Thinking about adding some fruit trees to your Midwest garden? You’re in luck. The region’s fertile soil and distinct seasons create a great environment for a variety of fruit-bearing trees. Choosing the right ones, however, is key to a successful harvest.
Now that you know how gardening boosts your mental health, you’re ready to jump right into gardening and reaping all the benefits. But even though you may want a lemon tree, that may not be the best if you live in an area with a long winter. To help you decide, we’ve created this brief guide. It highlights some of the best fruit trees that thrive in the Midwest, helping you turn your backyard into a personal orchard.
Apple Trees
Apple trees are a classic choice for any garden, and they perform especially well in the Midwest. Many varieties are cold-hardy, meaning they can withstand the region’s chilly winters.
Popular Midwest Varieties
- Honeycrisp: Known for its explosive crispness and sweet-tart flavor, this variety is a fan favorite. It ripens in late September and handles cold temperatures well.
- Gala: These smaller, sweet apples are perfect for snacking. Gala trees are productive, and the fruit ripens in late August.
- McIntosh: A versatile apple with a tart flavor, McIntosh is great for eating fresh, making applesauce, or baking pies.
When planting apple trees, remember that most varieties need another apple tree nearby for cross-pollination to produce fruit.
Pear Trees
Pear trees offer beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit in late summer or fall. Like apples, they require a bit of patience but reward you with decades of produce.
Recommended Varieties
- Bartlett: This is one of the most popular pear varieties in the world. Its sweet, juicy fruit is perfect for canning or eating fresh.
- Anjou: Anjou pears, available in both green and red varieties, have a mild, sweet flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking.
Plant at least two different pear varieties to ensure good pollination and a bountiful harvest.
Apricot Trees
While you might associate apricots with warmer climates, certain varieties can flourish in the Midwest. Planting them in a protected spot, like near the south-facing wall of your house, can shield them from the harshest winter winds and late spring frosts.
Cold-Hardy Choices
- Goldcot: Developed in Michigan, this variety is specifically bred for colder regions. It produces medium-sized, golden fruit with a rich flavor.
- Harcot: This Canadian variety is also very cold-hardy and produces sweet, flavorful fruit that ripens in mid-summer.
Apricot trees are often self-pollinating, so you might only need one tree to get fruit. Still, make sure to consider some key factors before you buy, such as where you’ll plant for the best protection.
Get Ready To Plant
Growing your own fruit can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By selecting trees that are well-suited to the Midwest climate, you set yourself up for years of delicious, homegrown produce. Whether you choose a crisp apple, a juicy pear, or a sweet apricot, you’ll enjoy the fresh flavors of your own harvest.
