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When choosing the fruits that you will grow in your frugal garden, or in your orchard, there are things that you must take into consideration for each type of plant:
- Soil conditions: If yours is not the proper soil conditions, can you amend it in an organic manner so that the particular fruit will grow in that area?
- Amount of sun: you will determine if you get enough sun in your area to grow the fruit. If you get too much, is there a way in which you can combat that issue? Perhaps you can provide shade in some way for part of the day.
- Soil moisture level: If the soil in your area is too moist, will you be able to create a better drainage system? Perhaps with raised beds? If there is not enough moisture, can you realistically provide the plants with the water they will need?
There may be other considerations as well. Read the full descriptions of each plant and the care it will need before deciding what to purchase. Also, be sure that you are purchasing from trusted companies or people so that you know that the seeds or transplants are organic. Your hardiness zone should help you in deciding which fruits will grow well in your area.
There are a number of fruits that home gardeners may want to try in the gardens. Here are 10 for your consideration:
- Apples: These are members of the rose family, and are considered perennials. They can be eaten fresh, or used in cider making. Apples can also be made into sauce, or used in bread and dessert baking. Cross-pollination is necessary when growing apples, as they do not self pollinate. When growing in smaller spaces than needed, try dwarf or pole trees.
- Pears: These are used in muffin and reserve making, among other things, and are excellent eaten right off the tree. Pear trees are able to be trained your to grow along a fence or a wall when space is limited.
- Plums: These grow well on our families’ camp land, on a mountain here in Maine. They are set up in a small orchard, and the resulting fruit is delicious. The sauce can be made like homemade applesauce, and can also be used in muffins, breads and pancakes, among other recipes.
- Bananas: Many people place the dwarf variety of these trees on a sunny porch, or in another sunny location. They do not take up too much space, and will yield bananas to be used in breads and other recipes. The fruits grow to about 4 inches in length, and may also be eaten fresh.
- Melons: There are a wide variety of melons to choose from, including watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. Some are sweeter than others, and some are larger than others. What you choose will depend on your tastes, and the space available in your garden. Bush type melons, such as Garden Baby, will take up less space, and I have heard of people growing smaller fruited melons along trellises and fences. Melons are highly nutritious, and provide few calories. Watermelons, for instance, are high in spinach.
- Oranges: These fruits provide the body with vitamin C, as well as other nutrients. They are great in fruit salads, as well as in fresh juices and eaten fresh. Dwarf varieties of oranges can be grown in containers inside and outside the home. They will require patience when growing within the home; the fruit will ripen with considerable warmth.
- Lemons: These fruits trees also come in dwarf varieties, and can be grown inside or out. The fruits can be eaten right off the tree, sliced for beverages or used when baking.
- Limes: These trees are also found in dwarf varieties and can be grown successfully in containers. Use the fruit in beverages and for other culinary uses.
- Peaches: Grow these in your orchard, or as a dwarf tree on the patio. The fruits from these trees will be much more flavorful than those purchased at the store. Harvest these fruits in late summer, and use them in fruit desserts and salads, as well as breads.
- Apricots: Plump apricots are the best to use, and will go nicely in homemade breads and muffins, as well as in fruit salads. These are wonderful eaten fresh as well, and make a great fruit basket or bowl along with peaches and pears.
Related Articles
- How to Grow Watermelon in a Small Garden in 5 Easy Steps (brighthub.com)
- Using an orchards-worth of apples? (ask.metafilter.com)
- How to grow apples (telegraph.co.uk)
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