by Greg Spinks

Created on: July 24, 2010

Perennial fruits and vegetables have many advantages for home gardeners,  even those with a small amount of yard or garden space. For those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers or patio gardeners, the options are somewhat more limited, however, some perennial fruits and vegetables can be grown successfully in containers. For gardeners with larger yards, the possibilities are much more numerous.

Growing perennial fruits and vegetables has some advantages over more traditional home food crops such as tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and other vegetable annuals. Perennials are long lasting,; once planted it is best to leave them in place, although there are always exceptions. They can produce for decades, even lifetimes, if the perennial is suitable for the climate zone.

Since perennials can last for many years, soil and site preparation are crucial to long term successful harvests. The soil, depending on the perennials chosen, should be the proper pH with the proper minerals and soil nutrients. A soil test is an important step.

Generally the ground should be well dug, rich and fertile,  in an area which receives ample, direct sunshine with adequate moisture and drainage. Sheltered areas are preferable in areas where damaging winds are common, particularly for fruit trees and some bushes.

Fruits can either be the dwarf variety or standard sized trees. Proper spacing is essential for many fruit trees such as: apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, Paw paws and Serviceberry or Saskatoon.  While they are planted once, that doesn't mean freedom from work; far from it.  

For continued long-term, great harvests, fruit trees generally should be pruned in mid to late winter and an organic spray program initiated in the early spring. Depending on the region and location, young fruit trees may also need to be protected from wildlife, especially the during the hungry winter months; rabbits in particular are fond of the tree bark.

Fruit trees can also be used an attractive landscape item. In general, it is difficult to grow fruit trees in containers pots. Even the dwarf varieties require huge containers.

Berries are healthy and easy to grow. There are numerous species of perennial berries which can also be used as a landscape item or as a living garden fence. Both blueberries and elderberries, for example,  are attractive bushes which can be used as a hedge. Some species of raspberries do best when trellised on a fence and cut back every year.  Grapes

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