May is a great time to get fruit growing if you’re dreaming of sweet harvests later this summer. I’ve put together a list of 20 fruits that are perfect to plant right now, and trust me—they’re worth the wait.
Some grow fast, some need a little patience, but all of them bring serious flavor to your garden. I’ve planted a few of these myself and nothing beats picking fresh fruit straight off the plant.
Let’s make this summer extra sweet!
1. Strawberries
Nothing beats the taste of fresh, juicy strawberries right from the garden. These delightful berries thrive in full sun and need well-drained, fertile soil for a bountiful harvest.
Plant them in a spot where they get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Adding mulch around them will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. With a little care, you’ll soon be snacking on your very own homegrown strawberries, perfect for summer treats and desserts. Their sweet taste is a true garden treasure!
2. Peaches
A warm summer day with a juicy peach is pure bliss. Peaches grow best in full sunlight and need well-drained soil to ensure optimal fruit production.
Water them deeply to encourage robust root growth, but avoid saturating the soil. During the growing season, ensure the tree receives ample sunlight for the sweetest fruit.
Pruning the tree annually promotes healthy growth and better airflow. Be vigilant for pests like aphids, and treat them as needed to protect your fruit. Soon, you’ll enjoy these luscious fruits, perfect for pies or fresh off the tree!
3. Raspberries
There’s nothing like plucking fresh raspberries right off the bush. Raspberries love well-drained, fertile soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive.
Keep them hydrated but not soggy, and ensure they are well-spaced for proper air circulation. In hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can protect the plants from scorching. Install a trellis to support the canes and simplify harvesting.
Proper care and pruning will ensure you get a sweet, abundant harvest! Enjoy these berries fresh, in jams, or as delightful toppings for your summer desserts.
4. Blueberries
A handful of fresh blueberries is the perfect snack after a day in the garden. Blueberries prefer acidic, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight for strong growth. Water them regularly but avoid overwatering, as they detest soggy roots.
Consider using a pH tester to ensure the soil remains slightly acidic. Pruning your blueberry bushes annually helps maintain their shape and encourages better fruiting.
With a bit of care, you’ll be amazed at how many berries these little bushes can produce! Perfect for snacking or adding to your morning yogurt.
5. Apples
The crunch of a fresh apple from your tree is so satisfying. Apple trees do best in full sunlight with slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Ensure they are watered deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Keep the base of the tree clear of mulch and debris for improved airflow.
Pruning your apple tree annually helps maintain a healthy structure and improves fruit production. With regular care, you’ll enjoy a tasty, homegrown apple harvest!
6. Cherries
Fresh cherries right off the tree? Yes, please! Cherries thrive in full sun and need well-drained, fertile soil to grow healthy and strong. Water them consistently, but not excessively.
Ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot. Bird netting is essential to protect your cherries when they start ripening. The effort is worth it once those red gems are ready, offering a delightful taste of summer.
Perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite desserts, cherries bring vibrant color and flavor to your garden bounty.
7. Plums
Sweet, juicy plums are a delightful treat when harvested straight from the tree. Plums love full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth. Water them deeply during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so balance is key. Pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape and to help the fruits develop well. Soon, you’ll enjoy fresh plums, perfect for snacking or making jam!
8. Blackberries
Imagine a garden full of ripe blackberries ready to pick! Blackberries need well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine to produce sweet fruit.
Ensure regular watering but avoid making the soil too soggy. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so add some organic compost to improve the soil structure. A trellis will help support the vines, keeping them organized for easy harvesting.
With a little care, you’ll have blackberries all summer long! These versatile berries are perfect for fresh eating, baking into pies, or making delicious jams and preserves.
9. Pears
The sweetness of a perfectly ripe pear from your garden is unparalleled. Pear trees grow best in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Regular watering is key, but avoid excess. Keep the base of the tree clear of weeds and debris to promote healthy growth. Pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages higher yields.
Patience will reward you with juicy, homegrown pears, perfect for fresh snacking or baking into delectable desserts. Their succulent texture and sweet flavor make them a beloved addition to any summer garden.
