5 Tips for Adding Perennial Fruit Crops to Your Garden
There’s no two ways about it: adding perennial fruit crops to your garden is a commitment. If you’ve never grown fruit before, you might be hesitant—after all, fruiting plants require long-term planning and care. And yet, I find it to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of my garden.
Why You Should Add Perennial Fruit Crops to Your Kitchen Garden
-> Grocery Store Fruit is Expensive and Often Inferior
The cost of fresh fruit continues to rise, and if you've browsed the produce aisle lately, you’ve probably noticed just how much berries, apples, and other fruits can cost. A single pint of organic raspberries can be $5 or more, and a tiny container of blueberries can feel like a splurge. Compare that to a one-time investment in a berry bush or fruit tree that can provide fresh, nutrient-dense harvests for years to come.
Beyond the cost, grocery store fruit is often picked before peak ripeness to withstand shipping and storage, leading to diminished flavor and nutritional value. Homegrown fruit, on the other hand, is picked at the perfect moment—when it’s bursting with flavor and packed with vitamins.
-> Higher Quality, Better Taste
There’s really no comparison: fresh-picked, home-grown fruit just tastes better. It’s free from the bruises and blemishes that come with mass harvesting and transportation. And while store-bought fruit is often exposed to pesticides, waxes, and chemical residues, your homegrown fruit is all-natural, giving you peace of mind about what you and your family are eating.
If you’ve dreamed of stepping into your backyard to pick juicy red raspberries, popping a perfectly ripe grape into your mouth straight from the vine, or harvesting your own apples on a crisp autumn morning, perennial fruit crops are the perfect addition to your garden.
5 Tips for Adding Fruit Crops to Your Kitchen Garden:
1. How long will you be living in your current home?
Perennial fruit plants are a long-term investment. If you’re planning to move soon, you may want to wait before planting, as many fruits take at least a year to produce, with some requiring multiple seasons before reaching peak harvest.
Fruits like blueberries, asparagus, and fruit trees require patience—but the reward is worth it!
2. Grow what you love to eat
Start with fruits your family already enjoys. If you’re new to perennial fruit gardening, plant a few varieties and scale up as you gain confidence.
Keep in mind that perennials grow bigger each year, so your first harvest will likely be the smallest. Plan ahead for how you'll use and preserve your fruit so you can enjoy it year-round.
3. Research the best varieties for your region
Just because a fruit is sold in your area doesn’t mean it will thrive in your backyard. Look for varieties specifically suited to home gardeners and your local growing conditions to increase your success.
4. Visit local you-pick farms before choosing varieties
Not sure which type of blueberry or raspberry to grow? Visit a local farm to compare varieties firsthand. You’ll get to taste-test different types, see how the plants grow, and get a feel for what works best in your climate. Plus, you'll be supporting a local farm in the process!
5. Use succession planting to extend your harvest
Different fruits ripen at different times, and some have multiple varieties that fruit in staggered seasons. By planting a mix of early-, mid-, and late-season varieties, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh fruit throughout the season.
Best Perennial Fruit Crops to Grow in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, I’ve had great success with the following perennial fruits:
Strawberries
Aronia berry, raspberries (red, black, purple, yellow), blackberries, blueberries
Tart cherries (tree or shrub form)
Elderberries
Apple, cherry, peach and pear trees
Stark Bros has a great selection of each of these fruits to choose from in your growing area!
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If you’re excited about growing berries but not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered! Our Berry Series is a step-by-step virtual guide designed to help you choose, plant, and care for your berries with confidence. Learn how to:
Select the best berry varieties for your climate
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Maximize your harvest for years to come
Whether you’re planting your first berry bush or expanding your edible landscape, this series will set you up for success. Sign up now and take the guesswork out of growing berries!
ARE YOU LOCAL TO LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN?
-> Schedule an In-Person Consultation – I’ll Come to Your Home and Help You Plan the Perfect Berry Garden and More!
