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At Backyard Eats we’ve developed a proven system for designing, installing, and maintaining raised bed vegetable gardens to make growing food at home easy. However, did you know that we also offer edible perennials like blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, and other functional plants? Fall is the best time to plant perennials in your garden! Keep reading to learn why you should plant perennials in fall and the benefits they’ll provide for years to come.

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Why Plant Perennials in Fall?

Fall creates an optimal planting environment for several reasons: including cooler temperatures and reduced pest pressure. Overall, fall presents less environmental stressors than summer which helps plants develop a strong root system before winter.

For example, fall’s cooler temperatures reduce heat stress on plants as they begin to establish roots; fall soil also retains some summer heat, which further reduces stress on plants compared to the still-cold ground one encounters during spring planting. Fall also typically offers more consistent rainfall than summer, which encourages growth and means less additional watering for you to worry about.

Additionally, perennials’ growth cycles are in sync with fall planting. Crops planted in fall will become dormant over winter, storing energy for growth in spring and giving them three seasons of head-start instead of trying to force them to begin growing in summer (for the reasons explained above). Lastly, fall presents reduced pest pressure compared to summer. This further increases perennials’ chance of a healthy start to prepare for growth next spring.

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Long-Term Benefits of Perennials

Once established, perennials require less overall maintenance than an annual raised bed vegetable garden. Notably, they don’t require re-planting every year or mid-season. Although some perennials, like raspberries or blackberries, do benefit from some pruning, they typically don’t require as vigorous training or pruning as annual crops like cucumbers or tomatoes which also grow on trellises. Perennials also require less frequent watering than annual crops, also they still benefit from deep watering at the roots. All of these lower maintenance needs mean that your initial investment in perennials will pay off quickly.

In general, perennials provide several environmental benefits to your soil and landscape. Their strong roots can help improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and retain water. You can even design a “rain garden” of different perennials designed to capture water at low or wet points in your yard! Edible perennials also provide habitats for beneficial insects and birds, and can enhance biodiversity in your neighborhood with pollinator-friendly plants like milkweed.

Finally, perennials provide unique aesthetic value to your landscape. They can soften the look of raised bed structures and add dynamic colors and textures to planting beds. Unlike raised beds, perennial planting beds and berry trellises can be placed more flexibly in your landscape according to sunlight, terrain, and other common garden planning factors. With a variety of plants, perennials can provide year-round interest as the seasons change.

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Best Perennials for Edible Landscapes

The most common berries we recommend for edible landscapes are strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These are not only popular choices to eat but also reliable to grow in our Pennsylvanian climate. As described above, these berries fare well with fall planting because they can take advantage of three cooler seasons before facing heat stress next summer.

In addition to more stereotypical edible plants like berries, flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, and plants with medicinal properties also make great additions to perennial planting beds and can also be planted in fall. Examples of these crops include echinacea, lemon balm, and yarrow. Did you know that echinacea not only has attractive flowers but can also be brewed in tea? If you’re interested in developing a pollinator garden, consider butterfly milkweed which is drought-resistant and favors full sun.

Figs, asparagus, rhubarb, and kitchen herbs like rosemary and sage are also great options! For food forests, choose a mix of perennials including trees, shrubs, and smaller herbaceous plants like sage. This not only creates visual interest but supports a diverse and healthy ecosystem.

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Practical Tips for Planting Perennials in Fall

Choosing the right location for your perennials is largely based on a combination of site factors and plant needs. Many perennials are drought-resistant, but some prefer full or partial sun while others thrive in shade.

As with raised bed gardens, it’s best to evaluate the sun score of your potential perennial beds and avoid low points where water pools until you’re specifically building a “rain garden.” Many of the same garden planning considerations, such as soil preparation and proper spacing, will also ensure your plants thrive and provide a rewarding gardening experience.

We recommend mulching perennial beds to reduce weed growth, retain moisture, and insulate against heat. With consistent moisture levels and less heat stress, edible perennials planted in fall will develop roots better than if they were planted in summer and watered less frequently. Conversely, mulch will also help retain some heat in winter which is also beneficial for tender young plants. We also recommend covering fig trees with layers of burlap and straw to help them survive the winter.

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Conclusion

Investing in fall-planted perennials offers numerous benefits for your landscape, from reduced maintenance and long-term cost savings to enhanced environmental health and aesthetic appeal. By planting perennials like berries, Mediterranean herbs, and drought-resistant crops, you not only create a sustainable and functional garden but also support local wildlife and biodiversity.

At Backyard Eats, we are passionate about helping you design and implement an edible landscape that will thrive for years to come. If you’re ready to transform your garden this fall, book a consultation and let us help you reap the rewards of a well-planned perennial planting.

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Everyone has a reason for wanting to grow their own food. Maybe you want to recreate cherished memories of spending summer afternoons in the garden with your parents or grandparents with your own family. Maybe you want to reduce your footprint and know where your food is coming from. Healthy home-cooked meals, pesticide-free produce, and investing in a new hobby are also common reasons we hear during Initial Consultations.

Whatever your reason for wanting to grow your own food, we want to serve as a guide on your gardening journey. From designing the best raised beds for your growing space to building and maintaining the garden over time, our system has helped hundreds of gardeners succeed.