10. Figs
Fresh figs straight from the tree are like a slice of summer heaven. Fig trees thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil to produce the best fruit. Water them consistently, but ensure the soil has good drainage.
Avoid soaking the soil—figs don’t like to sit in wet conditions. Pruning the tree yearly to maintain shape and remove dead branches encourages healthy growth.
11. Grapes
Grapes are a wonderful fruit to grow if you’re ready for a challenge. Grapevines need full sun and well-drained soil to flourish. Water them consistently, but be careful not to overdo it. Well-draining soil is essential for preventing root rot.
A trellis will keep the vines off the ground, making harvesting easier. With care, you’ll pick your own delicious grapes, perfect for fresh eating or making wine. Enjoy the luxury of vine-fresh grapes that offer a burst of natural sweetness, enhancing your summer table with their vibrant taste.
12. Apricots
Enjoy the sweet flavor of fresh apricots grown in your garden. Apricot trees need full sun and well-drained, slightly sandy soil to thrive. Keep them well-watered, but don’t allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate temperature. Pruning is vital for maintaining a healthy tree and improving fruit production.
13. Nectarines
Biting into a juicy nectarine from your backyard is pure joy. Nectarine trees thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, but avoid soggy soil.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Prune your tree to remove dead branches, improving airflow. This helps your tree stay healthy and produce more nectarines. .
14. Lemons
Lemon trees can make your garden feel like an oasis. They prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water them consistently, but avoid overwatering. Use a well-draining pot or soil mix to prevent root rot. Pruning helps the tree stay healthy and promotes a more abundant harvest.
In no time, you’ll be making fresh lemonade from your lemons! Their bright, tangy flavor is a delightful addition to drinks and dishes, offering a refreshing zest to your summer culinary adventures.
15. Oranges
Fresh oranges from your garden are a perfect treat. Orange trees thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Regular watering is essential, but ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. The soil should stay moist but never soggy.
Prune the tree annually to keep it healthy and encourage better fruit production. You’ll love the taste of homegrown oranges, perfect for juicing or eating fresh. Their sweet and tangy flavor is a refreshing summer delight, bringing vibrant citrus notes to your table.
16. Pineapples
Imagine harvesting your very own pineapple from your backyard. Pineapple plants prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Pineapples thrive in warm conditions, so provide them with plenty of heat and light.
Be patient, as pineapples take time to mature before they’re ready for harvest. Their sweet, tropical flavor is a delightful reward for your efforts, perfect for fresh eating or adding to smoothies and desserts.
17. Cantaloupes
Cantaloupes are the refreshing fruit you’ll crave on hot summer days. They thrive in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Keep them well-watered, but don’t let the soil get waterlogged. Prune the vines regularly to encourage better airflow and prevent disease.
The reward will be juicy, sweet cantaloupes you can harvest once the fruit is fragrant and slightly soft. Perfect for those summer picnics, their refreshing taste is a hydrating treat, ideal for fresh eating or making into smoothies and salads.
18. Watermelons
Nothing says summer like a juicy watermelon on a hot day. Watermelon vines thrive in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil. Water them deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil. Keep the vines in check by pruning excess growth.
Be patient—it takes time for watermelons to ripen, but when they do, they’re worth the wait! Enjoy these refreshing fruits straight from your garden, at picnics, or as a cooling summer snack.
19. Pomegranates
The unique taste of fresh pomegranates from the tree is a garden treat. Pomegranate trees grow best in full sun with well-drained, slightly sandy soil. Water them regularly, but avoid soggy conditions. Pruning is essential to improve airflow and support fruit production.
Keep your tree well-maintained to enjoy a bountiful harvest of these jewel-like fruits. Their vibrant seeds add a pop of color and flavor to dishes, perfect for fresh snacking or creating refreshing juices.
20. Guavas
Guavas add a tropical touch to your garden and bring plenty of flavor. Guava trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Keep them well-watered, but ensure the soil doesn’t get too soggy. Proper drainage is essential to keep the roots healthy.
Regular pruning ensures the tree stays healthy and produces an abundance of fruit. With the right care, you’ll soon enjoy fresh, tropical guavas right from your garden!