Growing a Greener World Season 7 Episode 8 Beyond Veggies: Adding Fruit to Your Food Garden

Growing a Greener World is a popular television program that explores sustainable and organic ways of gardening. In season 7 episode 8, titled "Beyond Veggies: Adding Fruit to Your Food Garden", viewers will learn about the benefits of growing fruit trees and bushes in their gardens. This episode encourages viewers to expand their gardens to include not only vegetables but fruits as well, and the benefits this provides for a more well-balanced diet.

The host, Joe Lamp’l, is joined by Lee Reich, a renowned garden columnist, author and orchardist. Together, they visit a community garden in the Bronx, New York, and showcase how fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries can be grown alongside vegetables and herbs. The concept is called edible landscaping, and it’s gaining popularity in the urban gardening scene.

To start, Joe and Lee give a brief overview of the different types of fruit plants to introduce in a garden. For example, blueberries thrive in acidic soil while strawberries prefer a slightly alkaline environment. They also discuss the importance of pollination and how proper pruning can increase yield. Lee shares tips on pest and disease control, and how to identify signs of stress in fruit plants.

Then, Joe and Lee head to a different garden, to demonstrate how to plant a new fruit tree from scratch. They go through the steps of selecting the right size and type of tree, planting it in the right location, and guiding its growth with proper pruning. They also explain how to use organic methods to fend off pests, such as using beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings instead of chemicals.

The episode then visits a garden featuring more exotic fruits, such as figs and pomegranates. Joe and Lee discuss the challenges of growing these types of fruits in cooler climates, and how to extend the growing season with protective grow tunnels or greenhouse-like structures. They emphasize how important it is to do your research and select the right types of fruit plants that are well-suited for your particular region.

Lastly, Joe and Lee show how fruits can be incorporated in meals via recipes featuring some of the fruits showcased this episode. They prepare a simple salad featuring raspberries and strawberries; a cocktail with blackberries and lime juice; and a blueberry and peach tart. The recipes are easy to follow and highlight how versatile fruits can be in the kitchen.

In conclusion, Growing a Greener World season 7 episode 8, entitled "Beyond Veggies: Adding Fruit to Your Food Garden," imparts valuable insights on how growing fruit as a part of an edible landscape is not only beneficial for a sustainable and organic way of life, but also leads to a more diverse and nutritious diet. Through the knowledge and energy of Lamp’l and Reich, viewers are inspired to embrace the possibilities of how planting fruit in their gardens can foster positive change in their personal health and the health of the planet.