Growing your own organic fruit

There is nothing to beat the taste of fruit that is picked fresh, from an organic garden. There is now a spectacular variety of organic fruits to tempt our imagination. Crisp tree-ripened apples, juicy sweet raspberries, plums, blackcurrants, and, dependent on favourable climates, the tropical delicacies like mango, passionfruit, and pineapple. The healthiest populations on earth have always depended on significant quantities of fruit in their diets. Few other foods can offer the range of flavours, texture, and colour that is available from fresh organically grown fruit.

High quality fruit

The taste of good fruit is determined by complex blends of edible acids, essential oils, fructose and other sugars. The levels of acidity found in many citrus and berry crops must be balanced by the palatable sweetness of natural sugars. Most of the fruit sold in supermarkets lacks the freshness, flavour and vitality of locally grown organic varieties. Supermarkets compete for the cheapest market prices and tend to support conventional agriculture. They favour varieties that are guaranteed to have uniformly attractive appearances and extended storage capability. Most organic gardeners prefer to focus on the taste and nutritional quality of their produce, which often leads them to selecting old fashioned varieties with exceptional flavour.

Lower maintenance

Once established, fruit trees, vines, and plants are quite easy to grow and will be less time consuming than vegetable gardens bearing crops of similar size. Most commercial growers agree that; for an equivalent investment in fertile land and labour, fruit production offers superior economic returns when compared against vegetable production. There is usually a higher initial cost associated with fruit trees, or vines however the annual yield tends to increase every year, reaching a peak after five or ten years.

After their initial establishment period, fruit bearing species tend to impose fewer demands on the grower and the environment. Most of them will tolerate poorer soil conditions than vegetables, for example, and their durability and perennial status enables more options for natural pest and disease management. A selection of fruit trees which flower every year, or every second year will form the basis of a beneficial ecosystem by attracting pollinators as well as the predatory insects which control the numbers of damaging ones.

With so many possibilities, it can be extremely difficult deciding what types of fruit to grow. Most species can now be obtained as juvenile plants or cultivars from organic wholesale suppliers or nurseries. While suitability of location and other conditions must be considered, dedicated gardeners have frequently managed to raise species that would not usually be recommended. Passionfruit vines bearing healthy fruit in the cooler inland regions, or mango trees growing on balconies within a temperate zone. Examples like this can usually be attributed to the creation or careful use of existing garden microclimates. Another factor to consider when deciding on suitable fruit trees or vines is the amount of garden space that can be set aside for them. For smaller sections, choices like miniature citrus trees, table grape or currant vines, and trailing berries enable excellent yields and sufficient variety.

Planning an organic fruit garden

In most instances, there are fewer planning decisions required for growing organic fruit than is the case for vegetables. Once established, fruit trees, bushes, and vines make excellent garden competitors. They usually have an ability to produce satisfactory crops even in difficult situations. Most fruit species can survive levels of neglect or overcrowding that overwhelm vegetables and other delicate plants. That is not to say that fruit bearing species should be poorly cared for, rather that there is some margin for error and generally less potential for disappointment.

Like any garden plant, fruit bearers need plenty of sunlight, water, and the correct level of nutrients from their soil. It is important to choose varieties that can be cross pollinated and are suited to local conditions. Stone fruit like apricot and cherries seem to thrive in harsh, dry conditions. Citrus varieties often prefer a mild coastal humidity although most established fruit trees will store sufficient water to sustain themselves throughout dry spells. If a layer of organic mulch is applied around the base of each tree, there will be less evaporation and more protection for the soil.

For those interested in small scale fruit production, the first step is to go out and try some of the different varieties available. When attempted properly, this is more challenging than it sounds. Organic growers and gardeners will often favour obscure, older varieties of fruit. These will often be smaller or less visually impressive than some of the currently popular varieties. They may also seem dull skinned, and less amenable to extended periods of storage. Some individuals have described their favourite organic varieties as fruits that were grown to be eaten, as opposed to those seemingly grown for their appearances and display.

When planning a garden, many individuals focus upon the aesthetic elements of their favourite fruit species. Many of the traditional fruit bearing species are visually attractive or seductive to the imagination. Each spring, a cherry tree can produce an abundance of pink and white blossoms that outshine other ornamental shrubs and trees. In winter, their bare branches may silhouette dramatically against pale skies. Climbing vines can be used to decorate concrete walls, or trained across a wooden framed pergola to provide a uniquely shaded space of considerable calmness and beauty.