Here are some stories from real Backyard Eats clients showcasing how our diverse community is accomplishing their gardening goals. View our updated Our Projects Gallery for more photos and the full stories!

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Beginners Dive Into Homegrown Food

This family had a huge, empty yard and was eager to start growing their own food. They wanted to make the most of their backyard by growing herbs, vegetables, and cut flowers for custom arrangements. Our design review process helped them visualize a harmonious garden that complemented their home and suited their slightly sloped landscape.

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Mindful Mom Transforms Family’s Health

The client wanted a healthier lifestyle for her family and decided to grow their own food. Our garden designer created raised beds, an herb spiral, deer-proof fencing, and drip irrigation for easy maintenance. We planted raspberries and lavender, making the garden visible from the nearby sauna and supporting the family’s focus on physical health.

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Empty Nester Reconnects with Nature

This client wanted to reconnect with gardening memories from her dad in her newly-found free time. With a large, underused yard now that their kids had moved out, she and her husband needed a better use of the space. We designed a garden combining expansive annual raised beds and a large perennial garden, providing trusted food and a focal point for occasional parties, with ongoing maintenance for productivity.

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Personalized Gardening Success

Whatever YOUR reason is for wanting to have a garden and learn how to grow your own food, we can design a garden that’s right for you. Book a consultation today to meet with a Garden Designer and get started!

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Introduction

Many of us have fond memories of sunny summer gardens brimming with tomatoes, zucchini, and other homegrown delights. But let me let you in on a little secret: the magic of gardening doesn’t have to end with the warm weather of summer. As the cool breeze of autumn begins to blow, a whole new world of gardening opportunities unfolds. Fall gardening is an often overlooked yet rewarding extension of your growing season, bringing fresh greens and veggies to your table without the heat stress of summer.

As the days grow shorter and your summer crops begin to dwindle, you might find yourself yearning for the taste of fresh, homegrown produce. Fortunately, fall gardening offers a variety of quick-growing crops that thrive in cooler temperatures. Think baby greens, head lettuce, radishes, carrots, and herbs like cilantro and dill. These cool-weather champions not only flourish without the blistering sun but also reward you with multiple harvests before winter.

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Benefits of Fall Gardening

Fall gardening has several unique advantages. The cooler temperatures slow down the activity of pests and diseases, creating a more manageable growing environment. Plants are less likely to experience heat stress, resulting in healthier, more resilient crops. The natural decline in pest populations towards the end of the season further reduces the likelihood of infestations, making fall a season of lower maintenance and higher rewards.

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Preparing for Fall Planting

If you’ve already dabbled in summer gardening, the transition to fall is a breeze. After harvesting long spring crops like broccoli or carrots in late summer, you will have empty spaces in your garden. Don’t worry! You can use this space to plant fall crops. During late summer, some warm-weather crops like summer squash could also be winding down and ready to replace. Start by clearing out any spent plants, weeds, or debris. This not only tidies up your space but also helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your soil. Don’t worry about turning over the entire garden bed; often, leaving the roots of old plants to decompose can be beneficial to soil health.

With your garden prepared, it’s time to decide what to plant. While some summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers don’t fare well in cooler weather, there are plenty of other options to growl. Baby greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula are fantastic for fall! These can be harvested using the “cut and come again” method, allowing you to enjoy fresh, crisp greens multiple times throughout the season. While some “long spring” crops like carrots and broccoli also grow in cooler weather, they might not have time to fully mature before winter. Don’t forget to plant garlic and shallots towards the end of November; they may take until next summer to harvest, but the payoff in flavor is well worth the wait!

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Plant Edible Perennials in Fall

If the idea of replanting your annual vegetable garden each season seems daunting, fall is also an excellent time to establish perennial crops. Berries and kitchen herbs, for example, benefit from cooler planting conditions. The warm soil encourages root growth, helping plants develop strong foundations before winter. Blackberries and raspberries are popular perennials in our climate that will provide harvests for years to come. If you love cooking with fresh herbs, consider adding Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to your garden. Plant an herb garden near your kitchen – whether in a raised bed or other container garden – to always have homegrown flavor nearby. Container gardens like raised beds are perfect for small spaces and can even teach children how to grow food in a bite-sized way. Gardening in the fall offers more than a bountiful harvest; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with your family even after summer vacation ends.

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Conclusion

From crisp veggies to savory herbs, fall planting extends the joy of fresh produce into the cooler months. Don’t miss this chance to savor the flavors and rewards of your garden this autumn!

Do you want expert advice on designing, building, and maintaining your own edible garden right in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter to receive five FREE pdfs and get started! You can subscribe to our email newsletter here.

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Introduction

It’s the middle of summer and we hope you’re enjoying bountiful homegrown harvests! However, sometimes it can be challenging to keep up with eating everything fresh from the garden. If you’re tired of making endless tomato sauce or loaves of zucchini bread, try these 10 ways to preserve your produce and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer all year long:

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1. Freezing

Freezing is ideal for preserving the fresh taste and texture of vegetables like peas, green beans, and leafy greens like spinach or kale. For best results, blanch vegetables before freezing them to retain their color and nutrients. Store in airtight freezer bags or containers for a quick addition to a weeknight meal.

