by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski
Fresh apples, tart lemons, bright limes and sweet oranges are just a few of the fruit trees you can grow in your suburban yard.
These trees will also add a natural beauty to your yard, making you the envy of the neighborhood. Live in a smaller space with little to no yard? That’s not a problem – many of these trees can grow in a pot on the patio!
10. Olive
Love Mediterranean flavors? Olive trees are a great in a container or in a yard. Left outside, many varieties get to be 10 or more feet tall with fruits that ripen in the fall. While they do love warmer climates, you can successfully grow olive trees in colder areas if they are grown in a pot that is moved indoors during winter weather.
9. Banana
Yes, that’s right, banana. Across the southern area of the U.S., these trees will grow well outside. That’s zones 9 – 10, according to the USDA. If you live in colder areas or simply prefer a smaller alternative, the good news is that dwarf varieties are available. This smaller tree can be grown in a pot, just bring your banana plant inside before freezing weather settles in.
8. Cherry
Cherry trees are beautiful. In the spring, the masses of blossoms will perfume the air. In the summer, abundant fresh fruit is available for the picking. In the fall, the turning the leaves provide an explosion of color. Tart cherries are perfect for cooking and baking, while sweet cherries are some of the best candy nature offers.
7. Apricot
A single tree can produce plenty of fruit for baking, jam making, canning, freezing, or simply eating as a fresh snack. Golden skin and velvety flesh are the hallmarks of an apricot. There are many varieties of this fruit, with some more heat or cold tolerant than the others.
6. Fig
This tree is both ornamental and edible. All varieties tend to be very drought and heat tolerant. The cold, however, is not tolerated well. To overcome this challenge, grow the tree in a pot that can be brought inside during colder months. They also do well stored in greenhouses.
5. Pawpaw
Native to the Eastern and Midwest portions of the U.S., the fruit of this tree is tropical in appearance. With flavors range from vanilla to banana-mango, the fruit is best eaten fresh, as it has a very short shelf life. A fun fact: the leaves of this tree are not wasted. They are the only food source of the Zebra Swallowtail Caterpillar.
4. Orange
In zones 9 – 10, many varieties will bloom year-round. Flavors run the range from tart to sugary-sweet. The tart fruits are perfect for marmalades or chutneys, while the sweeter options are great for juicing or eating off the tree. Dwarf trees do well in conservatories and greenhouses, and can also be grown in pots to accommodate colder climates.
3. Pears
There are essentially two types of pears, European and Asian. European pears have that distinctive ‘pear’ shape and are generally the first kind that comes to mind. Asian pears have the shape and texture of an apple with the white flesh of a classic pear. Either type has a varietal that grows well in zones 4 – 9.
2. Lime
Nothing says tropical or summer like a lime does. A lime tree produces fragrant flowers, dark glossy foliage and a fruit that is good for baking, juicing and canning. Key limes are often used for pies since they are naturally sweeter than their larger siblings. Limes are also good for providing a bright accent to salsas and the juice helps keep other fruits and vegetables from oxidizing in salads. They grow best outside in zones 9 – 10 and there are several smaller types that do well in pots on patios or inside for the winter.
1. Apple
A truly versatile fruit and tree. From sweet to savory, there is an application for every apple – including snacking right off the tree. Short on space? No problem. Some types grow in a column, with minimal branch spread. This means that even if you have a small space, you can probably fit in a tree or two. And, the flowers are just as fragrant as the fruit.
Fruit trees are a great addition to your garden and perfect for suburban living. By keeping them pruned with top quality garden tools, well fed and maintained, they will provide beauty and nutritious fruit for you for years to come.