Popular Fruit Trees
Home gardening is seeing a resurgence as the organic, slow food movement is growing in popularity. Having vegetables and fruits growing in your own backyard is not only healthy, but can also help save some money during your visits to the grocery store.
Flower-blooming bushes, trees and plants are a popular choice among home gardeners, but why not plant some fruit trees as well? They will not only add some character and variety to your yard, but will also bear some treats you can enjoy in your kitchen as well. When planting fruit trees, make sure you choose an area that offers ample space, plenty of sunlight and good soil drainage. According to Home Depot, their most popular fruit-bearing trees include the following:
- Apple: The blossoms of the apple tree are both pretty and smell wonderful as well. Apples are always a favorite for making pies and tarts, not to mention fresh off the tree.
- Cherry: Cherries are always expensive to buy at the grocery store, so having your own supply in your backyard is a wonderful treat. Cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful of fruit tree blossoms.
- Pear: Pear trees thrive as well as apple trees, needing only a second tree in order to cross-pollinate. Pear trees are also relatively easy to maintain, needing minimal pruning.
- Peach: Grocery store bought peaches pale in comparison to a peach picked ripe right off the tree. Unlike apple and pear trees, peach trees can self-pollinate, which is a bonus for those gardening in smaller spaces.
- Plum: Gardeners can choose from a wide variety of plums to please both the eye and tongue. Plums come in a range of colors and flavors, from quite tart to very sweet.
- Nectarine: Like the peach, nectarine trees can self-pollinate. They also thrive best in milder climates.
- Pomegranate: Southerners will want to look into planting pomegranate trees as these plants thrive in warm, sunny environments. Pomegranates are extremely high in antioxidants and their juice is sold at a fairly high price at the store. Why not grow your own supply in your own yard?
- Mandarin Orange: Mandarin oranges are great as snacks, but also to include in salads and sauces. Plant some in your yard today!
- Lemon: Enjoy lemon trees in your yard for both their burst of color and fresh scent. You will always find a use for your lemons, whether in juices and cocktails or sauces and vinaigrettes.