On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:42:40 -0500, Ohioguy wrote:

We are buying a house, and it is likely we will be at the place for
around 3 or 4 years before moving. As such, I've been trying to figure
out what plants to focus on. Obviously, we shouldn't really plant
anything that takes 4+ years to mature.

I seem to recall planting a Hale Haven peach, and getting a decent
crop the second year from that. Also, I was thinking of rhubarb,
perhaps some strawberries, and maybe asparagus.

Would raspberries get established quickly enough? Can anyone
recommend anything else that would be a good choice? I do prefer things
that come back the next year, like the things I've mentioned above.
However, I would also be open to a few annuals.

Raspberries are essentially a weed, you should get something almost
immediately. Blueberries will give you some yield in the first few years
but they don't really start to put out for five years or so. Strawberries
yield immediately. In the case of all berries it's very important to
protect them from birds. I have a netting cage around my blueberries and
I put chicken wire hats over my strawberries. Without protection you
won't get a single berry.

It's been 20 years since I grew asparagus but as I recall that takes
several years before you can harvest anything.

If you are only planning on staying for three years I'd stick to annuals
like tomatoes.