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28 Hardy Fruits You Can Grow in Zone 2 and 3

February 10, 2020

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Are you dreaming of a backyard orchard or food forest but think that because you’re in zone 2 or zone 3 you’re restricted to crab apples? Absolutely not!  There are 28 hardy perennial fruits you can grow that are perfect for a cold climate and short growing season. I’ve done my best to suggest some better varieties when possible.

When you’re done reading about perennial fruits, you can also grow these 6 annual fruits from seed for even more fruit production.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about it in my privacy policy. Thanks for supporting Shifting Roots!

Hardy Fruit Growing Tips

Growing hardy fruits aren’t without their challenges. If you’re serious about starting a hardy fruit orchard on your property, you’ll want to get a copy of Growing Fruit in Northern Gardens. I personally own this book and turn to it again and again to make sure I’m setting up my fruit to be as successful as possible. Until you can grab a copy of this book, here’s a few tips to prevent you from making beginner mistakes.

  1. Most fruit trees require at least two of the same tree to pollinate and bear fruit.  If you live in an urban centre and your neighbour has an apple tree, that could count as your second apple tree, as long as it blooms around the same time.
  2. If the tag says self-pollinating, you can just buy one.
  3. Most fruit trees, except the Nanking cherry, require full sun.  Full sun means at least 6 (but preferably more) hours of direct sun a day.
  4. Baby your fruit tree for the first few years after planting.  Fertilize and water thoroughly.  Your tree should come with care instructions.  If not, join the Growing Roots Gardening Community and ask us!
  5. Finally, don’t expect to get fruit the first year.  Depending on the size of tree you bought, you might be waiting 3-6 years for your first harvest.

Have some fruit growing tips that you would like to share? Be sure to share them in the comments!

A short disclaimer: The varieties pictured may not be the varieties mentioned.  I used my own photos where possible, but had to rely a lot on stock photography for this post.  I tried to pick pictures that looked most like the varieties mentioned. 

Apples

Yes, you can grow apples the size of the ones in the grocery store on the prairies.  Honeycrisp is excellent for storage, Norkent and Odessey are good for fresh eating, and Serious is especially good for baking.  Prairie Magic and Goodland are better varieties for those short on space.

Sweet Sixteen has the most interesting taste of spice, vanilla, cherry, and apple.  The Wold River variety was prized for pie making.  Legend has it you could make one pie with one apple.

Brown thumb?  The 922-End Apple and September Ruby trees are hardy to zone 1.

Or try the TreasureRed columnar apple.  Just don’t be disappointed that you paid $50 for a stick.  I promise the stick will grow into a lovely tree.

If you’re from Saskatchewan, a trip out to the Petrofka Orchard is a must in both Spring and Fall for amazing-tasting, locally grown hardy apples.

Want to try making apple pies?  Here’s how to organize an apple pie making day.

Apricot

Manchurian Apricots make for delicious fresh eating, jellies, and jams.  You’ll love the gorgeous shell pink blooms in the spring.  Be aware that you’ll get a good crop every second year, not every year.

Find out how you can grow an apricot on the Prairies, plus 27 more hardy fruits you wouldn't expect!Click To Tweet

Aronia

Aronia is the berry that just keeps on giving.  It has gorgeous spring blooms, is a high in antioxidants, and has spectacular fall colour.  Unpicked berries provide nice visual interest in winter.  The Viking variety is one of the most productive.

Blackberries

The Chester blackberry is a versatile blackberry thats good for freezing, wine, jams and jellies, and fresh eating.  The vine spreads rapidly, so it’s recommended that you grow it along a fence if you’re in an urban centre.

Blueberries

Blueberries can be purchased in both low bush and high bush varieties.  The Northblue and Blue Gold varieties have the longest life-span in the refrigerator, giving you plenty of time to eat them before they go bad.  Or give you a few extra day days to process them.

New to processing berries?  Here’s my best tips and tricks to make everything go smoother.

Blueberries like acidic soil–more acidic than is typically found in the average-Saskatchewan-backyard soil. Try and plant blueberries near an evergreen tree if possible, as the soil is likely to be more acidic. You can always buy a home soil testing kit and check your soil’s acidity.

Chokecherries

Chokecherries are hardy to zone one and can be used as a windbreak shrub.  These berries are only good for jelly, sypup, or juice and are very astringent.  When the jam recipe says that you need more sugar than berries–believe it.