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2. Quick Pickling

You don’t need a lot of equipment or time to make quick pickles – also called “refrigerator pickles.” You can quick-pickle vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and radishes using vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. We have a full tutorial in our Recipe Index! Store quick pickles in the refrigerator for a tangy, crunchy snack – they won’t last as long as fermented or canned vegetables.

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3. Fermentation

You can preserve vegetables for longer by fermenting them, adding beneficial probiotics to your diet. Simple recipes like sauerkraut and kimchi require just salt, vegetables, and time. They’re also a unique way to add more flavor to your home-cooked meals.

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4. Canning

Traditional canning is perfect for long-term storage of high-acid vegetables like tomatoes and pickles, as well as low-acid vegetables using a pressure canner. Follow safe canning guidelines to prevent spoilage and enjoy your produce year-round.

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5. Jam and Jelly Making

If you grow berries at home, you can turn fruit into delicious jams and jellies using pectin, sugar, and lemon juice. Try Backyard Eats founder Chris’ favorite blackberry jam recipe today!

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6. Dehydrating Vegetables

Dehydrating is a convenient way to preserve vegetables without taking up a lot of space in your freezer. Dehydrating uses low heat to slowly dry out food over time. You can use a dehydrator or oven to dry vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Store dried produce in airtight containers for use in soups, stews, and snacks.

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7. Herb-Infused Oil

Infusing is a unique way to capture the flavors of herbs by steeping them in oil. These flavored oils will elevate any meal! Place clean, dry herbs or garlic in a bottle, fill with oil, and let sit for a few weeks. Use in salad dressings, marinades, and more

Please note that if not properly prepared or stored, infused oils can develop botulism which is extremely dangerous for human health. You can learn more on the PennState Extension website.

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8. Pesto and Herb Paste

Pesto is a classic way to use up a lot of basil at once – but it can be made with other herbs as well, like our garlic scape pesto. Blend herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro with olive oil, garlic, and nuts to make pesto that freezes easily into cubes for easy portioning and long-term storage.

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9. Herb Butter

You can also preserve the fresh flavors of herbs by mixing them into softened butter. Roll the herb butter into logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. Use for cooking meat, potatoes, or vegetables – or simply spreading on fresh bread/

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10. Hang-Drying Herbs

If you’re not sure how you want to use your herbs yet, or you just want to refill your spice cabinet, you can hang-dry them for later use. This is a slower but easier way to dry herbs than dehydrating. It works best for hardy herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano – not tender herbs like cilantro or dill. Hang small bunches in a well-ventilated, dark and dry area until fully dried. Read this blog post to learn more.

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Introduction

As the summer harvests from your edible garden come rolling in, it’s tempting to focus solely on storing, cooking, and enjoying your fresh produce. However, now is the perfect time to evaluate your garden and plan for fall. If your garden has struggled this year—whether from pesky pests eating your crops or diseases affecting plant health—structural upgrades and seasonal soil strategies can turn things around for a healthy fall harvest.

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Evaluate Current Raised Beds

Take stock of how your existing raised beds performed this past season. Did your crops thrive, or did they struggle to develop? Have pests like deer or groundhogs been a persistent issue, impacting your harvest? Often, these challenges stem from underlying structural issues that may not be immediately apparent. Whether it’s nutrient-deficient soil or the need for better crop rotation, addressing these now can prevent recurring problems next season.

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Key Considerations for Garden Upgrades

Structural improvements aren’t just about adding physical elements to your garden; they’re about enhancing your gardening experience and making it easier to manage. Your vegetable garden should inspire and engage you, not feel like a burdensome chore.

Everything we recommend—from soil amendments to seasonal planting plans—aims to improve your garden’s health and functionality, ultimately benefiting you as a gardener. By taking action now, you set yourself up for success, ensuring a more fruitful and less frustrating gardening experience next year.

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Structural Upgrades for Better Harvests

If you haven’t already explored the benefits of raised beds for edible gardening, they provide numerous advantages. For those looking to enhance their current setup, consider these top five upgrades for a successful garden:

• Healthy soil: Address nutrient deficiencies and improve soil structure.
• Critter-proof fencing: Protect your crops from wildlife with sturdy barriers.
• Automatic drip irrigation: Ensure consistent watering and healthier plants.
• Vertical trellises: Maximize space and support climbing plants efficiently
• Ongoing maintenance: Keep your garden thriving with regular care and monitoring.

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Soil Preparation and Maintenance

Struggling with pests and diseases ruining your precious crops? Poor soil conditions—like clay soil or poor drainage—can weaken plants and diminish yields. Soil care is essential for a successful edible garden renovation. By improving soil quality through seasonal care and using organic amendments, you create a healthy foundation for robust plant growth and better harvests.

Our 100% custom blend of natural ingredients enriches soil with essential nutrients, improving its structure and drainage. Whether you’re revitalizing old soil or starting fresh, our organic solutions ensure optimal growing conditions and easier maintenance throughout the year.

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Critter-Proof Fencing

Dreaming of a thriving vegetable garden free from pest damage? Proper fencing provides reliable protection against various critters—from rabbits to deer. A 2 to 3-foot fence keeps out smaller pests, while a 5 to 6-foot fence deters larger intruders, ensuring your vegetables remain intact and your efforts fruitful.

