Fruit trees are a nice addition to any garden, but there are a number of things you should consider before making a purchase. Start with step 1 below for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Potting Fruit Trees
Step 1. Choose the type of fruit you want to grow
Strawberries are the most common type of fruit grown in pots on patios and terraces, but there are other choices. Dwarf apple, orange and peach trees can also be grown in containers, as can blueberry and raspberry bushes.
- Some hybrids and cultivars of fruit trees and bushes are self-pollinating but, for best results, you should grow two fruit trees or bushes with compatible pollen.
- The greenhouse or nursery should be able to help you select compatible trees and bushes.
Step 2. Choose a suitable container for the strawberry bushes
Strawberries can be grown in a variety of containers, including containers called strawberry pots designed especially for them.
Strawberries can also grow in planters, in long rectangular containers resting on the ground, hanging baskets, stacked vertical containers or simply in small or medium-sized pots to be placed on a table
Step 3. Grow other types of fruit in large, deep containers
Dwarf fruit trees, blueberry and raspberry bushes require large, deep containers to rest on the ground. These fruit trees are commonly sold with "bare root", which is simply the plant with no soil and no container, or in containers of 20 to 40 liters.
- "Bare root" trees and shrubs can be started in containers of 20 to 40 liters but, when they develop, both container and bare root trees will need to be transplanted into larger 100-120 liter pots.
- Almost any type of container can be used, as long as it has several drain holes at the bottom.
Step 4. Use potting compost for planting fruit plants
Bushes and fruit trees should be potted with specific soil rather than garden soil.
- Garden soil tends to accommodate insects and disease and probably doesn't drain well enough for container-grown plants.
- The plant, tree or bush should be planted or transplanted to a depth no greater than it was before.
Part 2 of 2: Caring for Fruit Trees
Step 1. Keep potted fruit trees in the sun for most of the day
Place the containers where they will be exposed for at least six to eight hours in direct sunlight each day.
- In very hot climates, it is best if exposure to direct sunlight is in the morning and early afternoon because the hot, scorching afternoon sun can cause damage to the leaves and fruit.
- Arranging tree bins on wheeled carts is a good way to move them around with ease. Gardeners might also think about investing in a specific cart or dolly.
Step 2. Keep fruit trees well watered
A disadvantage of growing fruit in pots is the need for frequent watering. Earth in containers dries much faster than soil.
- Check the containers every morning and evening. Water the fruit plant, tree or bush when the first 3-5 centimeters of soil are dry and water until the water begins to come out from the bottom of the container.
- Watering plants with sour milk is a good way to avoid powdery mildew and, at the same time, to add some nutrients to the soil.
Step 3. Apply fertilizer every two weeks
Fertilizer should also be applied to potted fruit plants more frequently. A balanced 10/10/10 water soluble fertilizer should be given every two weeks or so.
- Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations for instructions on dilution and frequency of application. Always water first, then apply diluted fertilizer.
- Do not apply the fertilizer after mid-late summer to avoid the growth of new leaves at the beginning of the winter months.
Step 4. Make sure the containers drain properly
Gardeners should make sure their fruit plants have good drainage. Adding garden or park sand to the soil after washing it before planting is a great way to improve drainage.
Another idea is to arrange the plant above the ground using flower boxes on "feet" or bricks. This can also help keep ants away
Step 5. When the fruit begins to grow, keep the plants from falling out
Gravel placed on the bottom of fruit tree pots will prevent the containers from getting too heavy on top. For taller fruit trees you may also need poles or trellises to keep them upright, especially when they have fruit.
Step 6. Move containers indoors during the winter months
In winter, even fruit trees and bushes that are quite hardy to low temperatures need to be moved indoors, or to a sheltered location in late fall when started in containers.
- A garage where temperatures don't drop much below freezing is fine or, where winter temperatures tend to be very cold, a basement or cool room in the house works well.
- During the winter, the plants should be watered lightly when the soil becomes dry.