Chokecherry juice is also one of my favourite natural egg dyes.  It makes a lovely purply-blue.

Think you're stuck growing crabapples and chokecherries just because you live in zone 2? Here's 28 fruits you can grow, plus my favourite varieties.Click To Tweet

Crab Apples

Where I’m from, it seems as if every yard has a crab apple tree.  If you’re buying new and intending to eat your crab apples, make sure you don’t buy an ornamental variety!  Crab apples are more sour than regular apples, but I actually like them better in my pies, jams, and jellies.  I also love to juice them!

P.S. You need to try this Maple Spiced Crab Apple Butter.  It will be your new favourite.

Cranberry

Like the aronia, cranberries are another giving fruit.  White flowers emerge in June, followed by red fruit in the fall.  You’ll love how red the leaves turn!  Cranberry juice is a well-known remedy to help avoid UTI’s.

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Currants

I personally have many fond memories of picking wild currants with my family.  We were lucky enough to have a couple of bushes right on our fields.

All varieties of currents are good for jams or jellies. Red Lake is good for wines and Ben Hope Black Currant is a favourite for juicing.

Elderberry

Elderberry is said to have lots of healing properties and has been used as a folk remedy in North America, Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia for centuries.  It makes delicious jelly, pies, and wine.

Fig Tree

The Chicago Fig is a lovely tree that provide’s golf ball sized fruit and can reach up to 12 feet high.  It is hardy to zone 5, so plant in a large pot and bring it indoors for the winter.  It’s self-polinating, so you only need one.

Goji Berry (Wolfberry)

A nice small shrub  loaded with delicious red berries.  You can also use the young leaves in a stirfry.

Gooseberries

The Black Velvet Variety is similar to a blueberry and is good for baking, jams, or wine.  Pixwell is virtually thornless and self-polinating.  Jahn’s Prairie tastes similar to an apricot.

Berry lover? You'll never guess how many types of berries you can grow in zone 2 and 3!Click To Tweet

Grapes

Grapes plants are wonderful to use as a screen along a fence.  The Prairie Star, Valiant, Kandiyohi, and Marquette varies are all good for juice, wine, jams, and jellies.

Haskap Honeysuckle

Haskaps are one of the hardiest fruits you can plant.  The blooms can survive up to -8C!!  Home gardeners will love the Borealis variety.

Cooked haskaps make delicious jams and tarts. Try my tart recipe here.

Kiwi

I was very surprised to learn that there is not only one, but two hardy kiwi varieties that can be grown in zone 2 or 3.  The Chung Bai and Arctic Beauty varieties  both grow fruit that is about 5 cm/2 inches in length.  Pick the Arctic Beauty for its gorgeous green, pink, and white leaves!

Lingonberry

If you’ve ever been to Ikea, you’ll be familiar with the Lingonberry.  They have a lovely tart taste that is similar to a cranberry.

Grow the famous Ikea berry (Lingnon Berry) in your backyard. Find out how!Click To Tweet

Nanking Cherry

I like to think of nanking cherries as the original prairie cherry.  They make excellent pie filling and have beautiful white spring blossoms.  One of the few fruits that can grow in shade.  Use them as part of your windbreak if you’re landscaping an acreage.

Pear

Pears require two varieties for pollination.  You’ll want to order the Beedle Pear (hurray for the long storage life!) and the Early Gold Pear (great for fresh eating).

The Southworth variety is one of the few that have good production every year.  Most pears are like apricots, in that they only produce well every second year.

Plum

The Pembina plum is a hardy freestone plum that bakes well in desserts.  Keep it away from Nanking cherries, sand cherries, and double flowering plums, as they will cross pollinate and you won’t end up with the fruit you thought you would.  La Crescent is a lovely yellow freestone plum that tastes like an apricot.

The Canada and America varieties are excellent pollinator trees.

Waneta, Brookgold, and Fofonoff (best name ever!) are also solid and tasty choices hardy to zone 2.

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Raspberries

We all think of Raspberries as being red, but did you know you can grow varieties in yellow (Honey Queen), purple (Royal Purple), and almost black (Wyoming Black)?  Red River is an easy red variety to grow for beginners.

I love to make jam and freeze extra to make my copycat Tim Horton’s Raspberry Bran Muffins.

