For gardeners, summer is synonymous with fresh fruit. After all, what goes better with beautiful sunny weather than a refreshing piece of fruit from your own garden? Luckily for people living in Southern California, there are a plethora of growing options. What fruit is in season? From citrus trees to grapevines, just about every fruit you can imagine will flourish and provide you with delicious treats year after year. To help narrow it down, here are some tasty fruits you should plant in your SoCal garden before summer!
Why Should I Grow My Own Fruit Instead of Buying It?
Growing fruit in one’s garden has numerous benefits that can enhance both physical and mental well-being. Firstly, it allows for the consumption of fresh, nutritious produce without the use of pesticides and preservatives commonly found in store-bought fruits. This can lead to a healthier diet and a reduced risk of illnesses associated with the consumption of harmful chemicals. Additionally, gardening can provide a relaxing and stress-relieving hobby, which can help to improve mental health. Furthermore, growing one’s fruits can also save money on grocery bills and reduce one’s carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on imported produce. Lastly, it can foster a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in being able to produce one’s food and engage with nature.
What Fruit is in Season in Southern California?
Citrus Trees:
If you live in sunny California, you can’t go wrong with citrus fruits. Both lemons and oranges do exceptionally well in this area, but if you can’t choose which one to grow, try Meyer lemons. They are a tasty hybrid between the two and are a great space-saver since they are considered a dwarf variety.
Another fun option is pomegranates! Pomegranates require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering to produce juicy, flavorful fruit. They can be grown in both containers and in-ground gardens, making them a versatile option for home gardeners. Additionally, pomegranate trees have a long lifespan and can provide a steady supply of fruit for years to come, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
If you’re new to gardening or just want something easy, figs are a safe bet. They are pest-free, low maintenance, and can be used in all kinds of recipes. Plus, they can be grown in containers or in-ground gardens!
Vines:
With California being famous for its wine country, it’s no surprise that grapes prosper in this region and are considered one of the top fruits you should plant in your SoCal garden before summer. All they need is a trellis and plenty of sun; you’ll be pulling bunches of juicy grapes off the vine in no time!
If you live somewhere especially hot, melon is a terrific heat-loving choice. For gardeners worried about space, plenty of smaller varieties can be kept in planters with the help of a trellis. If you have been asking, “what fruit is in season,” summer opens the door to an abundance of gardening options and is a lovely time of year to try growing new things. See what varieties work best for you, and add a bit of color to your diet for those hot, sunny months!
What fruits like full sun and heat?
When we say “full sun,” that means these fruits require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and fruit well. However, in hotter climates, some of these plants may benefit from a little bit of afternoon shade to avoid heat stress. If your garden gets a lot of sunshine, you will benefit from planting melons and strawberries. Keep in mind that you may need to up your watering game if it gets especially toasty outside, so having an automated sprinkler system can save on time and hassle.
What fruit doesn’t need a lot of sun?
While the fruit listed above likes lots of sun, you may have a shaded garden space. If that is the case, you may benefit from trying to grow cherries, gooseberries, rhubarb, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, pears, or plums. Keep in mind that each of these fruits requires specific soil, water, and light, so asking a local landscaping expert will verify whether you have the right garden space to grow these fruits well.
How to know what fruit to grow in my garden?
Home gardeners who are interested in designing their gardens should consider getting help from a landscaping expert. Firstly, a landscaping expert has the knowledge and experience to help the gardener make informed decisions about which plants to choose, what type of soil to use, and how to create an overall design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Secondly, they can provide guidance on how to create a garden that is sustainable and eco-friendly, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. Thirdly, a landscaping expert can help the gardener avoid costly mistakes by providing advice on which plants will thrive in their particular climate and soil conditions. Lastly, they can help the gardener save time and effort by providing guidance on how to maintain the garden and keep it looking beautiful throughout the year.
In short, working with a landscaping expert can help home gardeners create a garden that is not only beautiful but also sustainable, efficient, and easy to maintain.
What Fruit is in Season? Ask Your Local Landscaping Experts
Do you love fruit and want to incorporate it into your landscape design? Whether you want to plant fruit trees or vine-dedicated gardens, Design Scapes can help. Our team of seasoned professionals will advise you on how to get your garden to flourish, from where and what to plant. To learn more, please contact us today for a consultation.
Curious about which landscaping and hardscaping trends are popular in Southern California this year? Check out our blog on the hottest 2023 Southern California Landscaping Trends.
