One of the gardening trends gaining popularity is growing fruit. Fruiting plants can be a fun alternative to growing vegetables, and some are lower maintenance. Here are some ways you can grow fruit in your yard space and/or patio.
๐ Berries
Strawberries and blueberries can be grown in beds, or you can try container fruit gardening, with new varieties available of high producing, compact, ornamental and self-pollinating plants for the home garden.
Raspberries are hardy, low-maintenance, and a perfect addition to any Wisconsin landscape. Plant them along fences or create your berry patches! Look for compact varieties if you don't have a lot of space.
๐ Home Orchards
The traditional fruit trees - pears, apples and peaches- can be grown in Wisconsin. However, they are very slow growing and may require pesticides and maintenance to produce usable fruit.
๐ Cherry
Sour cherries are hardy and relatively easy to grow in our area, and they can produce fruit sooner than some of the other tree fruits. They have fewer pest and disease problems.
๐ Grapes
Wisconsin's climate is perfect for cultivating delicious grapes. There are different varieties for fresh grapes, wine, and juice. Grapes like the popular Concord are great for juicing and jelly.
๐ Natives
Native alternatives, such as pawpaw (Asimina triloba), have been gaining in popularity. Other native fruiting shrubs include Serviceberry, Chokeberry, and Elderberry.
Tips for Success:
๐ Sunlight Love: Most fruit trees and bushes thrive in full sunlight. Pick a sunny spot for your fruity plants!
๐ง Hydration Station: Keep your fruit babies hydrated, especially during those hot Wisconsin summers.
