Fruit

Fruit trees, berries and melons can do well in northern climates. Get advice on selecting and growing fruit in Minnesota yards and gardens.

Growing fruit means balancing expectations and effort

Because fruits are perennial plants, they require a bit more commitment than vegetables. Spend some time thinking about why you want to grow fruit.

Your answers to questions like these will help you decide which fruits to grow and how much effort you’re willing to put into it.

How much effort does it take to grow fruit?

This chart shows the typical amount of effort and commitment it takes to achieve satisfaction in growing fruit in Minnesota.
Fruit	Site selection	Wait for fruit	Fruit every year	Fruit blemishes	Maintenance
Apples	Some effort	Dedicated effort	Some effort	Dedicated effort	Some effort
Apricots, Cherries, Plums	Some effort	Some effort	Some effort	Some effort	Some effort
Blueberries	Dedicated effort	Some effort	Minimal effort	Some effort	Minimal effort
Currants, Gooseberries	Some effort	Some effort	Minimal effort	Some effort	Minimal effort
Grapes	Some effort	Some effort	Minimal effort	Dedicated effort	Minimal effort
Pears	Some effort	Dedicated effort	Some effort	Some effort	Some effort
Raspberries	Some effort	Minimal effort	Minimal effort	Dedicated effort	Minimal effort
Strawberries	Some effort	Minimal effort	Minimal effort	Dedicated effort	Minimal effort

Apples

Pears

Stone fruits

Growing stone fruits in the home garden — Apricots, cherries, peaches and plums can grow in northern climates.

Pest management for the home stone fruit orchard (PDF) — This downloadable publication includes how to identify common diseases and insects that affect fruit trees and how to manage them.

Blueberries

Raspberries

Strawberries

Grapes

Melons, currants, gooseberries, kiwiberries