Elevate your garden by growing fresh, delicious fruits right at home. Discover the 11 best fruits you can grow in your backyard with our comprehensive guide on planting, care, and harvesting.
As you plan your fruit garden, also explore how to make an herb garden in your backyard for a diverse and vibrant landscape.
And for an eco-friendly approach, learn how to use aquaponics at home to grow a sustainable garden. Dive in and unlock the potential of your backyard to provide fresh produce for your family.
| Fruit | Best Growing Conditions | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and fertilizing |
| Pears | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular watering and pruning |
| Plums | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and pest control |
| Peaches | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular watering and thinning |
| Cherries | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and pest control |
| Strawberries | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular watering and fertilizing |
| Blueberries | Acidic soil, full sun to partial shade | Regular watering and pruning |
| Grapes | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and trellising |
| Raspberries | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and pest control |
| Blackberries | Full sun, well-drained soil | Regular pruning and trellising |
| Kiwi | Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil | Regular watering and fertilizing |
Strawberries
Strawberries, whether you grow them in the ground or in a pot, are pretty easy to grow. They’re also a good source of vitamins C and K and fiber.
But for all our efforts to be healthy, we might be overlooking one important fact: strawberries are also high in potassium about twice as much as banana (and three times more than avocado). Potassium is a vital mineral that helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart function.
Looking for alternatives to grass in your backyard? Our guide on what can you replace your backyard grass with provides you with a range of options that are low-maintenance and eco-friendly, giving your backyard a unique and sustainable look.
Blueberries
Blueberries grow well in cool climates, but they can also be grown indoors or in containers with a little help from the sun.
They’re an extremely tasty fruit that’s high in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. You can even make blueberry pie from fruits you’ve grown yourself!
If you choose to start your own blueberry garden, pick a spot for it that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day and make sure it has rich soil with plenty of organic matter—preferably mulch or compost.
It can take several years before your plant yields any fruit, but once they do they’ll keep producing throughout summer until fall arrives.
Raspberries
To grow raspberries, you’ll need to plant the seedlings or plants in your garden.
The best time to plant them is in spring, but you can also do it in the fall. In general, raspberries are hardy plants that tolerate cold weather well and will survive the winter if they’re planted successfully.
However, they won’t bear fruit until their second year of growth; so if you want ripe berries right away (and who doesn’t?), then consider purchasing an established raspberry patch instead of starting from scratch with seeds or saplings.
There are several different varieties of raspberries available at nurseries and garden centers: red and black varieties account for about 90% of all cultivated varieties worldwide; some cultivars have been bred specifically for commercial production because they have higher yields than other types (good news for those who like their jam!).
Other types include yellow-fruited hybrids such as Autumn Bliss™(a cross between Autumn Jewel & Cox’s Orange Pippin) which may be easier to grow than regular red varieties due to their resistance against viruses present on leaves during summer months when temperatures rise above 82°F (28°C).
This shrub can grow up too tall trees though so keep that in mind when choosing where to place them!
Interested in growing your own herbs in your backyard? Our guide on how to make an herb garden in your backyard provides you with a step-by-step process on how to create and maintain an herb garden that’s both functional and aesthetic.
Currants
Currants are small, sweet, juicy berries that are grown for their fruit and not their leaves. They’re great to add color (not to mention flavor!) to any dish you make. You can eat them fresh or cook them for a delicious meal.
Currants are also a good source of vitamin C, making them a tasty way to boost your immune system during cold season.
Currants have been used since ancient times in jellies, jams and syrups — which are basically fancy words for really tasty desserts!
Gooseberries
Gooseberries are a type of berry native to Europe, Asia and North America. They are small, green in color and turn red when ripe.
Gooseberries are not the same as currants. Currants have seeds like grapes or raspberries; gooseberries do not have seeds but instead contain a large number of small edible seeds dispersed throughout their flesh (called arils).
They’re also high in vitamins A, B6 and C as well as iron; so if you’re looking for ways to get your five-a-day this summer, then look no further!
Plums
Plums are a type of fruit that can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. Plums are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. They also contain small amounts of iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Plum trees produce large crops each year and can grow up to 30 feet tall with a 20-foot spread (if left unpruned).
You can harvest fresh plums from late summer through early fall when they’re ripe enough to eat out of hand but still firm enough to store for later use in jams, sauces or pies—or even pickle them!
Want to grow vegetables in an aquaponics system? Our guide on how do you grow vegetables in aquaponics explains the benefits of this sustainable farming method, and provides you with tips and tricks on how to grow a variety of vegetables in your own aquaponics system.
Apples
Apples are a great fruit to grow in your backyard, because they’re super easy to grow and will give you plenty of fruit in return. Apples are packed with vitamin C, making them a great choice when it comes to eating healthy fruits.
For those who want something sweet but don’t want to eat sugary candy or soda, apples are perfect; you can simply enjoy apples straight off the tree!
Apples can be eaten fresh or cooked up into delicious dishes like apple pie! They’re also used for apple cider, which is made by pressing crushed apples into juice through fermentation.
