Edible Landscaping

     The price of groceries are going up and this includes produce. Many people cut costs by growing their own vegetables but did you know it can be simple to grow your own fruits and berries? Edible landscaping is a hot trend in gardening, and you can produce an amazing quantity of fruit and berries in a small space. What to grow will depend on where you live and how much space you have. Determine the hardiness zone for your area and select fruit trees and berries accordingly. 
    Fruit trees are surprisingly easy to grow in a backyard setting, and they yield years' worth of beautiful spring blooms and plentiful fruit. Apple, peach, plum and pear trees all grow well in a variety of climates. Fruit trees are prolific, bearing for years and you don't have to own acres of land to grow them. Fruit trees genrally need full sun to thrive. Most also must have well-drained soil, though apples, pears, and plums are somewhat more tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions. If poor drainage is a serious problem, you can plant trees in raised beds.Though fruit trees often prosper with only minimal care, paying attention to their needs will reward you with a larger, more flavorful crop.
    Many types of berries are also easy to grow. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are just a few favorites. Food that is grown and harvested at home is the freshest you can get. The vitamins and minerals will maintain their presence longer and eating it sooner can provide you with additional nutrition. Berries should be planted according to the type of fruit. For example, strawberries are best when planted during the early spring (late March to April). Blueberry harvest in North America can vary, starting as early as May and ending during the late summer. The planting times of berries will depend on weather conditions and locations also. Most types of berries require sunlight to grow, so choosing an area in a sunny location is ideal for successful berry growth. Being able to go outdoors in your yard and pick your own tasty berries is a great treat. Most types of berries are easy to prepare and can be used for many different dishes, ranging from desserts, to yogurts, cereals, breads and of course smoothies They can also be frozen, to use throughout the year. 
    Buying fruit trees and berries locally is usually more ideal for the home gardener because the varieties will grow well in your region. We have started to get deliveries of fruit trees and berries in at Van Bourgondien Nursery. We look forward to helping you with your edible landscape gardening needs!

Happy Gardening!