Helpful information
Timing: Depends on the type of fruit (spring and autumn are key planting seasons)
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Small garden, large garden, balcony
Timing: Depends on the type of fruit (spring and autumn are key planting seasons)
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Small garden, large garden, balcony
Growing fruit can be sweetly satisfying. You can grow fruit in even the smallest of spaces. Fruit brings you the goodness from the fruit itself, but also adds structure and scent to the garden. It enriches the sensory experience of your space.
Tending fruit can be simple. Some fruit is more challenging and requires deep knowledge to get a good harvest.
Small spaces
Fruit can be grown in the smallest of spaces, including balconies. If you have a very high balcony, pollinators may struggle to reach it and pollinate the plants, though.
Strawberries are ideal for small spaces. You could grow a few plants in a 2-litre pot or in containers or baskets (there are specific cultivars that grow well in baskets).
Larger gardens
In more traditional back gardens, you have no end of possibilities. This includes fruit trees, vines, bushes and all sorts of fruit under netting / protection.
If you have a large garden space, you could create a fruit garden. This could be formally or informally laid out.
Varieties of fruit: apple, pear, cherry, peach, fig, gage, quince, mulberry and more
There is a wide variety of fruit trees to choose from. Most fruit does best in good growing conditions, but some cultivars are ok in more difficult growing conditions.
Many fruit trees are deciduous. They need a mixture of cool weather and hours of sunlight to crop with abundance. Local nurseries and tree nurseries in particular will know what grows best locally.
For most types of fruit tree, a small number of varieties have become most popular and are commonly found. If you want to grow more unusual varieties, you could look for local and heirloom varieties.
As well as type of fruit, think about what shape or form would suit your garden best. Bush or pyramid shape trees can sit more centrally in the garden. You will want to have clear access around the tree. You can find trees that are shaped to grow along walls and fences - cordon, espalier and stepover. You only need to get to these from one side.
You can also buy 'family trees'. These have several varieties of fruit growing on one tree (e.g. multiple varieties of apple on one tree). These are especially handy in smaller gardens.
If you don't want to plant in the ground, some dwarf fruit trees can be grown in large containers.
To get more from your harvest, it's a good idea to learn how to store your fruit. Or, make a plentiful supply of juice!
Varieties of fruit: grape, raspberry and more
Some fruit varieties benefit from being trained in relatively narrow groves that will extend overtime as the plants age. Grapes and raspberries in particular grow in this form. They can be grown happily along boundaries and walls in smaller spaces.
With care both vines and canes can provide an abundance of fruit to enjoy. Vines in particular can provide structure, interest or even shade to the garden. The taste of home grown grapes and berries from these types of plant can be deeply satisfying!
Varieties of fruit: gooseberry, currants and more
Currant and gooseberry bushes are particularly suited to cooler regions. They may even need some shade in warmer sunnier areas of the UK. They typically don't need a lot of care and are generally easier to grow than fruit trees and vines.
If you have a large gardens, you could grow different cultivars. This will give you fruit to harvest for a longer period. When harvesting, white currants and some varieties of gooseberries can be enjoyed straight from the plant. Black and red currants are too tart for most people's tastes. Try cooking them down with some sugar to make coulis, mixed fruit smoothies or jam.
Once planted, keep your fruit well watered, especially during the first year.
Most types of fruit require some pruning to keep them healthy and a desirable shape.