Love Raspberries?  Here are 10 Recipes you need to try.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a wonderful fruit, but very hard to get rid of if you change your mind. Use it in crisps, jams, and pies.  Pairs best with strawberry, and is always welcome in a bumble berry pie.

Sandcherry

The sand cherry has beautiful grayish leaves and can be used as a windbreak shrub.  The fruit is best used in jams or wine.

Sandcherries, Nanking cherries, and Hardy semi-sweet cherries, oh my! You'll never guess how many cherry varieties you can grow on the Prairies.Click To Tweet

Saskatoon

I grew up on a farm with over 1000 Saskatoon berry bushes, so I have a special affinity for them.  We planted the Smoky, Northline, and Theissen varieties.  The Smoky variety was my favourite, as it had the largest and sweetest berries.

Read about my love of berry picking here, and try out this stunning Saskatoon berry cheesecake, these delicious muffins or classic Saskatoon Berry Pie.

Sea-Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn makes a beautiful hedge in your yard and provides delicious fruit that contains Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, and Omega 7.  It’s also a good drought-resistant pick for xeriscapes.

Sour Cherries (Hardy Semi-Sweet Cherries)

Sour cherries have become my favourite of all the available prairie-hardy fruits.  The U of S varieties are so good, you’ll want one of each: Carmine Jewel, Romeo, Juliet, Cupid, Crimson Passion, Valentine, and Cupid.  If you’re obsessed like I am, you’ll also want to try the Rose Cherry or Evan’s Cherry.

This is the first year I juiced cherries and they are so good!  I also freeze some for pies and to eat with my yogurt for breakfast.  You’ll want to set aside a few this summer to make No-Churn Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream, Sour Cherry Tarts, or Sour Cherry Jam.

Strawberries

Who doesn’t love a fresh garden strawberry on a hot summer day?  Plant them in their own bed or a container for best results.  The Kent variety is a good producer but has a short season.  Fort Laramie is a very hardy everbearing variety.  Try Seascape if you plan to freeze a lot of your fruit.

Love strawberries?  You need to try Strawberry Feta Salad, Strawberry shortcake, and Strawberry Zucchini Cake.

Thimbleberry

Thimble berries are similar to raspberries.  They have larger leaves and their canes are smooth instead of thorny.  You’ll love them for their fruit and their fall colour!

With so many hardy fruits to try, which one will you choose?  Let me know in the comments!  I also love hearing your fruit growing stories, tips and tricks.

Want to know where you can purchase these trees?  Two good sources are in 20+ Seed Companies and Nurseries to order from this Spring.

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

36 Comments
Filed Under: Backyard Florist, Fruit Season, Gardening Tagged: apple, apricot, berries, blackberry, blueberry, crab apple, elderberry cranberry, goji berry, hardy fruit trees, haskap, kiwi, nanking cherry, pear, plum, raspberry, sand cherry, sour cherry, strawberry, wolf berry

About Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

Comments

  1. Naomi Suchan says

    January 31, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Oh my goodness, this was so helpful! First of all, I had no idea that the Romeo cherry tree we planted last fall were sour cherries, not the regular kind......good to know.... Also, love the apple suggestions! Now we've only planted one cherry tree - will the apples fertilize it if they bloom at the same time? Lastly, strawberries in a container - I'm totally going to do this too!! Maybe this is too many plans for a beginner gardener in her first season.....oh well... Also, is this too many questions - should I post them on the Growing Roots Gardening page instead?
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      January 31, 2018 at 11:50 pm

      I found the strawberries in a container pretty easy to manage, although I wasn't happy with how many I actually got. I might try a non-everbearing variety this year.
      Reply
    • Sarah and Steve Masterman says

      October 13, 2019 at 12:55 am

      Apples won't pollinate cherries, but Romeo cherries should be self-fertile (should be able to pollinate themselves).
      Reply
    • Shannon says

      April 6, 2020 at 1:13 pm

      Our valentine series cherries are super sweet, do not be swayed by the term tart.
      Reply
    • Chaze says

      November 13, 2020 at 8:21 am

      I’ve got some thimbleberries on the go just growing from seed see if they come
      Reply
  2. Ana says

    March 22, 2018 at 9:57 am

    So helpful, we live in southern Ontario, Canada. Was wondering were would be the best place to buy some blackberries or raspberries thank you. Don't like Wal-Mart
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      March 22, 2018 at 10:40 pm

