Growing fruit in a short season can be a challenge, to say the least. However, certain types of plants are hardy enough for even the coldest weather.
Winters are COLD here in northern Alberta. We live in a 2a Zone, and often have difficulty growing perennial fruits.
In some locations, where there is enough north windshield, and enough snow cover, more plants are able to survive. Yet, there are several that are hardy enough to make it through.
In 2015, we moved onto a 10-acre homestead. At our new home was a small house, some irises, and that’s it.
Filled with energy and optimism, we started planting plants left and right.
Over the years we have planted Valiant Grapes, Red Currents, Blackberries, several different types of Apple trees, Strawberries, Raspberries, Haskap, Saskatoon Berries (also called Serviceberries), Rhubarb and Cherry trees.
Every spring, something else was dead.
Perennials that were supposed to survive through the winter, didn’t. Other types would winterkill but would send forth new shoots out of their roots.
Unfortunately, these would never come to yield fruit because they (blackberries) produce on old wood. That old wood always ended up with winter kill. It becomes kind of discouraging after a while.
It is still fun, so experiment and try new things, but sometimes sticking with what you know will grow is best. Especially at the beginning, when you are still trying to establish your homestead.
Interested in more Homesteading and Gardening Content? Follow me on Instagram!
Here are 5 Types That Actually Yield Fruit In Zone 2
Saskatoon Berries
Saskatoon Berries are a deciduous shrub that, depending on the type, can grow up to 16 feet tall. Several different kinds that grow well in Northern Zones are Smokey, Thiessen, and Northline.
Easy to grow, these shrubs you plant once, and they will continue to produce fruit for many years.
Strawberries
These need proper care for winter, but when you cover them straw or other types of mulch, strawberries are a delicious fruit that is always popular.
Two types of strawberry plants that do well in North Zones are Kent, bearing lots of fruit in the month of July. Seascape is another type, but these produce in early spring (end of June), and again in fall.
Haskap
These are a relatively new species for Canada, and produce a delicious berry that tastes like a cross between a raspberry and blueberry.
Earlier then Saskatoon Berries, these berries require at least three shrubs, one being a pollinator for the others.
Red Currents
A tangy berry, these are very beneficial to the digestive system. A small shrub, you can get these in red or black currents. As long as the soil is kept moist, these can grow in any amount of sunlight.
Rhubarb
Although considered a vegetable, rhubarb is often used as a fruit in culinary dishes. Easy to grow, you only need one plant in your garden for a lifetime supply of fruit.
Raspberries
Several different types grow well in Zone 2a. The Boyne Raspberry is a classic prairie raspberry, but you can also get black raspberries, as well as yellow ones, called the Honey Queen Raspberries.
Loving an acidic soil, Raspberries grow well and produce bountifully. A lot of varieties have prickly branches. However, you can also buy thornless varieties.
Crab Apples
I have planted regular apple trees in our yard, with no success so far. However, crab apples are a tree that is hardy enough for our cold zone.
While not as delicious as regular ones, still a treat to eat fresh. You can also make apple juice or cider with these.
Conclusion
Growing fruit in cold zones is not impossible. We might not be able to grow oranges and grapes well, but we are still able to enjoy fresh fruit.
Move down a zone or two, and immediately your options are much broader. Some of these listed need proper winter care, while others are hardy enough to make it through -45 degrees Celsius weather.
Growing fruit in a short season can be a challenge, to say the least. However, certain types of plants are hardy enough for even the coldest weather.
What fruit trees have you been able to grow in zone 2?