If that sounds like too much work for you (or if you just don’t have time), then there’s no problem: store-bought cider works just fine too!
Another plus? Apples are full of fiber—one medium-sized fruit contains about 4 grams of fiber! That’s about 12% of your daily recommended intake (according to the USDA).
Lemons
These trees are drought-tolerant and grow best in well-drained soil. They do well as container plants, but also grow very well in the ground.
Lemon trees can be grown indoors if you have a sunny window that gets a lot of natural light and is not directly exposed to sunlight during the afternoon hours (this could scorch the leaves).
Thinking of making your own aquaponics system? Check out our guide on how to make your own aquaponics system to learn more about the benefits of this eco-friendly farming method, and get step-by-step instructions on how to build your own aquaponics system at home.
Kiwis
Kiwis are easy to grow, whether you’re planting them in your backyard or in containers on your balcony. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, which makes them a great choice if you’re looking for natural ways to boost your immune system or maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Kiwis can be grown during winter months in colder climates—but they need protection from freezing temperatures at night! If frost isn’t a problem where you live, consider planting kiwi vines that produce fruit throughout the year instead of just during warmer weather.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are a great fruit for those who have an abundance of sun and water. Pomegranates grow best in warm climates, but can be cultivated in most areas of the US. They need a lot of space to grow and require frequent watering, but if you’re willing to put in the time, it’s well worth it!
Pomegranates grow on trees that can reach up to 30 feet tall. The fruits themselves are large and round with red skin that turns purple when ripe (they may also be yellow or white).
Inside is a cluster of tiny seeds surrounded by aril – the edible part most commonly referred to as “pomegranate seeds” – which can be eaten fresh or juiced.
Avocados
Avocados are a fruit, but you can grow them in a container. They’re also a good source of healthy fats, high in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber!
Make sure to only eat avocados that are soft when you purchase them—they’ll ripen at home and turn into delicious, creamy fruit that makes for an excellent addition to guacamole or any other Mexican dish.
Curious about what vegetables can be grown in an aquaponics system? Our guide on what vegetables can be grown in aquaponics provides you with a list of vegetables that thrive in this eco-friendly farming method, and gives you tips on how to optimize your yields.
Conclusion
The best part about growing your own fruits is that you can plant them in your backyard, so you don’t have to travel far or spend money on expensive fruit. And with these tasty options, there’s a whole new world of deliciousness waiting for you!
Common Pests and Diseases for Backyard Fruits
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Prevention/Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, yellowing | Natural predators, insecticidal soap |
| Fruit flies | Small flies near fruit, holes in fruit | Proper sanitation, insecticidal sprays |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves, stems, and fruit | Fungicides, proper ventilation |
| Bacterial canker | Sunken lesions on bark, ooze from cankers | Prune infected branches, copper fungicides |
| Fire blight | Blackened, wilted leaves and shoots | Prune infected branches, copper fungicides |
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources related to growing fruits in your backyard:
What Can I Replace My Backyard Grass With?: This article explores alternative options to traditional grass for your backyard, including low-maintenance ground covers and other landscaping ideas.
How Do You Grow Vegetables in Aquaponics?: If you’re interested in growing more than just fruits in your backyard, this article provides an overview of aquaponics and how to grow vegetables using this method.
How to Make Your Own Aquaponics System: This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps of building your own aquaponics system at home, including information on equipment, plants, and fish.
What Vegetables Can Be Grown in Aquaponics?: This article provides a list of vegetables that are commonly grown in aquaponics systems, as well as tips for maximizing your yields.
How Much Does an Aquaponics System Cost?: If you’re considering an aquaponics system for your backyard, this article breaks down the costs associated with building and maintaining one.
How to Choose Fruit Plants for Your Home Garden: This article provides tips for selecting the best fruit plants for your backyard, including considerations such as climate, space, and desired yield.
The Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Your Garden: This article provides a list of fruit trees that are well-suited to backyard growing, including information on their ideal growing conditions and care requirements.
FAQs
What are some of the best fruits to grow in your backyard?
Some of the best fruits to grow in your backyard depend on your climate and location. In general, easy-to-grow options include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Other popular choices include apples, pears, peaches, and citrus fruits.
How can I maximize my fruit yields in my backyard?
To maximize your fruit yields, it’s important to choose the right plants for your location and climate, provide proper care and maintenance (such as watering and fertilizing), and prune your plants regularly to encourage healthy growth. Additionally, using organic methods of pest and disease control can help to protect your fruit trees and bushes.
What are some common pests and diseases that affect backyard fruit trees?
Common pests and diseases that can affect backyard fruit trees include aphids, mites, scale insects, and fungal infections such as powdery mildew and apple scab. Regular inspections and treatments can help to prevent and control these issues.
Can I grow fruit trees in containers in my backyard?
Yes, many fruit trees can be grown in containers in your backyard. Dwarf varieties of fruit trees, such as dwarf citrus trees or dwarf apple trees, are often well-suited to container gardening. Be sure to choose a container that is large enough for the plant’s roots and provide proper drainage and fertilization.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.