Berries & Fruit

yes, you can grow fruit in your backyard

Growing your own fruit sounds intimidating, but it really doesn't have to be. Some of the easiest things I grow are berries, and you can even grow them in containers on a patio. Here's how to get started.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of my favorite things to grow. They're gorgeous, productive, and they grow amazingly well in containers. The key is acidic soil - get that right and you're golden.

Growing Tips

  • Use acidic potting mix (or amend with sulfur). Target pH 4.5-5.5.
  • Plant at least 2 varieties for cross-pollination and bigger harvests.
  • They need consistent moisture but hate soggy roots.
  • Full sun for the best fruit production - 6+ hours daily.

Container Growing

Blueberries do great in containers! Use a 15-gallon pot minimum (they have wide, shallow root systems) with acidic potting mix. They look beautiful on a patio, too.

Raspberries

Raspberries spread like crazy in the ground, which honestly makes containers a great option. Ever-bearing varieties will give you fruit from summer through fall.

Growing Tips

  • Choose ever-bearing varieties for the longest harvest season.
  • Prune spent canes after fruiting to make room for new growth.
  • They need support - a simple trellis or stake system works.
  • Full sun and well-draining soil are non-negotiable.

Container Growing

A 15-gallon container works well. Use a sturdy pot because they get top-heavy. Add a small trellis for support.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the gateway fruit for most gardeners, and for good reason. They're easy, fast, and kids absolutely love growing them. Container strawberries taste a million times better than store-bought.

Growing Tips

  • June-bearing = one big harvest. Ever-bearing = fruit all season. I prefer ever-bearing for containers.
  • Pinch runners to focus energy on fruit production.
  • Replace plants every 3 years for best production.
  • Mulch to keep fruit clean and conserve moisture.

Container Growing

Strawberry pots, hanging baskets, even rain gutters - they grow in almost anything. Just make sure there's drainage.

Peaches

Growing peaches in Zone 7b is absolutely doable. You need a little patience (2-3 years for a good harvest), but there is nothing like a sun-warmed peach from your own tree.

Growing Tips

  • Choose a self-fertile variety so you only need one tree.
  • Thin fruit aggressively - fewer peaches = bigger, sweeter peaches.
  • Prune in late winter for an open vase shape that lets in light.
  • Protect blossoms from late frosts with row cover if needed.

Container Growing

Dwarf peach varieties can grow in a 20+ gallon container. They'll need regular feeding and consistent watering.

Beginner Fruit Trees

If you're new to fruit trees, start with something forgiving. Fig trees are incredibly easy in Zone 7b, and apple trees on dwarf rootstock are manageable even in smaller yards.

Growing Tips

  • Fig trees are nearly indestructible and fruit on new wood each year.
  • Dwarf apple trees stay 8-10 feet tall - manageable for picking and pruning.
  • Most apple trees need a pollination partner. Check before you buy.
  • Start with disease-resistant varieties to make your life easier.

Container Growing

Fig trees are stars in containers - a 15-20 gallon pot works well. Bring them into a garage or shed for winter in Zone 7b.

Liz holding a freshly harvested watermelon from her home garden

it really is this rewarding

Growing your own fruit is one of the most satisfying things you can do in a garden. Nothing from the store compares to a sun-warmed watermelon or a handful of berries you picked yourself. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the process.

Harvest basket with fresh figs, tomatoes, and peppers from the home garden

Watch Berry & Fruit Videos

See how I grow berries and fruit in containers and raised beds on my YouTube channel.

Browse Videos