Easy to Grow Fruits

When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you get all the fun of gardening plus the garden-to-table goodness and nutrition that only comes with homegrown harvests. The following easy-to-grow edibles show just how simple growing and enjoying your own fruits and vegetables.

1. Growing Melons

If you are not ready for the commitment of a tree or shrub, you can still grow delicious melons in your vegetable garden or in containers. Melons need a lot of sun and heat. They also need a good amount of space. They grow on vines that can easily reach 20 ft. or more. It is possible to grow melons up on a trellis, but you will need to choose a variety with small fruits. Large melons, such as watermelon, become so heavy, they will drop right off the plant. However there are plenty of varieties to choose from.

2. Growing Raspberries and Blackberries

Raspberries and blackberries have always been backyard favorites, but older varieties could be rambunctious plants, spreading everywhere and covered in thorns that made harvesting a painful chore. Newer cultivars are much better behaved and thornless. The plants do require annual pruning, to keep them productive, but it is a quick job. Choosing early mid and late season varieties will extend your harvest for weeks.

3. Pineapple

You can enjoy pineapple any time during the year by growing it yourself, even if you don’t live in a tropical area. Start with a fresh pineapple and cut off the crown, leaving a bit of fruit at the top. You’ll want to soak the crown for a day or so in water to allow it to soak up moisture and then plant in a gallon sized plastic container. You will want to choose a warm, sunny spot for your pineapple which makes it a great choice for balconies and decks. If you are growing during the winter, be sure to bring the plant in at night.

4. Bananas

If you love bananas and even if you don’t live in the tropics, you can grow a banana plant, even during the cold winter months. Dwarf banana plants grow perfectly inside and they are perennials so once you plant them, you’ll have bananas year after year.