Chris Gmyr

Central New York State is a great place to own a home for many reasons. One of those reasons is the abundance of fruit and vegetables that grow in the area. There are dozens of fruits and vegetables that grow locally. From early spring until late autumn, there are always several fruits and vegetables in season. The growing season starts in the beginning of June with strawberries, lettuces and spinach, and ends in late October with pumpkins and squash. This means that, whether you are a gardener yourself or even just someone who enjoys the eating the freshest produce possible, central New York has you covered.

Vegetables make up most of the produce grown in Central New York. Sweet corn, pumpkins, beans, and peas are some of the most popular selections, but they are far from being the only options for local gardeners. New Yorkers can grow everything from asparagus to zucchini, including potatoes, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, beets, brussel sprouts, eggplants, and onions. Tomatoes, squash and garlic also grow well in the fertile New York soil.

New York is known for its apples. In fact, it is one of by largest US suppliers of apples, cider, and apple products.  But it is also a great place to grow fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries also thrive locally. Grapes, both table grapes and wine grapes, are successfully grown in the area. Wine varieties of grapes do so well, in fact, that New York is home to wineries known throughout the United States, and the rest of the world, for their quality.

New York can even grow fruit that has traditionally only been grown in warmer regions. Some people, for example, are surprised to know that there are several varieties of peaches, plums, apricots, and even kiwi fruit that thrive in Central New York.  Multiple types of cherries grow locally; even paw paws and currants can be grown in backyard gardens.

Although not as popular, many types of nut trees can be grown locally. Several varieties of walnuts do well in Central NY, including white, Persian, and black walnuts. Filberts, or Hazelnuts, can also be grown. And for those who love a traditional pecan pie? With a little planning, even pecan trees grow in New York.

Even with the sometimes erratic weather here in central New York, it is still one of the best areas in the country for planting a garden or small orchard. The soil is mostly fertile, and there is almost always adequate rain fall. For more information about local varieties of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, visit the Cornell University gardening resource.

And for those of you who don’t garden, but still enjoy fresh produce— Check out the New York State Farmer’s Market website for a list of local farmer’s markets, along with their days and hours of operation.