When it comes to gardening, the basic concepts are easy to grasp. Make sure that you keep your plants well taken care of, keep them watered, make sure they're getting enough light, keep them free of pests, etc. A lot of it is common sense, but it never hurts to have a few extra tips on hand for taking care of your fruit garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, here are a few ideas for your fruit garden that you should keep in mind as you plant, maintain, and harvest the literal fruits of your labor.
Patience is key, especially if you're growing fruit trees, it's not uncommon for fruit trees to take up to years before you have success with them. Very much unlike regular seasonal fruit plants, you should prepare for a long term care investment because it will pay off in the long run when you can enjoy the fresh fruit of your choice on a hot summer's day. On top of not bearing fruit right away, some trees will have "off" years and not bear fruit at all. Keep track of how often these fruitless years occur and plan accordingly. It can be very rewarding to watch the tree grow with your family. It is a great experience for children throughout the years.
I know you've probably heard enough about waiting for your fruit, but you should also remember not to pick too early. If your fruit seems too firm, leave it on the branch or vine a little longer to ripen up. Not only do ripened fruits taste better and have a fuller flavor, they're also better for you! Ripened fruits have more natural fruit sugars (which results in that mouthwatering sweet flavor) and are also rich in antioxidants as well. Waiting to pick helps you feel as good as it tastes! On the flip side make sure not to wait too long to pick your fruits or they could end up overripe and, eventually, inedible.
Finally, make sure to be checking your fruits regularly to avoid disease or infestation. The last thing you want after you've worked too hard on your garden is to have someone or thing else feasting on the rewards! Be sure to check for common signs of insect or animal damage and be sure to make a note of signs that something may be wrong with your plants like discoloration of the leaves or a lack of proper growth. A healthy garden is a happy garden. There are a lot of organic choices for help with your plants so don't despair. If your plants get sick, aren't receiving proper nutrients, or are attacked by wildlife or insects then you could end up with nothing to show for all of the effort you put into your fruit garden.
Gardening of any kind is a time consuming effort, but I can guarantee that in the end it will all have been worth it. You'll know from the first time that you sink your teeth into a fresh, juicy strawberry or crisp apple that it was totally worth the days and weeks you spent making sure that your garden turned out perfect!