      These are best to get at your local greenhouse or nursery. You can also order online. I personally use T&T because I they are in the Prairies and so am I. Here's a list of Ontario fruit tree nurseries: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/resource/trnursry.htm
      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    August 1, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    There are so many more fruits and berries that actually grow on the Prairies than I realized! ...I think I need more acres to expand my orchard...
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 2, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Right?! I was surprised we could grow so many things here, and I've even run across another berry or two since I wrote this post in January.
      Reply
  4. leon shean says

    August 27, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    thanks for the info, I'm from upstate new york originally,so I like berries, I always thought ontario Canada had the best cherries, but I'm now in so. california, and have been planting fruit trees of all kinds kinds which would be good in your area is the Wolf River apple, good in cold climates and is as large as a softball or bigger. I'm trying them out here in the mild so. california climate.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 28, 2018 at 7:48 am

      Thanks for the recommendation! They sound wonderful.
      Reply
  5. Jan says

    September 4, 2018 at 5:19 am

    I didnt recognize alot of the apples you mentioned. My favorite for baking (&hard to find) are Northern Spye & when those aren't available I like Granny Smith.
    Reply
  6. Ashleigh says

    December 3, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Wow! Thank you so much for all this info, it's so helpful to have advice specific to our area and stores listed that I actually already shop at!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      December 4, 2018 at 9:05 am

      Glad you liked this post! People like you are one of the reasons I started writing about gardening. I always found it so frustrating that there seemed to be nowhere on the internet that had gardening advice for the Canadian Prairies.
      Reply
  7. Jim Eyre says

    December 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    Thanks for the post. I'm always on the look out for zone 3 fruit trees.. I live in Wyoming in a definite zone 3 area at about 6700' and a 90 day growing season, usually. You didn't mention native plum. I use them for a windbreak. It seems that they are not uniform in how they ripen or taste. But when the good ones get ripe they are delicious and make fabulous jelly. I have apples, apricots, plums, pears, chokecherries, currants, bush cherries gooseberries,haskap honeysuckle, saskatoons, blueberries (they struggle), strawberries and raspberries. They are all relatively new plantings so only some of them have produced. Some I've prevented production to give them a little more time to establish. I thought I had most Zone 3 fruiting plants. You've mentioned several I don't have. I'll be looking into some of them. Thank you. I doubt the figs or grapes will survive here. I would love to grow grapes. That'll be a future experiment.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      December 6, 2018 at 9:16 am

      If you do try the figs or grapes, I'd be very interested to hear your results. Most of the varieties I've mentioned were developed in the Canadian Prairies, and a few in Quebec. Your conditions in Wyoming would be quite different from what I'm used to here, although our short growing season is pretty similar.
      Reply
    • Angelika says

      June 13, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      I live in Calgary, Alberta and I have heard that you can grow grapes in colder climates including here in Zone 3 as long as you shelter the grapes from the northern winds. I was thinking of planting some next to my super large pine tree. It would be sheltered from the northern winds then. I haven't tried it yet, but it is something to think about. I was told that as long it is protected from the coldest winds, and wrap them in burlap for the winter, it can be done! Hope this helps?
      Reply
  8. Sydney Lee says

    April 10, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Thank you for this awesome article! I live in Minnesota and I love the idea of being able to grow fruit right in my backyard. I've never even heard of some of these fruits but I would love to give them a try.
    Reply
  9. Shannon says

    May 11, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks so much for the info! I'm in rural Sask and was wondering what to get from my local nursery today. Found your article just in time
    Reply
  10. Jamie says

    May 21, 2019 at 6:23 pm

    DO you just leave your strawberries in a container outside all winter that would be easier for me than making a bed I live in southern ontario
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      May 21, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      Your winter might be mild enough that you could leave them outside, but I would still bring them into a garage or some slightly warmer space--even if it was unheated.
      Reply
  11. Angelika says