Our fences, reinforced with sturdy metal corners and built directly into raised beds, fortify your garden’s perimeter without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal. Securely anchored to the ground, they also deter burrowing animals, maintaining a garden free from wildlife interference and ensuring a secure, flourishing haven.

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Irrigation Watering Systems

Transform your garden into a thriving, manageable space with drip irrigation. This efficient system delivers water directly to plant roots, promoting healthier growth and vibrant blooms while conserving water by reducing evaporation and runoff. Spend less time watering manually and more time enjoying your garden’s beauty and productivity.

Investing in drip irrigation simplifies gardening tasks and enhances overall plant health. Set yourself up for success now to avoid the frustrations of inconsistent watering and low yields next season. Embrace the convenience and superior results of drip irrigation, and watch your garden flourish year-round.

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Garden Trellises and Pathways

Looking to maximize garden space and increase your harvest? Installing trellises offers essential support for climbing plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, promoting healthier growth and higher yields. Vertical growing with trellises optimizes space, making them ideal for gardens of any size.

Beyond functionality, trellises enhance garden aesthetics, serving as natural privacy screens or decorative elements. At Backyard Eats, we offer a range of trellis designs—including built-in cedar panels and dramatic moon gates—that elevate your garden’s beauty and structure while supporting plant health and productivity.

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Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular maintenance is crucial for sustaining healthy raised beds. Placing your garden in a visible, high-traffic area encourages frequent monitoring and intervention, preventing issues before they escalate. We understand the demands of daily life and offer flexible maintenance services tailored to your schedule.

Our trained experts handle planting, weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting, ensuring your garden remains productive and enjoyable. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned gardener, our services support a thriving garden that’s both rewarding and sustainable. Contact us today to discover how our maintenance solutions can benefit your edible garden!

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Conclusion

Upgrading your raised beds now prepares you for a successful fall gardening season and beyond. Structural enhancements and soil improvements not only ease gardening efforts but also ensure healthier plants and higher yields. Embrace these upgrades today to transform your garden into a flourishing haven of fresh, homegrown produce and sustainable gardening practices.

Do you want expert advice on designing, building, and maintaining your own edible garden right in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter to receive five FREE pdfs and get started! You can subscribe to our email newsletter here.

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Introduction

Have you ever noticed brown watery or leathery spots on your homegrown tomatoes? Your plants may be suffering from blossom end rot (BER).

When left untreated, BER can drastically reduce the amount of usable produce you’re able to grow, harvest, and enjoy at home. Early identification and treatment is key to preventing blossom end rot – especially consistent watering for regular calcium uptake. In this article, we’ll explore some common causes and signs of BER as well as simple solutions you can take today to maintain a healthy and abundant raised bed vegetable garden.

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What is Blossom End Rot?

Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency in plants. Blossom end rot commonly occurs in tomatoes but can also affect peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, and melons. All of these crops require particularly high amounts of calcium during development – therefore, their fruit production is more affected by a lack of calcium. Calcium is essential for plant health because it strengthens cell walls and supports overall growth.

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Causes of Blossom End Rot

The calcium deficiency that leads to blossom end rot may be caused by a lack of nutrients in the soil. However, the main trigger for BER is inconsistent watering practices. This may be caused by irregular hand-watering (like with a watering can) or hot weather that accelerates evaporation and causes plants to burn through nutrients more quickly. With seasonal soil amendments and a proper watering system, you can help your plants get the calcium they need to stay healthy and produce quality fruit..

Inconsistent watering is harmful mainly because periods of no or low water prevent plants from absorbing calcium steadily. When plants (like tomatoes) don’t get enough calcium while growing, it impairs fruit development – causing the dark, sunken spots of blossom end rot. If left untreated, blossom end rot can render fruit inedible and affect multiple fruits on the same plant, or other plants in the garden.

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Importance of Watering

Therefore, it’s crucial to water your plants consistently to maintain even soil moisture and prevent BER. Installing a drip irrigation system in raised beds is a great way to water plants consistently and evenly at the roots for the appropriate amount of time each day.

Soil pH also directly affects how nutrients are chemically available to plants. Acidic soils (low pH) enhance the availability of nutrients like iron and phosphorus, while alkaline soils (high pH) favor calcium and magnesium uptake. Ideally, your garden soil’s pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5. Your garden maintenance team can recommend strategies for monitoring and amending soil pH levels.

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Symptoms of Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot (BER) manifests in distinct stages and symptoms that affect fruit-bearing plants like peppers and tomatoes. BER typically targets the first fruits of the season or those experiencing rapid growth. At first, fruits affected by BER will develop small, water-soaked spots at the blossom end or “bottom end” of the fruit across from the stem. Gradually these spots will enlarge and darken into dark brown or black patches. As the condition progresses, these spots will become sunken and leathery in texture, rendering the affected area unfit for consumption.

Blossom end rot can be distinguished from diseases like blight by its area of effect. BER primarily affects the blossom end (bottom) of the fruit, causing sunken, leathery patches that darken over time. In contrast, diseases such as early blight and late blight typically start on leaves and stems, manifesting as dark, concentric spots or lesions that spread outward and may affect multiple plant parts beyond just the fruit. Unlike blight, BER is not a fungus or disease.

