing plants into your garden is a win-win strategy for sustainable gardening. These plants naturally enrich your soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers while also providing a fresh, nutritious harvest.

From versatile legumes like fava beans and chickpeas to perennial favorites like moringa and clover, these plants support the health of your garden and your diet.

By choosing species that are well-suited to your hardiness zone and providing them with proper care, you can create a thriving garden that boosts both biodiversity and productivity.

Whether you’re aiming to improve soil quality or enjoy a bountiful harvest, these plants offer a holistic approach to gardening that benefits both the earth and your plate.