    June 13, 2019 at 8:43 pm

    Hello Kristen, we are in Calgary, Alberta, not far from you, we are practically neighbors! Lol! I am new to the in-ground gardening world. We use to live in an upper condo and I container gardened for years. Other residents in the complex use to love to pass by my space and take in all the plantings I had. Now we moved to a house with a front and back yard! Oh my what a job. I am trying to make it mine, I believe in having flowers out front with some hedges that produce berries for the wildlife. Then, in the back yard it's all ours! I have planted raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, and strawberries. I also have my vegetables planted in Sterilite containers of all colors to brighten up my space. I've grown cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, beans, carrots, lettuce, green onions, and tons of different herbs! Lots of work, but also lots of fun. My partner and granddaughter keeps picking them before I get enough to make something with it! My granddaughter is 5 years old. Your post is so enlightening for me. I want to plant more fruits and grapes and... but, I hesitate because I've never had any of them before and don't even know where to start. I am limited with space in the back yard. Any suggestions where to start?
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      June 17, 2019 at 10:46 pm

      Start with raspberries and haskaps. Easy to grow and the canes/bushes don't have to take up too much space. I personally am partial to a sour cherry tree if you have enough space.
      Reply
  12. Thomas Byng says

    August 23, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    Hello I have a 100ac. in northern Ontario and i want to build a forest garden, that include at least 30 different varieties of fruit trees. As many herbs and spices as I can. In Minden zone 3
    Reply
    • Thomas Byng says

      August 23, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      Sorry, also perennials, vine fruit as well as grapes, I am looking for recommendatons Thank you Thomas
      Reply
  13. Chandra-Lee Curry says

    November 28, 2019 at 10:33 pm

    I had to do a double take! Kristin Raney! Well, I'm extra happy I've subscribed to your site 😊. AND, your list is so inspiring! I have visions of a berry and fruit-filled yard all summer long!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      November 30, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Chandra!! I'm so glad you found me, what are you up to these days? As you can see, I've found my second career :-)
      Reply
  14. Pritam Jain says

    January 3, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Do you know or have any variety of grapes which do not have seeds and can grow in Regina, Saskatchewan. If you know please let me know. Thanks.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      January 8, 2020 at 9:51 am

      I haven't actually grown grapes yet, but they are on my list!! What I would suggest is to email T&T seeds and ask which varieties they sell are seedless and then order from them, or go to your local garden centre in the Spring and ask the staff. (Don't go to a big box store, they won't know.) I'm sorry I don't know what the good gardening stores are in Regina, I'm in Saskatoon.
      Reply
    • Cody says

      January 11, 2020 at 2:08 am

      Somerset is a red seedless grape that will grow for you if you give it a bit of extra care. It is only partially hardy and needs to be laid down in the winter to keep it from getting damaged by the cold. Make sure you cover the vine with snow to keep it warm.
      Reply
  15. Robyn R says

    February 12, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    Hey Kristen! A few years ago I picked up a dwarf apple tree called Gemini from Floral Acres in Saskatoon. My criteria was I needed something that would fit in the backseat of my car, haha. The tree produced in the second year and is still under 5 feet tall but makes apples like crazy. They are perfect - keep forever, delicious for fresh eating months after picking, and also good for baking. I had no idea what I was buying but I couldn't be happier about it.
    Reply
    • Robyn R says

      February 12, 2020 at 1:57 pm

      Omg sorry about that ridiculous avatar, it's an old fantasy baseball league picture that somehow keeps adding itself into commenting software
      Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      February 13, 2020 at 11:28 am

      Oh my goodness, I want that! I'm still waiting for my columnar apple tree to do something 6 years later.
      Reply
  16. Mary Jane Eichler says

    July 23, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    Hi! I live in Swan River, Manitoba and we are in zone2b.......I grow grapes and most are in their 3rd year.....and some have quite a few grape bunches......some had few grapes....and two grape plants had none...problem?? ....maybe location.....they were all prune to a single vine in the first two years....but the ones that grew with great vigour were the ones who did not fruit......and the distance on the stem was about 8 to 10 inches between the leaves.......and the plants that had only 2 to 3 inches between leaves have grapes......now the ones with this growth...I am pruning back to 4 to 5 feet.....I have read that this grow is referred to ‘water shoots’ and the leaves are almost as big as dinner plates......also I have had success by putting the vines on the ground for winter protection from grape plants bought in that year....
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      July 28, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      I think you’re okay, if it persists into the 5th year, then I think it’s a problem.
      Reply
  17. Barbara says

    November 1, 2020 at 10:56 am

    I live in zone 4-5a and have been looking into growing Persimmon, Paw Paw and mulberries. I was surprised to not see them on your list. Is there a reason why they are not there...what do you know that I don't?!
    Reply

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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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I love seeing the world through this loving boy’ I love seeing the world through this loving boy’s eyes.  Honestly, I’ve been so sick that I wasn’t really in the mood to “do Valentines Day” but there was this sweet little voice going on about how excited he was for today and how much he loves his family and I just couldn’t resist.  So whether you’re on your own, part of a couple, or in the thick of life-with-littles craziness, Happy Valentines Day!

