If there was a Mt. Rushmore of gardening masters, Dr. Lee Reich would be on it. An expert on pruning and organic farming, Lee has also become renowned for his love of growing unusual fruit – varieties not typically included in the American garden.
Most of what you’ll find in the supermarket is selected for its ability to withstand shipping or for its traditional appeal – like the bright, red apple. So growing your own unusual varieties will bring a diversity of flavor to your table that can’t be found anywhere else.
A visit to Lee’s “Farmden” in central New York State opens up a whole new world of opportunity for flavorful fruits and berries that are worthy of space in any backyard garden. Many of these overlooked options are more than just delicious. They are hardy and beautiful selections for replacing standard landscape plants.
Although it’s safe to say that blueberry shrubs don’t fall into the category of “uncommon”, no one grows them like Lee. So, step inside his Blueberry Temple, and see blueberries like you’ve never seen them before.
Along the way, we peek in on Lee’s remarkable composting system. There is literally nothing this master gardener won’t compost, and he has a number of inventive techniques to share. This episode will leave you brimming with new ideas for your home garden.

Lee Reich takes us on a tour of the many fruits not usually grown – but ideally suited to – our backyard gardens.
Additional Resources
Episode 410 – Weedless Gardening
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 006-Weedless Gardening with Lee Reich
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 013-Backyard Composting – Confessions of an Obsessed Composter with Lee Reich
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 048-The Simple Science Behind Great Gardening, with Lee Reich
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 051-How to Grow Bountiful Blueberries – Key Steps with Lee Reich
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 096-Tips for Fruit Growing Success: Selection, Maintenance & Advice, with Dr. Lee Reich
The joe gardener Show podcast: Episode 098-Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden with Lee Reich
Grow Fruit Naturally: A Hands-On Guide to Luscious, Homegrown Fruit, by Dr. Lee Reich
Landscaping with Fruit: Strawberry ground covers, blueberry hedges, grape arbors, and 39 other luscious fruits to make your yard an edible paradise, by Dr. Lee Reich
Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, by Dr. Lee Reich
The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated, by Dr. Lee Reich
The Ever Curious Gardener: Using a Little Natural Science for a Much Better Garden, by Dr. Lee Reich
Weedless Gardening, by Dr. Lee Reich
Books and other product links are affiliate links.