I don't really have any fencing in my new garden either. Last year my beetroots were chewed up by either bunnies or deer. Will see what animals I find at the new place. I did see a hedgehog but I doubt they would be interested in any of my fruits.

I hope you get to enjoy some of the fruits in your garden despite the animal situation and yea, plants are more resilient than we like to think sometimes. As they showed you even while not receiving the extra water and care :)