Homesteading: Growing Vegetables and Fruit at Home

Have you ever considered growing your own food, raising chickens, or building a stockpile of preserved goods in your pantry? Homesteading is gaining popularity on social media, and there’s a good reason for it. After all, it’s how our ancestors lived, right?

I can't count how many times I've been making dinner and realized I'm missing an ingredient. Wouldn't it be great to simply walk to your backyard and pick what you need from your garden instead of running to the store? You can! Start your own backyard garden and orchard by following these steps.

Vegetable Gardening

• Assess Your Space and Plan Your Garden. Evaluate the amount of sunlight, shade, wind exposure, and available space in your yard to determine which plants will thrive and where to place them for optimal growth.
• Prepare Your Soil. Test your soil for pH, nutrient levels, and drainage, then amend it with compost, organic matter, or soil conditioners to create a fertile, well-drained environment for your plants. You can send soil samples to the Mississippi State University Soil Testing Lab.
• Choose the Right Plants for Your Region. Select plants that are suited to your local climate, soil type, and growing zone to ensure they are adapted to your environment and can thrive with minimal effort.
• Plant at the Right Time. Timing is crucial; plant your seeds or transplants at the appropriate time for your region's frost-free dates and growing season to ensure healthy growth and avoid damage from late frost.
• Water Properly. Water deeply and consistently, focusing on the root zone, and adjust frequency based on plant needs, weather conditions, and soil type to promote strong roots and prevent stress.
• Fertilize as Needed. Apply organic or chemical fertilizers according to the specific needs of your plants, ensuring they receive adequate nutrients without overfertilizing, which can harm the soil and plant health.
• Control Weeds and Pests. Regularly check for weeds and pests, using natural or chemical methods to control them, and practice good garden hygiene to minimize their impact on your plants.
• Prune and Harvest. Regularly prune dead or diseased growth to improve air circulation and encourage new growth and harvest your plants at the peak of ripeness to enjoy the best flavor and quality.
• Keep Track and Learn. Maintain a garden journal to track planting times, growth progress, successes, and failures, and continue learning from each season to refine your gardening techniques for future success.

Planting Fruit Trees

• Choose the Right Varieties. Select fruit trees suited for Mississippi’s climate (e.g., peaches, apples, figs, and pears).
• Pick the Right Location. It is important to make sure you pick the right location for your fruit trees. Full sun for 6-8 hours per day with well-drained soil is recommended.
• Planting Time. Plant at the best time for greater success. It is best to plant in late winter to early spring (February to March).
• Prepare the Hole. When digging a hole for your trees, make sure the hole is twice the width of the root ball and keep the tree level with the surrounding soil.
• Water Thoroughly. After planting, water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Pruning Fruit Trees

• When to Prune. Winter (January to February) is best for dormant pruning. For fruiting trees, prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth.
• Prune Young Trees. Focus on establishing a strong framework with well-spaced branches.
• Prune Mature Trees. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin overcrowded branches, and shape the tree to allow sunlight penetration.
• General Pruning Tips. Avoid cutting too much off in one season. Use sharp, clean tools to avoid injury to the tree. Always prune above a bud or branch collar.

Transforming your backyard into a thriving garden and orchard is not just about growing fresh produce, it’s about embracing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and sustainability. By following these pruning and care tips, you’ll be well-equipped to cultivate a variety of plants that yield delicious fruits, vegetables, and blooms throughout the year. As you continue to nurture your garden, you’ll also be taking the first steps toward creating your own homestead. One that offers not only fresh food but also the fulfillment of growing and harvesting your own resources.

Whether you're simply enjoying the fruits of your labor or building a more self-sufficient life, the rewards of a well-tended garden extend far beyond the harvest. With patience, care, and a little knowledge, you’ll soon experience the joy of growing your own food and the peace of knowing that your efforts are contributing to a more sustainable and rewarding lifestyle.

Access MSU Extension Soil Testing Lab online at https://extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/soils/soil-testing.

Access MSU Extension publications on vegetable gardening online at https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/mississippi-vegetable-gardeners-guide.

Access MSU Extension publications on at-home fruit production at https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/establishing-home-fruit-orchard.