Top Tips For Growing Grapes, Figs, and Pomegranates

Top Tips for Cultivating Grapes, Figs, and Pomegranates

The cool weather months are the perfect time to plant specialty fruits that thrive in our East Bay climate. If you’re ready to expand your edible landscape, consider adding grape vines, fig trees, or pomegranate bushes. All of three of these delightful fruits will beautify your outdoor spaces and produce delicious homegrown treats. 

1. Grapes: A Sweet Addition to Your Garden

Choosing Your Grape Vine

When it comes to grapes, selecting the right variety for your specific needs is key. Consider the prolific 'Thompson Seedless' or the delicious 'Black Monukka'. These sweet varieties thrive in sunny spots and can adapt well to the local soil conditions.

Planting Tips

• Timing: Fall and winter are ideal times for planting grape vines because the cooler weather allows the roots to establish before the warm season.
  
  
• Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Grapes need full sun to produce sweet fruit, so aim for at least 7-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  
  
• Spacing: Plant your grapevines approximately 6-8 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
  
  
• Support: Grapes are vigorous climbers and require support to thrive. Install a sturdy trellis or arbor that allows the vines to spread out and maximize their sunlight exposure. Train the vines by securing them with soft ties to avoid stem damage.

Feeding Requirements

Grapes benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production.

Common Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for grape phylloxera, a sap-sucking insect that can damage roots and leaves. Regularly inspect your plants and apply insecticidal soap as needed. Powdery mildew is another concern. If you notice white powdery spots on the leaves, control it with OMRI-listed fungicidal treatments approved for organic gardens. Also, make sure your vines have good airflow.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: After planting, water your grapevines thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during heat waves. However, be careful not overwater as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Apply a layer of mulch to help conserve and even out soil moisture.
  
  
• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining healthy, well-structured vines that produce large clusters of grapes. In late winter, prune back the previous year’s growth to encourage new shoots and keep the vines manageable.
  
  

2. Figs: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Choosing Your Fig Tree

Figs are a staple of Mediterranean gardens, and they thrive beautifully in our East Bay landscapes. Popular varieties include 'Black Mission' and 'Brown Turkey,' both known for their sweet, succulent fruits.

Planting Tips

• Timing: The cooler months are an ideal time to plant figs, allowing them to get established without the stress of summer heat.
  
  
• Location: While figs can tolerate some shad, try to locate your tree in a sunny spot with good air-flow. Figs prefer well-drained, slightly sandy soil, so consider amending clay soils with compost for better drainage.
  
  
• Spacing: Space fig trees about 10-15 feet apart to allow adequate space for the tree’s canopy and ensure good airflow that helps prevent disease.

Feeding Requirements

Figs benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring. Avoid heavy feeding, as it can lead to lush foliage with minimal fruit.

Common Pests and Diseases

Watch for fig beetles and be aware of root-knot nematodes. If you notice any beetles, handpick them or use traps. Also, leaf blight can occur in persistently moist or humid conditions. To manage it, ensure proper spacing and prune any infected leaves to maintain air circulation.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Figs will become relatively drought-tolerant after they are well established. But like all fruit trees, they need regular watering during their first year, particularly during dry spells. Mulching around the base will help retain soil moisture.
  
  
• Pruning: Prune your fig tree lightly in late winter to remove any dead or crowded branches. This encourages better fruit production and keeps the tree healthy.
  
  

3. Pomegranates: A Jewel of the Garden

Choosing Your Pomegranate Bush

Pomegranates are beautiful shrubs that can resemble small trees depending on their height and growth habit. This particular fruit is packed with antioxidants and is a rewarding treat after peeling the elaborate inner membrane. If you have space, consider a classic large variety like 'Ambrosia’', or for container gardens try  'A.C. Sweet’, which is more compact in size.

Planting Tips

• Timing: Like grapes and figs, the cooler months are an ideal time for planting pomegranates, allowing the roots to establish during winter dormancy.
  
  
• Location: Plant pomegranates in a location that receives 6-8 hours of full sun daily. They do best in a well-drained soil and prefer slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels. Consider testing your soil and amending as needed.
  
  
• Spacing: Depending on the variety, space your pomegranate trees about 8-12 feet apart to allow for both vertical and horizontal growth.

Feeding Requirements

Pomegranates generally require minimal fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth, but be cautious not to over-fertilize.

Common Pests and Diseases

Watch out for pomegranate worms and aphids. Regularly inspect the foliage, and if you spot any pests, consider using insecticidal soap. Fruit split can occur due to inconsistent watering so maintain even moisture levels to prevent this issue.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Pomegranates will become drought-tolerant once well established. Keep soil moisture consistent throughout the first year without creating soggy conditions. Regular water during the growing season is beneficial for fruit production. Apply a layer of mulch to reduce water loss.
  
  
• Pruning: Prune your pomegranate tree lightly in late winter, focusing on removing any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.

Closing Thoughts

As you develop your edible landscape, remember that you're creating a deeper connection to a more seasonal way of eating. Whether you're enjoying a cluster of freshly picked grapes, or sliced figs in your morning yogurt, or pomegranate seeds sprinkled on your salad, these special fruits will bring happiness and health to your table.

At Evergreen Nursery and Garden Center, we're here to support your gardening journey every step of the way. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to answer your questions and help you choose the right edible plants for your outdoor spaces. Stop by the nursery to learn more about our favorite fruit varieties and get tips tailored to your specific garden conditions. Happy gardening!