If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own fruits but feel limited by space, you’re in for a treat. Contrary to popular belief, you really don’t need a sprawling garden to enjoy fresh produce right at home. Sure, it certainly helps in terms of your yield, but many fruits thrive in containers or small spaces, making them perfect for balconies, patios, or even windowsills. If you don’t believe us, here is a list of fruits that you can grow at home, no matter how small your space is.
Strawberries
Believe it or not, you really don’t need a large garden patch to grow strawberries; in fact, they’re actually perfect for growing in small spaces, even in hanging baskets. They love sunlight and need regular watering to produce those sweet, juicy fruits, so as long as you’ve got a sunny spot on your balcony or windowsill, your strawberries will reward you with their refreshing taste in no time.
Blueberries
Not many people realize that blueberries are well-suited for containers, particularly dwarf varieties. These little bushes need acidic soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive, but as long as they have that, they’ll produce a lovely harvest of berries that you can enjoy year after year. Just remember to avoid full-sized plants if possible because they’ll soon become overcrowded in a small pot.
Lemons
Just like with blueberries, dwarf lemon trees thrive in pots, both indoors and outdoors. Sure, they still need ample sunlight to flourish, but this makes them perfect for a sunny window or patio. Best of all, the fragrant blossoms and zesty lemons they produce can brighten up your home and your cooking, something that you might miss out on if you choose to grow them outside.
Raspberries
Raspberries can grow in small spaces, but they usually need a bit more room than some other fruits. Don’t feel discouraged, though–just opt for a compact or dwarf variety if you’re limited on space. Vertical planters or larger containers are ideal for growing these tasty berries in a smaller area, but admittedly, they may not grow quite as fast as strawberries or blueberries.
Tomatoes
These days, everyone knows that tomatoes are technically a fruit, so let’s get that out of the way. They’re yet another solid option for indoor grows, especially the cherry or grape varieties. Just give them a sunny spot and regular watering, and they’ll be quite happy… so happy, in fact, that soon enough, you’ll have ample tomatoes for snacking or tossing into your salads.
Figs
If you’ve never tried it, you’ll likely be surprised at how well figs grow in pots, especially dwarf varieties. They thrive in warm, sunny conditions and reward you with soft, sweet fruit once they’re established. Ideally, you’ll want a well-lit balcony, but a sunny patch on your patio will still do the trick just fine.
Apples
As with most fruits on this list, you’ll want to find dwarf options if you wish to grow apple trees in small spaces. However, assuming that you can find such options, they can actually be grown in containers, only needing a little bit more room than smaller fruits like strawberries despite their significantly larger size. Best of all, with proper pruning and care, these little trees can still produce full-sized apples.
Peaches
Just like apples, dwarf peach trees are well-suited for container gardening, although they will need plenty of sunlight and some attention to keep them healthy. But, the reward is well worth it, not just for their juicy flavors, but because peaches and their fragrant blossoms will brighten up any small space.
Pineapples
If you’ve never thought about growing pineapples at home, it might be time to change that, as they can be grown straight from the crown of a store-bought fruit, so there’s really no excuse not to. Sure, they’re slow to grow unless you’re in tropical conditions, but you’ll still get a decent yield if you give them plenty of warmth, light, and, most importantly, patience.
Pears
Dwarf pear trees or espaliered varieties are another fruit that works surprisingly well in small spaces. With sunny spots and well-drained soil, these trees can produce delicious, juicy fruit, even if they’re planted in a compact garden or a small patio container.
Grapes
Another fruit that you can grow at home, regardless of how small your outdoor space is, is grapes. You really don’t need a whole vineyard to do this, as grape vines can grow perfectly well in containers or along trellises in small spaces. Above all, they just love warmth, sunlight, and regular pruning, so tick these boxes, and you’ll soon have yourself a bunch of juicy grapes.
Cherries
If you’re on a tight budget when it comes to space, dwarf cherry trees make for another solid option to get fresh fruit into your diet. They grow beautifully in containers that are subject to ample sun and well-drained soil, and you can put money on them, rewarding you with lovely blossoms in spring and sweet cherries in summer, making them a win-win.
Limes
Similar to lemons, dwarf lime trees thrive in containers, assuming they’re planted in a warm spot out of the shade. It really is worth doing because having fresh limes at your fingertips is a serious bonus for drinks, cooking, or adding zest to your dishes. It’s one of those plants that, after harvesting for the first time, will make you realize you’ve been missing out all along.
Pomegranates
This might sound hard to believe, but dwarf pomegranate trees can thrive in containers with the right care. To get started, you’ll just need warm, sunny conditions and, of course, a pinch of patience. While you wait, you can benefit from the decorative beauty of pomegranate plants, and once they’re ready, you’ll find their bright red fruits packed with juicy seeds, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your salads and cocktails.
Bananas
Amateur gardeners tend to assume that having their own banana plant is off the cards, but that’s simply not the case. In reality, dwarf banana plants can grow in small spaces, though they will need a warm, tropical (or subtropical) environment to thrive, so their success will depend on which state you live in. Remember, though: even if fruiting takes time, a banana plant will still add a delightfully tropical vibe to your space.
Blackberries
Do you fancy a steady supply of delicious, plump blackberries? If so, there really isn’t any excuse not to grow them. Blackberries can be easily grown in containers, especially when supported by a trellis. However, there’s no denying that compact varieties are going to be more appropriate, as they won’t use up too much space and don’t require as much attention once they’re established.
Avocados
Yes, avocados are fruits, and perhaps even more surprisingly, they can be grown in small spaces, at least when they’re getting started. Upon maturing, they’ll need more room, not to mention plenty of sunlight, and they’re likely to take years to produce fruit. However, they’re worth the wait–just picture how proud you’re going to be when you produce your first avocado!
Plums
Dwarf plum trees are great for container gardening because all they need is a balanced location of sun and shelter, as well as basic care. Take care of these simple tasks, and they’ll surely reward you with both beautiful blossoms and juicy fruit. Best of all, you can turn any excess plums into all sorts of culinary creations, such as cobbler, wine, and jelly.
Cucamelons
Last but not least is the cucamelon, a tiny fruit that looks strangely like a mini watermelon despite tasting more like cucumbers with a hint of lime. We can’t deny that this is a bizarre combination, but considering that they grow well in small spaces, why not give them a try? Even if you’re not a fan, we’re sure you’ll have friends or family that will take them off your hands.