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Preventing Blossom End Rot

To effectively combat blossom end rot (BER) in your garden, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures and targeted solutions. Start with thorough soil preparation, including testing and adjusting soil pH levels to the optimal range of 6.0-6.5. Consistent watering practices are equally important; maintain steady soil moisture levels through proper irrigation techniques to support nutrient availability and minimize heat stress. Strategic use of mulch can help prevent temperature and moisture fluctuations that lead to stress. In edible landscaping, mulch is a good choice for beds with perennial plants.

Drip irrigation systems are a great solution for garden watering. Drip irrigation runs along the soil level and delivers water directly to plant roots. This maintains consistent moisture levels and prevents evaporation from overhead watering. Our irrigation systems are also equipped with a timer that adjusts the frequency and amount of water provided, so your plants will receive the essential amount of water even in the heat of summer.

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Importance of Maintenance

For home gardeners with busy lifestyles or vacation plans, installing a drip irrigation system means more than just efficient water use—it offers peace of mind. You can enjoy summer trips without worrying about your garden drying out! Continuous hydration will support consistent plant growth and yield healthy produce throughout the season.

Our convenient maintenance services can also provide extra support with weeding, harvesting and more for busy gardeners – like balanced fertilization to support strong root development and fruit formation. By implementing these strategies, gardeners can significantly reduce the risk of BER and maintain a productive and visually appealing garden.

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Conclusion

Preventing blossom end rot (BER) hinges on early detection and consistent care. Monitor your garden regularly for signs of BER and implement proactive measures like adjusting soil pH and practicing balanced watering and fertilization. Drip irrigation can simplify watering management and protect your crops. Learn more on our website or contact us about incorporating drip irrigation into your garden.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more gardening tips – let’s nurture thriving gardens together!

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Tomato images from users Luigi Chiesa and A13ean on Wikimedia Commons. Drip irrigation photo by Rachel Rudy.

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Growing and Harvesting Tomatoes at Home

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Welcome to tomato harvesting season, where you can enjoy one of the flavors of summer in your own raised bed garden.

Tomatoes are considered annual crops in Philadelphia’s climate, meaning they cannot survive the winter and will need to be re-planted each year. At Backyard Eats, we maximize space in our raised bed gardens by growing tomatoes vertically on metal “tomato towers”. This frees up ground-level space for other crops, and contributes to maintenance practices like pruning for pest and disease reduction.

We offer many varieties of tomatoes, so you can enjoy staggered harvests throughout the summer and a variety of textures and flavors! With Backyard Eats, even beginners can successfully learn how to grow and harvest tomatoes at home. Here’s a quick guide on when to harvest your tomatoes this summer:

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Types of Tomatoes to Grow

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Growing Bite-Sized Tomatoes

Bite-sized tomatoes, known for their sweetness, come in a range of vibrant colors, adding a pop of flavor to dishes. Whether snacking straight from the vine or tossed into salads, they offer a burst of freshness. Roasting intensifies their natural sugars, elevating their taste and making them a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

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Growing Plum and Roma Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes, prized for their firm texture and balanced acidity, are a kitchen staple, particularly for sauces and canning. Their sturdy flesh holds up well to cooking methods like simmering and roasting, resulting in rich, flavorful dishes. Whether crafted into a traditional marinara sauce or transformed into a velvety tomato soup, plum tomatoes bring depth and complexity to any recipe.

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Growing Heirloom and Beefsteak Tomatoes

Heirloom and beefsteak tomatoes are renowned for their distinct flavors and diverse range of varieties. From the sweet and juicy Brandywine to the unique Black Carbon, each type offers a culinary experience beyond store-bought tomatoes. Whether sliced for a simple yet flavorful snack or incorporated into gourmet dishes like caprese salads or homemade salsas, heirloom and beefsteak tomatoes celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors found in nature.

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When to Harvest Tomatoes

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General Harvesting Advice

Although you might associate ripe tomatoes with a bright red color, tomatoes can actually be harvested any time after the blossom end (bottom) turns yellow or orange. The fruit will continue to ripen off the vine. This can be useful to harvest tomatoes before birds and squirrels, or at the end of the season when frost threatens. Look for fruit that’s slightly soft and easily separates from the vine when tugged.

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When to Harvest Bite-Sized Tomatoes

Due to their smaller size, bite-sized tomatoes are typically the first variety of tomato to ripen in summer. Depending on the exact variety they might be a bright red, orange, or yellow color when ripe – like our popular Sun Gold cherry tomatoes. Cherry and grape tomatoes often begin to ripen in mid-July to early August.

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When to Harvest Plum and Roma Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes, also known as Roma tomatoes, are an oval-shaped tomato variety with a firm texture and rich flavor that makes them great for tomato sauce. They turn bright red when ripe and mature slightly later, typically from late July to early August.

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Harvesting Heirloom and Beefsteak Tomatoes

Heirloom and beefsteak tomatoes are known for their large size and unique shapes and colors. They usually require a longer growing season and may be ready for harvest starting in August and extending into September.

