Small Fruit Plants to Grow for Your Home Garden

Here we are in mid-January, facing some of the coldest days on record here in Richmond, VA. It’s tempting to stay inside where it’s warm and plan your garden for the coming year. One popular and rewarding trend is growing your own small fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and more.

Growing your own fruit means you control what goes into your garden, and there’s nothing like the taste and freshness of homegrown produce. Plus, with rising costs, planting small fruits is a smart way to save money while enjoying healthy, delicious snacks straight from your yard.

Why Choose Blueberries

I personally love blueberries—they’re a staple in my breakfast oatmeal every day. They’re beautiful plants that bloom white flowers in spring, produce tasty berries through summer, and showcase stunning fall foliage. At my previous home, I planted four or five blueberry bushes as foundation plants mixed in with evergreens, and they were a wonderful addition to the landscape.

Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, which fits perfectly with our local soil conditions. You can adjust your soil’s acidity easily with garden sulfur if needed.

Tips for Growing Blueberries

• Sunlight: Blueberries need a full day of sun to produce their best fruit.
• Pollination: Plant at least two different varieties near each other for better pollination and bigger, more abundant berries.
• Pesticides: Avoid pesticides when possible. The more insects that visit your plants, the better your harvest will be.
• Spacing: Space your blueberry bushes about 3 feet apart to allow room for growth.
• Pruning: Prune only if necessary during winter, removing any old or dead wood. The Virginia Cooperative Extension provides a helpful pruning calendar for guidance.
• Native Varieties: Some blueberry varieties are native to our region, which can be a great choice for local gardens.

Other Small Fruits to Consider

• Goji Berries: Known for their health benefits, goji berries produce bright purple flowers and sweet, red berries. They’re great fresh or in juices and salads.
• Dwarf Sour Pie Cherry Trees: These small trees are self-pollinating and low maintenance, producing white flowers in spring and tart cherries by mid-summer. They grow 10 to 15 feet tall, so plan space accordingly.
• Fig Trees: Brown Turkey and Celeste figs are easy to grow if planted in a sheltered spot protected from cold winds. Fresh figs are delicious to eat or preserve in jams and jellies.
• Blackberries and Raspberries: Both come in thornless varieties and are easy to grow. They make excellent fresh snacks or ingredients for pies, jams, and more. Remember to give them enough space for their spreading roots and canes.

Start Planning Now

As you stay warm indoors this winter, think about where you could add some small fruit plants to your garden this spring. With some education, creativity, and a little effort, you can grow delicious, healthy fruits right outside your door. Nothing beats the satisfaction of picking fresh berries and fruit at no cost to you.

PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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