Did you know there are around 2,500 varieties of apples that grow in the U.S.? You certainly wouldn’t if you’ve only gone to the grocery store. There are varieties of apples that are coveted by chefs, like the heirloom Esopus Spitzenburg, but good luck finding that at the supermarket. So, why not grow apples and other fruits and berries yourself?
No doubt, fresh fruit, plucked from a tree, is magical. Picking that sun-ripened, juicy peach right off the branch and biting into the soft, fuzzy fruit is the essence of a hot summer day. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could do that? But trees take years to grow, right? Not necessarily! There are fast-growing fruit trees that bear fruit in as little as two years, and that’s why fertilizer exists!
If you want to start growing fruits and berries at home, keep in mind that critters may find their way into your yard too. Just about every animal loves fresh fruit and they will come knocking when you look like you’re serving a buffet. But don’t worry, there are many ways to protect your fruit trees from deer and other animals.
In the articles below, we share everything you need to know about growing fruits and berries. You can learn more about the delicious art of fruit and berry gardening in our How to Grow a Vegetable Garden: 10 Things Every Gardener Needs to Know Before Starting a Food Garden freebie. Enjoy!
If you’re thinking about growing elderberries, you’re in good company. Elderberries have a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Some legends say that the Norse fairy mother lives in the elderberry roots or that the elderberry can ward off evil magic if you plant it near your doors and windows. Across medieval Europe, people believed the elderberry could cure rheumatism, gout, and skin problems.
One of the joys of living in New England is going to a local orchard in October and picking apples right off the tree. And contrary to what the supermarkets would have you believe, there are dozens of varieties of apples and they can taste amazingly different. Even though I love apples, I admit, I’ve always felt a little jealous of friends in warmer climates who can walk into their back yard and pick an orange, lemon, or even a banana.
I love carrots. They also disappoint me a lot. They’re some of the most challenging vegetables to grow in your garden. They’re also among the easiest fruits and vegetables to grow. That doesn’t make sense at first glance. It’s complicated.
I’ve always been fascinated by growing lemons and other citrus fruits. You can’t go wrong with a tree full of bright yellow bulbs of sunshine. The thing is, you can’t ignore climate when it comes to planting citrus trees.
