Many Homesteaders only think of the usual apples, pears and peaches when they want to grow fruit on their homestead. They often don’t consider that these particular fruits need a constant spraying and pruning schedule to produce an edible harvest. Also, most of these trees, even the dwarf varieties, get pretty tall and require a ladder for pruning and harvest. All of which is too much work, and frankly too much climbing, for my homestead plans. After all, I’m tired! I need my fruit to be simpler and easier. Thinking outside of the typical grocery store fruit box is one way to achieve this ease. So, here are 6 low maintenance fruits and berries for the homestead. Most are easy to grow, harvest and very nutritious. Actually more nutritious than the fruits and berries found at the grocery store. All grow in lower Michigan and most are pretty pest free. All are good for feeding humans and chickens- happy munching!
1. Lingonberry These are easy to both grow and harvest, because they are basically a ground cover. These berries tastes like a combination of raspberry and cranberry and can be eaten raw or canned for jelly. They are also very nutritious and provide a harvest in both midsummer and fall. This berry doesn’t need a second variety pollinator but will produce better if more than one plant is in the vicinity. Ht:1-2 ft. W:1-2 ft: Sunlight:Full-Partial. Harvest Time:July – September. Source: a. Gurneys seed. https://m.gurneys.com/product/lingonberry-lingonberry?p=0515548&pid=67399&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH9ZZHLGfQVQgjyJNHBtN_U9L-BcFjY45QsO8wOJFaAACXcKwGok-QkaAmAsEALw_wcB b. Source: Dutch gardens, https://www.dutchgardens.com/2480-lingonberry-koralle?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH_72VnnfBUN8T0Sn3erk_bx-DQWrNIjKaMBrV3rpjy0r0Wu2VYxDo4aAhJxEALw_wcB
2. Huckleberries. 4ft. No pruning is needed for this sweet fruit, which is good for eating raw, or for sauces, etc. It does best in acid soil, and full sun to part shade. Source: Gurneys https://m.gurneys.com/product/huckleberry-huckleberry-?p=0515548&pid=70627&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH8McmmZDwxDSqTYI-c7tkQZF0So1KILyKtfWNA6W61V2gHrFfgnDK0aAscDEALw_wcB
3.Tundra Honeyberries- like blueberries but doesn’t need acid soil. Needs a second bush for pollination. Zone 2-8. 4-8′ ht. Part shade. Source: Gurneys https://m.gurneys.com/product/tundra-honeyberries?p=0515548&pid=67396&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH-3HfGHYPZwjZTFLN9N5OTa9MuLApKh5GYgVm5pu6V_t0O17UEzQcoaAuGBEALw_wcB
4. Salmon berry. Famous for a native dish in the northern pacific area. This plant likes moisture and is deer resistant. Eat it fresh or in pies, jams, compotes, drinks, but too full of moisture for drying. Easy care bramble does well in Full sun to partial shade. Up to 6′. Source: Salmonberry, edible northwest native berry plant for sale, Native Foods Nursery https://nativefoodsnursery.com/berries/salmonberry/
5. Gooseberries. These like morning sun, afternoon part-shade and good air circulation. Eat this berry fresh, or use for pies, jam, or sauce. While unripe it’s usually tart, while ripened, it’s sweet. Not many pests bother this plant. Known for its great nutritional value, including high levels of vitamin C. Up to 3′ Tall. Zones 3-9. Nutritional info: https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-gooseberries-6707.html A. Source regular gooseberries: Gurney https://m.gurneys.com/product/pixwell_gooseberry_?p=0515548&pid=65648&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH9WAt_xVQWuEd1yfkpzYet9E-qqaIlFv59M5McpVlYzfZETx0udO68aAg1-EALw_wcB B. Source Red gooseberries: https://hirts.com/amish-red-gooseberry-bush-eat-fresh-or-baked-2-5-pot/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH-VhNdBhew0coC1GNPvh5OqlLB__mMgIK10bCM31vC6HPYQsY-NVv0aAtw6EALw_wcB
6. Elderberries. Most people think of this berry as the proven flu remedy made into a syrup, but elderberry is also good for pies, juice, chutneys, jam and wine. It shouldn’t be eaten raw. A pollinator second bush is necessary. 5-6 ft. tall or more, full sun, zone 3-9. Stark brothers https://www.starkbros.com/products/berry-plants/elderberry-plants/ranch-elderberry/139303?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvo_qBRDQARIsAE-bsH-OX1XzM5U8ppGAh-sDHfB3zyCplaFwNXtRmo6neEM8mBTH50WJO5UaAkOCEALw_wcB
Happy easier fruit growing, for both your poultry and you. Now you just have to figure out which of these juicy treats will fit on your homestead.
by Homestead Momma
