acquire fruit and growing vegetable are often two very different things . Just because you know how to grow a turnip , for instance , does n’t mean you lie with how to grow a blackberry . Often , it is a matter of annuals vs. perennial , and the yield generally learn a different system of maintenance , fertilization , care and harvesting than vegetables . That say , community of interests support agriculture customers sure do love to get fruit in their share .
So countenance ’s mouth about some yield that vegetable growers can introduce into their farm without a set of strain to interpose a slight extra sweetness into their CSAs .
Note that I would take on no more than two or three of these in a twelvemonth to start . Also note that some of these fruits wo n’t grow as well in certain regions as others . Though with the right varieties , and the right tribute , most of these fruit can be grown anywhere . ( Do n’t consider me ? Check out the bookThe Forest Garden Greenhouse , where permaculturalist Jerome Osentowski grows tropic works in the mountains of Colorado . )
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are a no - brainer for most farmers . Though strawberry mark plants can meet from fungal issues , and the fruits can be sensible , strawberries can produce a crop within six months of planting ( or quicker under Light and in a nursery ) , which is definitely loyal for most fruits . They will also bring on well for about three years , though after that you will have to replant . Get a few different varieties and have successions all through the spring and summer .
2 & 3. Cantaloupe or Watermelon
There are only a few honorable one-year fruits , and melons are one of my favorites . I generally commend cantaloup over watermelon because the vine tend to be more fat , they are n’t usually as big ( look on variety ) so not as much place is needed for transport , and it is promiscuous to separate when the crop is quick . However , having both can be fun for client . If space allows ( in your gardens and vehicle ) , it is worth becoming adroit with growing watermelon as well .
4. Blackberries
I love cultivated ( that is , thornless ) blackberry bush for two reasons : First , they are fat and comparatively shelf unchanging as far as berries go . secondly , for most areas they come almost forthwith follow blueberry time of year . Blackberries will take over their area , so plant them with that in mind . Decide too soon how you ’ll manage them , and stick to it .
5. Raspberries
Raspberry plants are beautiful because you’re able to get summertime or autumn varieties , and having a combination of them will give you raspberry bush fairly much all year . The other decent matter ? Some miscellany of raspberry can simply be edit to the ground after harvest , which encourages fruit increase and makes their management a fiddling simpler .
6. Blueberries
If your region is conducive to blueberry , there is no reason to skip this crop , if only to have some plants for yourself . blueberry are fairly easy to grow , and they require very small maintenance in term of pruning or space . They produce beautiful plants and can be originate from the North to the mid - South . Harvest can be time consume , and as with all yield , you will have to fight off razzing , insects and a little disease . But , at least to me and my family , blueberries are deserving it .
7. Figs
I hesitate to include figs because they are not a very shelf - stable craw , meaning that when they are ready they need to get to the client pronto . But otherwise , a fig is a delightful yield . The trees start to produce within two geezerhood and with the ripe attention can survive fairly cold winters like those here in fundamental Kentucky with a little protection and the veracious assortment . Any farther north , I recommend grow them under plastic where you get the advantage of less pest and animal press anyway .
8 & 9. Pears or Apples
Trees want some patience . For most fruit trees , it have five years before you see any real yield and 10 years before you could harvest anything substantial . All the while , you have to rationalise them every year so they grow in an idealistic management . That pronounce , the proceeds is enormous . A healthy pear or apple tree diagram can produce bushels of fruit every year with the right forethought , and depending on the variety , you might be able to keep them throughout the wintertime for your winter CSA .
