There are very few joys in life that can compare to the sweet satisfaction of picking and eating fruit from your own fruit tree. Growing a fruit tree can be a long and arduous process, even for those with prior experience and knowledge of the practice. It’s also a challenge to … [Read more...]
How To Grow Blackberries
At only 62 calories per cup, blackberries make for a wonderfully smart and tart snack. Blackberries are not only low in calories, they are also low in sodium and come with high doses of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These naturally sweet, delightfully tart treats are also one of … [Read more...]
How to Grow Cape Gooseberry
The cape gooseberry goes by many names, ground cherry and goldenberry being the most common. It is part of the family called physalis, a nightshade relative of the tomato and some other ground-growing berries. Its origins are not well known, though it is native to several places, … [Read more...]
Antioxidant Compound in Strawberries May Fight Neurodegenerative Disease
Scientists at the Salk Institute have found further evidence that a natural compound in strawberries reduces cognitive deficits and inflammation associated with aging in mice. The work, which appeared in the Journals of Gerontology Series A in June 2017, builds on the team's … [Read more...]
How to Grow Pomegranate in Containers
Eating a truly healthy diet can sometimes be a drag. It’s often expensive and requires being able to make it to the grocery store pretty often because most healthy foods don’t have preservatives added to them that keep them shelf-stable for long periods of time. But, how would … [Read more...]
Thin Your Fruit to Prevent Rotting in Backyard Orchards
Though it can be comforting to eye those weighted-down branches on your fruit trees and anticipate the harvest, the sad fact is that fruit that's too tightly clustered on the tree can begin to rot. While there are chemical solutions to some of the factors that cause rotting, a … [Read more...]
Complete Guide to Starting a Home Orchard: Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums and Peaches
A home orchard can supply you with delicious, low-cost fresh fruit, attract pollinators and provide shade and beauty. It requires a small investment of money and a large investment of time and patience. Choosing Orchard Trees Select trees adapted to your climate. Consult your … [Read more...]
How to Grow Plums
If you love the juicy sweetness of plums, and the plum season doesn't last nearly long enough for you, consider growing your own. When you couple the beauty of a plum tree with the delicious, healthy produce, you've got an all around win. And speaking of health, plums are chock … [Read more...]
How to Grow a Pineapple Indoors
What's not to love about pineapple? One sweet, juicy bite reels your senses right into a more tropical version of life. Aside from its sunny flavor and the beachy mental imagery, pineapple is packed with nutrients that can dramatically improve your physical health. From … [Read more...]
How to Grow Lingonberry
If you are looking for an easy to grow berry plant that is low maintenance and cold hardy, try the lingonberry. The lingonberry bush is an attractive plant that is most often grown for its tart- flavored, healthful berries. The berries are packed with Vitamin C making them a … [Read more...]
How to Grow Aronia Berries (Chokeberry), a Superfruit
If you are looking for a super easy super fruit to grow, you'll want to consider growing an aronia berry bush. This little-known berry bush offers double pleasure. It is grown for its beauty as an ornamental. With deep green foliage as the backdrop for its pretty white flowers in … [Read more...]
How to Grow an American Persimmon Tree
The botanical name for persimmons, Diospyros, means "fruit of the Gods." If you haven't had the privilege of tasting the American persimmon in particular, imagine that you can stand under a tree, and dessert will fall from its branches right into your hands. In this case, dessert … [Read more...]
How to Grow Hardy Kiwifruit
If you love kiwi from the grocery store, you might try growing its relative, the hardy kiwifruit, at home. Sweeter in flavor when compared to the commercial variety, the hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) can be grown in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 4 … [Read more...]
How to Grow the Jujube Fruit
Jujube fruit has only become popular in recent years, and while it sounds like an exotic, tropical fruit, it's actually been grown in Texas and other southwestern areas of the U.S. since the mid-1800s. Jujube trees (Ziziphus jujube), like pomegranates, tolerate hot, dry … [Read more...]
Types of Berries with Pictures: Where to Find
By Julie Christensen Perhaps you’ve found some wild berries near your property and you want to identify them. Or, you tasted a delicious berry in a restaurant and you’re not sure of its identity. Fortunately, the Internet offers vast listings of berries, complete with … [Read more...]
Types of Red Berries
By Julie Christensen Red berries are among the healthiest foods on the planet. High in anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that fight inflammation and cell damage, these tiny fruits are also low in calories and fat. But, don’t forget taste. Sweet, tart and flavorful, … [Read more...]
Types of Wild Berries
By Julie Christensen Robert McClosky’s classic children’s book, Blueberries for Sal, illustrates the simple pleasure of spending a day in the woods picking wild berries. Wild berries grow throughout the U.S. and, in most cases, are free for the taking. Pay attention to your … [Read more...]
How to Grow Figs
Fig trees are an often-overlooked backyard tree that produces very tasty, high-nutrition fruits. In many parts of the world, figs are a staple food. Locations Where Figs Can Be Grown Figs will grow in areas rated Zone 8 or higher. That's a limited area in the U.S., though … [Read more...]
Guide To Growing Wine Grapes
Most areas of the United States that are not deserts or very cold can grow some variety of grape. Most traditional wine grapes require a longer growing season, but many varieties do not and home-based and small wineries are popping up all over the country. In Canada, the … [Read more...]
Growing Specialty Fruits
Sometimes, it's just fun to try something new and different. Depending on your climate and zone, there are several fun varieties of exotic fruits you can try. These can add some pizazz to your garden and dinner plate. Why not give some of these unusual fruits a shot this … [Read more...]