Who says you can’t grow much food in tiny gardens? While it has taken several years to get to this point, and a whole lot of compost tea and TLC, it is mind blowing how much abundance is possible in very small urban organic gardens. Edible gardening is also a great gift to share with our children, as a way of teaching them where food really comes from to inspire them to better care for the planet.

The great thing about growing fruit trees is that you not only get to enjoy the pleasure of the beautiful spring blossoms, but you also are able to witness the changing emergence of the emergent fruit itself. One word of caution, though, is to be sure to do your research about which trees do well in your area. We once had a semi-dwarf tree and were really excited about it—especially when it began to blossom so brilliantly. What we didn’t realize was that the fungus pear rust is rampant in our area, growing on juniper and pear trees. While it broke our hearts, we had to remove the tree. You may think that the local garden stores would avoid carrying species that have no chance of making it in your area, but you can’t count on that. Doing your research really does pay off in the long run (and also helps prevent a lot of tears and extra work!).

Having been told not to plant trees so close together, the rebel in me did it anyway—and boy am I glad I did!  The gifts from the earth are so wonderful, made even better by knowing that no poison was used to raise these beauties that are just beginning to ripen. They will be super additions to my YUMMY Probiotic Drinks, as well as fruit leathers and dehydrated fruit snacks. Plant-based living sure does have its perks.

Because it is a grafted, semi-dwarf tree, 4 different varieties of beautiful plums are harvested from the same tree—and with an extension of the season, because of their different ripening times. It is nothing less than awesome!

Especially if you have limited garden space, know that growing fruit in tiny gardens is possible, but you might want to consider a grafted dwarf or semi-dwarf variety that is well-suited to your geographical area.

TN-heart

Theresa