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When I was reading about the gardening trends for 2015, much of it has to do with the fact that more and more people enjoy gardening and especially eating fruits and vegetables they have grown.  I am fortunate that between Joe and me, our gardens produce a lot of vegetables.  And while we do have some fruit harvests too – I think there can always be more.   Who can have too much fruit right outside their door?  Not me! 

Whether you have a large property or small patio space, we can all benefit from some fruit bearing trees and shrubs.  Although I spend a lot of time with my gardens every year, I simply forget to take advantage of fruit trees and shrubs that are self sufficient and large in harvests.  There are many varieties of fruit shrubs and dwarf trees available at your local greenhouse or garden centers that are mature enough to bear fruit this season.  Another great benefit to plants such as these is that they can remain in containers if this fits your needs, or can be planted directly into the soil.  My Meyer Lemon and Kumquat trees (pictured), I keep in containers on my patio during the summer months and overwinter in the colder months.  Here in Pennsylvania we are Hardiness Zones 5-7, and citrus plants such as these require Zones of 8-11 to be soil planted outdoors.   

 I am especially excited about blueberry plants this season again with new varieties that flourish in containers or soil planted.  I plan to plant a few more blueberry plants throughout my yard this summer and can’t wait to see the harvests I will get each season. 

Another fruit to consider planting in your backyard this year are grapes.  Grapes do well in many climates – and I was surprised to hear Pennsylvania is one of the largest producers of this wonderful fruit.  So guess what Joe and I will be planting this season?   And in anticipation of my bounty of grapes – I am going to read-up on making jellies and jams!   And don’t forget about the new varieties of strawberries too that can produce double the usual harvest as most.   

~Barbara