Introduction: The Rise of Homegrown Gardens in 2025
In recent years, UK homeowners and gardening enthusiasts have been rediscovering the joys of growing their own fruits at home. From urban balconies to spacious country gardens, soft fruits like raspberries and strawberries, alongside carefully nurtured fruit trees, are becoming the centrepieces of modern green spaces.
In 2025, the trend is more than just aesthetic: it’s about sustainability, health, and the pleasure of harvesting fresh produce straight from your garden. This guide draws on the expertise of Pomona Fruits, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of soft fruits and fruit trees, to help you select, plant, and care for your home orchard.
Why Soft Fruits and Fruit Trees Are So Popular in 2025
1. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
UK homeowners are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint. Growing your own raspberries, strawberries, and fruit trees reduces reliance on supermarket produce, lowers packaging waste, and ensures fresher, pesticide-free fruits.
2. Health and Nutrition
Homegrown fruits are often richer in nutrients than store-bought options because they can be harvested at peak ripeness. Berries and fruit trees are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre — essential for a healthy 2025 diet.
3. Aesthetic and Design Value
Soft fruit bushes and small fruit trees aren’t just functional — they add visual charm to any garden. Flowering raspberry canes in spring and lush fruit-laden trees in summer provide colour, fragrance, and structure to outdoor spaces.
Soft Fruits to Grow at Home
Raspberry Plants
Raspberries are a top choice for UK gardeners because they are relatively easy to grow and highly productive.
Popular Varieties in 2025:
- Autumn Bliss: Produces abundant fruit late in the season.
- Glen Ample: Sweet, large berries perfect for jams and fresh eating.
- Heritage Raspberry: Hardy and disease-resistant, ideal for small gardens.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
- Provide supporting canes or trellises to encourage upright growth.
- Prune annually to remove old canes and stimulate new growth.
Check out the full selection here: Raspberry Plants
Strawberry Plants
Strawberries are a favourite for families and beginner gardeners alike. Their compact size makes them ideal for raised beds, pots, or hanging baskets.
Top Varieties for 2025:
- Elsanta: Sweet and firm, widely loved in the UK.
- Cambridge Favourite: Excellent flavour and consistent yield.
- Mara des Bois: Aromatic, delicate berries perfect for desserts.
Growing Advice:
- Strawberries need rich, well-drained soil and regular watering.
- Consider straw mulch to keep fruits clean and deter pests.
- Pinch off flowers in the first year to strengthen the plant’s root system for future harvests.
Explore more: Strawberry Plants at Pomona Fruits
Fruit Trees for Every UK Garden
Fruit trees bring height, structure, and seasonal interest to your garden. From apples to cherries, carefully chosen trees can provide years of harvests with the right care.
Top UK-Friendly Varieties in 2025:
- Apple Trees: ‘Discovery’, ‘Bramley’, and ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’.
- Pear Trees: ‘Conference’ and ‘Williams Bon Chretien’.
- Cherry Trees: Sweet and sour options for fresh eating and preserves.
- Plum Trees: ‘Victoria’ and ‘Marjory’s Seedling’ for jam-making.
Planting Tips:
- Ensure full sun exposure for at least 6–8 hours daily.
- Use well-draining soil enriched with compost.
- Space trees properly to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Consider dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks for smaller gardens or patios.
See the collection: Fruit Trees at Pomona Fruits
Expert Comparison Table: Soft Fruits vs. Fruit Trees
| Feature | Raspberry Plants | Strawberry Plants | Fruit Trees |
| Growing Season | June–Oct | June–Aug | Varies by type |
| Space Required | Medium | Small | Medium–Large |
| Maintenance | Prune annually | Mulch & water | Prune, feed & mulch |
| Harvest Yield | High | Medium | High (once mature) |
| Lifespan | 4–5 years | 2–3 years | 10+ years |
| Ideal Garden Type | Raised beds, borders | Pots, hanging baskets | Orchards, back gardens |
How to Care for Your Soft Fruits and Fruit Trees in 2025
1. Soil and Nutrition
Healthy soil equals healthy fruits. Add organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Soil testing ensures the correct pH for each plant type — raspberries and strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).
2. Watering Techniques
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting leaves, which can cause disease.
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
3. Pest and Disease Management
- Netting can protect berries from birds.
- Companion planting (e.g., marigolds, garlic) deters pests naturally.
- Watch for aphids, fungal diseases, and grey mould; prune and remove affected parts promptly.
4. Pruning for Maximum Yield
- Raspberry canes should be pruned after fruiting to promote new shoots.
- Strawberry runners can be thinned to encourage larger fruits.
- Fruit trees benefit from winter pruning to maintain shape and increase light penetration.
Why Homegrown Fruits Are a 2025 Lifestyle Trend
- Mindful Living: Gardening encourages a connection to nature and reduces stress.
- Family Engagement: Children enjoy picking strawberries or learning about fruit growth.
- Culinary Creativity: Fresh berries and fruits inspire jams, desserts, and salads.
- Sustainability: Reduces transportation and packaging carbon footprint.
FAQ Section – Growing Soft Fruits and Fruit Trees
Q1. Can I grow raspberries and strawberries in small UK gardens?
Yes! Choose compact varieties and use pots, raised beds, or vertical planting techniques.
Q2. How soon can I harvest fruit?
- Raspberries: 1–2 years after planting
- Strawberries: 1 year
- Fruit trees: 2–5 years depending on type and rootstock
Q3. What is the best way to ensure high yields?
- Provide adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and prune regularly.
- Feed with balanced organic fertilizer during growing season.
Q4. Are soft fruit plants suitable for UK climate 2025?
Yes, Pomona Fruits offers UK-hardy varieties suitable for all regions.
Conclusion: Start Your 2025 Garden with Pomona Fruits
The 2025 trend is clear: homegrown soft fruits and fruit trees are more than a hobby — they’re part of a sustainable, healthy, and stylish lifestyle. From raspberries and strawberries to apple, pear, and cherry trees, every garden can be a source of fresh, delicious, and chemical-free produce.
For UK gardeners looking for quality, expertise, and variety, Pomona Fruits is a trusted supplier offering everything needed to grow a thriving fruit garden.
Start planting today and enjoy the taste, beauty, and satisfaction of fruits you grew yourself.