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Curious about growing lettuce indoors? My experim Curious about growing lettuce indoors?  My experiment is a success so far, although it’s still going to be awhile before I’m eating another salad off of them.

Okay, so maybe a little rant today.  I think sometimes in the gardening space we’re guilty of making things seem easier than they are.  Myself included.  This lettuce project is a case in point.

Was it easy?  Yes.  But will it provide me with endless salads all winter long? Nope.  Or at least not at this scale.  I’m going to estimate that I’d need at least 15 plants this size, especially since it’s winter and everything just grows slower.  And I’m the only person in my family who really eats salad.

In conclusion, this is a fun project to pass the winter, and not a truly sustainable source of lettuce.

Thoughts?

#growinglettuce #eatwhatyougrow #growwhatyoueat #wintergardening #indoorgardening #plantproject #sustainablefood #gardenersofinstagram #gardenerslife #northerngardening
Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing ex Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing exactly what to start when.  Every two weeks, I'll be posting these handy guides so you have enough time to order your seeds and be ready to plant when it's time for your area.  To find out when these veggies, herbs, and flowers need to be started where you live. . . ⁠
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1. Search out your area's last frost date.  There are plenty of calculators on the Internet.⁠
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2. Count backwards 8 weeks from that date.⁠
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3. Start these seeds when that date hits.⁠
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If you follow me because we're in similar zones--don't panic, it's not time yet!! I won't be starting my 10 week seeds for another two weeks, and even that is slightly on the early side. (I'm starting everything a bit early so I can hopefully plant it out before baby gets here--I won't be physically able to do it after.) I like posting the info early for followers in warmer zones and so you can save it and still have time to order/buy seeds & supplies.⁠
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Which one of these are you most excited to start?⁠
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#seedstarting #seedlings #homegardener #northerngardener #homesteading #urbandhomesteading #homesteadingskills #gardenlife #gardenlifestyle #startingseeds
Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing the whole seed packet in hopes that a few of these little luffa babies will provide me with zero waste sponges that I can use for home cleaning, and as an exfoliant in home made beauty products.

The catch?

These plants are notoriously hard to grow, especially when you live somewhere cold with a really cold growing season—and if they get a hint of frost on them they turn to mush and all my hard work is ruined.

Gulp.

But gardeners are born optimists, so I’m giving it a shot—because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

P.S. if you’re trying luffa in zone 3 like me, just basically ignore all the directions on the seed packet.  Start them immediately (two weeks ago would have been ideal) and follow along because I’ll show you exactly what to do and when.  I’ll be popping these under a grow light once the sun goes down.

#luffagourd #luffa #loofah #seedlings #seedstarting #northerngardening #northerngardener #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #mygardenthismonth #gardenlife #canadiangardening
This weekend I took a big leap of faith. I came t This weekend I took a big leap of faith.  I came to New York to meet with other content creators/business owners to dig deep into what we do and create a strategy around our messaging.  I don’t even know how to properly describe what all went down, but is was incredibly life changing and I really feel connected to this tribe of women who are committed to playing to win and being the people our businesses need us to be.  I’m so excited to share what I’ve planned for my business with you in the coming months.

#playtowin #gardenblogger #businessowner #wahmlife
Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant? I Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant?  I think the Sansevera or Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue comes close.  Sure, it might be the vanilla of the plant-loving world, but it is so good for so many situations!⁠
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It can handle you forgetting to water it, low light, or bright light.  It is somewhat forgiving if you are an over-waterer. ⁠
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I’ve had this one for 2 or 3 years now and I keep getting rewarded with more spikes.⁠
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Plant lovers, is there another houseplant you think would be perfect for beginners?⁠
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#crazyplantlady #houseplantsofig #houseplantsofinstagram #snakeplant #houseplantlove
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