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For more information on how and when to harvest your summer tomatoes, visit our Harvest Toolkit for expert advice including storage instructions and recipe ideas! If you’re inspired to grow vegetables at home, book a consultation today to learn how Backyard Eats can help you design, build, and maintain a productive edible landscape.

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Growing and Harvesting Berries at Home

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Welcome to summer berry harvesting season, where you can enjoy flavorful fruit straight from your own backyard with minimal time and effort!

Many types of berries are considered perennial in Philadelphia’s climate, meaning they can survive the winter and will continue to provide harvests another year. In addition, perennials support beneficial pollinators and require less overall maintenance than annual gardens, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

Once you’ve experienced the joy of plucking ripe berries straight from the vine, instead of buying mushy or overpriced grocery store produce, you’ll appreciate the difference! With Backyard Eats, even beginners can successfully learn how to grow and harvest berries at home. Here’s a quick guide on when to harvest your berries this summer:

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Types of Berries to Grow

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Growing Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular choice. Unlike blackberries, which grow on bushes, strawberries are groundcover plants that typically grow less than a foot tall. Because they reproduce by sending out “runners,” we recommend dedicating an entire raised bed to growing strawberries so they don’t interfere with other plants.

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Growing Cane Fruit

Blackberries and raspberries, on the other hand, are cane fruit. This means that a plant develops several branches (“canes”) from a central crown. These canes spread and get heavy as they grow taller, requiring the support of a wire berry trellis. Seasonal pruning will help keep blackberry and raspberry plants healthy and manageable. Blackberry canes develop new growth in spring and typically fruit in their second and third years before dying off. Ever-bearing varieties of raspberries typically produce new canes in spring, fruit in the fall on the tips of canes, and fruit again in the next spring before dying during their second fall. This cycle continues with new canes each year.

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Growing Bush Fruit

Bush fruit, like the name suggests, are varieties of berries that grow on bushes instead of in patches or on canes. Perennial bush berries we recommend to Backyard Eats clients include blueberries, currants, elderberries, gooseberries, and serviceberries. These crops are all native to North America and suited to our climate. While you might not find options like elderberries in the grocery store, they offer unique flavors and functional benefits for the permaculture gardeners. Typically, these plants do not require a trellis for support.

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When to Harvest Berries

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When to Harvest Strawberries

Ever-bearing varieties of strawberries can produce fruit all summer, while June-bearing varieties will fruit for a couple of weeks in midsummer (late May-early June) and not again until next year. Keep your eyes out for those classic red berries!

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When to Harvest Cane Fruit

Raspberries are typically ready to harvest in summer to early fall, with a peak harvest in early July. Ripe raspberries will have vibrant color and a soft texture. Always harvest in the morning for the best texture and flavor. You may find gloves helpful to avoid thorns. Blackberries follow a similar schedule, with a peak harvest typically from July to August. For multiple harvests, consider ever-bearing varieties that fruit in summer and fall.

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When to Harvest Bush Fruit

These perennial berries are typically ready to harvest in mid-summer, but have unique signs they’re ready to harvest depending on the variety.

As their name suggests, Juneberries (serviceberries) are one of the first berries to ripen in summer besides strawberries. They are typically ready to harvest from May to June. Like blueberries, they begin as a green or pink color and should be a dark purple or blue color when fully ripe.

Blueberries can ripen in late June, but typically peak in early-mid July. Wait until they’re firm, have a dusty blue color, and separate easily from the branch. Enjoy fresh or freeze to enjoy in the off-season!

Currants and gooseberries both follow a similar schedule (June-July) and come in a variety of colors. Understand which variety you’re growing; harvest when berries are colorful and slightly soft when squeezed but not mushy.

Elderberries develop clusters of deep purple/black berries when ripe. Most berries from a cluster should ripen together in August and September. Note that elderberries are small, bitter, and potentially dangerous when consumed raw.

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For more information on how and when to harvest your summer berries, visit our Harvest Toolkit for expert advice including storage instructions and recipe ideas! If you’re inspired to grow berries at home, book a consultation today to learn how Backyard Eats can help you design, build, and maintain a productive edible landscape.

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Introduction

Summer gardening season is an exciting time full of the joys of time spent outside, sharing gardening memories with others, and enjoying abundant harvests. However, due to vacation or other factors a garden can fall out of maintenance and get overgrown, or affected by pests.

Here’s how to address several summer-specific gardening challenges to ensure a bountiful harvest, including:

• Managing extreme heat
• Soil moisture levels
• Weed and garden control
• Pest control
• Disease control
• Maximizing your harvest

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Managing Extreme Heat

Extreme heat has a negative effect on plants known as “heat stress.” Signs of heat stress include wilted or scorched leaves, and leaves or blossoms dropping off of plants. Effective and regular watering is key to preventing heat stress and growing healthy plants. Without enough water, plants won’t thrive or produce as much fruit as they could. It’s also important to avoid the extreme of over-watering to compensate for the summer heat, which can lead to fungal problems and other diseases.

The best time to water is in the early morning, when the rate of evaporation is slower. At midday, water will evaporate quickly and fail to reach the roots of plants where it can make a difference. Late evening is also an acceptable time to water, although depending on the weather excess water may collect overnight. Regardless of time of day, water plants deeply at the roots. This will encourage root growth and prevent fungal diseases caused by wet leaves.

