Create An Orchard In Pots

If you have limited outdoor space, or perhaps don’t want to commit to putting a tree in the ground long-term, fear not! You don’t actually need a large space, or in fact, any space in beds at all, as there are now lots of options for growing fruit trees in large containers. You can even create a mini potted orchard with suitable cultivars of various types of fruit.

Find the right container
You can find almost any type of fruit suitable for pot growing – just make sure you have containers that are an adequate size (45cm in diameter is usually fine, but do check any specific requirements of the variety you choose), and remember to keep a close eye on the potting medium.

Although you can get self-fertile trees, many kinds of fruit will need another tree to pollinate it, so do make sure of this before you buy. You should be able to see this information either on the plant label (if you are buying in person), or in the listing for the tree (if you are buying online). As with any container-grown crops, you will need to make sure pots don’t dry out or become waterlogged, as either extreme can be damaging to your plants. A good rule of thumb is usually to give the pot a really generous water, then leave it until the surface is dry until you water again.

Pot preparation and more
Different types of fruit, however, will require different amounts of water and have different feeding requirements, so check on the specifics of your trees. Another thing to watch out for with pot-grown crops is that they don’t become pot-bound. This means it is a good idea to re-pot the trees each autumn, gradually increasing the size of the pot they are in, until they reach their full size (again, this information should be available on the plant label or online). Make sure you use good quality pots so they don’t crack or become warped as the weather gets colder in the winter time. This said, one of the benefits of growing crops in pots is that you are able to move them under cover should any particularly severe weather strike.

Choosing your trees
When it comes to choosing which trees to add to your pot orchard, it is important to take rootstocks into consideration. The rootstock will help control the cultivar’s vigour and you will be able to tell if it is a suitable type to grow in a container. Also, it goes without saying that you should choose types of fruit you actually like to eat! It can be worth heading to any apple days or similar that are taking place close to where you live, so you can try and taste different varieties and see what suits your tastebuds (and your growing conditions) best.

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