We find drip irrigation to be an efficient system for deep, regular watering at the roots of plants. Once a drip irrigation system is installed, adjusting the watering time to account for rainstorms or extreme heat is as simple as setting an alarm clock. Irrigation waters your plants the right amount, in the right place, at the right time – so you don’t have to worry about the chore of hand-watering anymore and can spend more time enjoying your garden!

In certain cases or for some crops, shade clothes may be useful to reduce sunlight intensity. When possible, we recommend strategic planting instead to position taller crops in a way that shades shorter, more sensitive crops like herbs or greens from full summer sun. This planting strategy can also be combined with garden infrastructure like trellises.
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Soil Moisture Levels

In addition to watering, mulch can help retain soil moisture. Organic materials like straw or wood chips will block evaporation and airflow, keeping the soil cool and moist. Likewise, mulch regulates soil temperature to keep it cooler during the way and warmer at night.

Mulch is also a great complement to seasonal soil care that replenishes soil nutrients and structure. For example, soil amendments like compost and coconut coir improve soil’s ability to retain moisture without water-logging the roots of plants. We recommend adding compost in fall and soil conditioner (a mix of soil conditioner, coconut coir, and other amendments) in spring before spring planting.

Healthy soil that can hold and drain water as needed will also make your watering system more efficient, reducing watering problems and making summer garden maintenance easier for you.
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Weed and Garden Maintenance

Effective weed control is essential for maintaining a productive raised bed garden during the summer. Raised beds inherently provide better weed control as their elevated structure allows for more manageable soil and easier weed removal.

Applying mulch not only helps retain moisture but also acts as a barrier to suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and inhibiting weed seed germination. Utilizing vertical trellises can help manage plant sprawl, making it easier to identify and remove weeds that compete for nutrients and water. Additionally, these practices create a healthier garden environment, reducing hiding spots for pests and minimizing conditions conducive to disease development. This holistic approach significantly reduces weed pressure and promotes a thriving summer garden, while also contributing to overall pest and disease management.
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Pest Control

Raised bed gardens provide a great controlled environment for anyone to grow food. However, they can still be affected by pests – especially when one aspect of the system, like soil health or moisture – is off.

The key to effective pest management is early detection. The more often you interact with your garden, the more likely you are to notice when something changes – and the sooner you notice something’s off, the sooner it can be addressed. (On a positive note, this is also why we recommend clients put their garden near a door or window if possible – so you can always see what’s in harvest and ready to enjoy!)

Here are some examples of common summer garden pests:

• Aphids
  • Identification: small, soft-bodied insects on new growth
  • Impact: sap-sucking, leading to distorted leaves and stunted growth
• Spider Mites
  • Identification: tiny, spider-like creatures, often causing fine webbing
  • Impact: yellowing leaves and reduced vigor
• Caterpillars (e.g., Cabbage Loopers, Tomato Hornworms)
  • Identification: large, green caterpillars with voracious appetites
  • Impact: significant leaf and fruit damage

We recommend organic maintenance methods for our gardens, to ensure that you feel good about the produce you grow, harvest, and share with others. Natural remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and other sprays can be used to treat pests like aphids or caterpillars. When in doubt, ask your gardener what solution they recommend before buying the first chemical you see in the store. Many pests have similar symptoms that can be mistaken for each other. Always follow proper safety precautions when applying any pesticides yourself.
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Disease Control

Maintaining a healthy raised bed garden throughout the summer involves not just managing pests, but also staying vigilant about plant diseases. Like pest infestations, diseases can severely impact your garden if factors such as soil health or moisture levels are not properly managed. Early detection remains key; by staying proactive and attentive, you can ensure that you notice subtle changes and maintain a healthy and productive garden all summer long.

Here are some examples of common summer garden diseases:

• Powdery Mildew
  • Identification: white, powdery spots on leaves and stems.
  • Impact: reduced photosynthesis and weakened plants.
• Blight (Early and Late):
  • Identification: dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruit.
  • Impact: rapid plant decline and fruit rot.

To prevent and treat plant diseases in raised bed gardening, it’s crucial to take proactive steps. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to reduce humidity and prevent fungal growth. Prune regularly to promote better airflow throughout the garden. Utilize fungicides preventively, opting for organic options like neem oil and baking soda solutions. Maintain good hygiene practices by regularly sanitizing tools and promptly removing and disposing of infected plant material. Our maintenance services offer expert assistance in organic pest and disease control, empowering you with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a healthy garden throughout the season.
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Maximizing Your Harvest

Succession planting is one strategy to maximize the amount of produce you can harvest – especially between seasons. Succession planting replaces empty spaces with new crops after a harvest is finished, allowing for continuous production and efficient use of space.

Choose heat-tolerant plant varieties if heat stress is a major concern for you. These plants are designed to survive and grow well in hotter conditions than non-heat-tolerant varieties, meaning they will be easier to establish and provide a larger and better-tasting harvest. Examples of crops that may have heat-tolerant varieties include tomatoes and peppers.

Harvest everything from your garden in the morning for maximum freshness. In the morning, the fruits and vegetables will still be full of moisture and flavor from the night before – not dried out from the midday sun.

Another great way to maximize your harvest is to learn storage and preservation methods to enjoy homegrown produce year-round! This can be as simple as learning the best way to store lettuce in the fridge so it doesn’t go bad quickly – or finding a new favorite recipe to use up all of that zucchini before it goes to waste. Freezing, pickling, and canning are also great preservation options for you to enjoy the flavors of summer year-round.
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Conclusion

Summer gardening in raised beds can be both rewarding and challenging, but with the right strategies, you can overcome the heat, pests, and other common issues to ensure a successful harvest. By staying proactive with consistent watering, effective pest control, and proper plant care, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. Remember to regularly check your garden, implement preventative measures, and adjust your techniques as needed.

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Introduction

When building an edible garden, it’s important to develop a cohesive system to achieve maximum long-term success. Unfortunately, while it’s easy to find an overwhelming amount of information online, most people absorb scattered bits and pieces of gardening knowledge that don’t necessarily work well together. In a cohesive system, every decision – crop variety, plant spacing, and structural supports – work together to promote healthy plant growth and a rewarding gardening experience.

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Choosing Tomato Varieties

To develop a system that works, first choose which varieties of plants you want to grow. Each variety has different growth patterns, spacing needs, and support needs. Indeterminate tomatoes are popular for their wide variety of fruit shapes and flavors, and longer growing season. However, they also grow vigorously and indefinitely – requiring sturdy supports and proper pruning to thrive.

At Backyard Eats, we plant indeterminate tomatoes that need at least 4 square feet of growing space per mature plant in order to provide a wider variety of growing options. In our system, this affects how we create summer planting plans for clients before spring planting begins. To maximize garden space, harvest, and plant health, we train tomato plants to grow as vertically as possible. This requires 8-9 foot cages that can withstand the height of a tall plant covered in fruit.

Determine tomatoes, on the other hand, only grow to a maximum height (typically 3-4 ft). Therefore, standard tomato cages are built to support smaller plants, meaning that indeterminate varieties will outgrow them – leading to tangled vines, broken branches, and potentially tipping over the cage itself.

To prevent these problems and provide an appropriate trellis, we’ve developed what we call a “tomato tower”. This trellis consists of two standard tomato cages stacked on top of each other. Although tomatoes can be considered vines, we find they produce significantly better on a cage than a wall-style trellis. The main advantage of this “tomato tower” is its height, which will allow it to support indeterminate tomato varieties as they grow without toppling over or crowding branches within a small space. Combined with proper pruning techniques, you can expect trellising to increase your plant health and produce harvest.

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Benefits of Trellis Training

Trellis training offers several benefits in a raised bed garden: primarily maximizing space efficiency by allowing plants to grow vertically. Using trellis for vertical growing is ideal for conserving valuable garden space in smaller areas or raised bed gardens, leaving more soil space for shorter plants.

Additionally, vertical growth promotes better airflow and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of disease and improving overall plant health. To guide vines along trellises, gently tie or train them to the support structure as they grow. Regularly check the vines and adjust their position as needed to encourage upward growth and prevent tangling or overcrowding. Using clips or soft ties ensures secure support without damaging delicate stems or foliage.

In Backyard Eats gardens, trellising can be part of the permanent infrastructure, like a wall-style trellises on the north side of the garden, or a standalone structure like an obelisk, or even a temporary support like a tomato cage. Cage-type trellises offer sturdy support and are particularly suitable for heavy-fruited crops like tomatoes or peppers. These trellises consist of interconnected metal cages that provide stability and support for sprawling plants, preventing them from collapsing under the weight of fruit.

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Tomato Pruning Strategies

In addition to trellis training, pruning is also essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your edible garden. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, you promote new growth and prevent pest and disease issues. Pruning also improves the plant’s structure, maximizes your harvest, and enhances the plant’s appearance and manageability. 

Unpruned plants with crowded leaves often harbor excess moisture after a heavy rainstorm or top-watering with a watering can or hose. Many pests and diseases thrive in these wet environments. By pruning excess or diseased tomato branches, you will open up the plant’s structure to air and light and reduce potential habitats for issues like fungal diseases.

Removing diseased plant parts will stop the spread of disease and help the plant focus its energy on growth and fruiting. Without pruning, disease will spread and it will be hard to untangle branches or view when a problem arises.

It’s important to prune excess growth strategically to concentrate energy on producing bigger, tastier, and healthier fruit, especially for young plants. However, be careful not to over-prune, as this can shock the plant. Pruning also helps train your plants to trellis structures and prevents vines from interfering with each other. Understanding where and how fruit production happens on each plant will help you make the right pruning decisions.

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Conclusion

As you embark on your gardening journey, remember that the benefits of trellis training extend beyond initial setup—they require consistent upkeep. Regular maintenance involves checking vines, adjusting their positions, and securing them with ties and clips as needed. This ongoing care not only ensures optimal growth by enhancing airflow and sunlight exposure but also facilitates easier harvesting, making your gardening experience more enjoyable. With a well-maintained trellis system and proper pruning techniques, you can maximize space, minimize disease risks, and harvest abundant tomatoes in your Backyard Eats garden. Happy gardening!

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