Opal or Victoria Plum?

[Marcher]

FB - regarding what you say about fertile vs infertile soil, that is exactly how they grow figs and olives in the Med - in infertile, often rocky soil. What is your opinion on constricting roots in pots then? A lot of people grow dwarf trees in pots, however most tend to fertilise them a lot.

[FB.]

FB - regarding what you say about fertile vs infertile soil, that is exactly how they grow figs and olives in the Med - in infertile, often rocky soil. What is your opinion on constricting roots in pots then? A lot of people grow dwarf trees in pots, however most tend to fertilise them a lot.

Pots dry out too easily, and nutrients easily leach out the drainage holes after watering. Also the soil in the pot is unable to exchange nutrients with any surrounding soil.

I'm not a fan of pots, nor a fan of dwarf rootstocks. Lots of work for little reward.

Better to grow vigorous rootstocks that are free to roam in relatively infertile soil. Grass and nearby plants competing with vigorous roots will calm them down. Not feeding vigorous rootstock trees with nitrogen-rich fertilisers also calms them down. Allowing a vigorous rootstock tree to crop at a young age will also slow its growth and keep it manageable. Vigorous rootstocks can simultaneously grow and produce good quality fruit - something that dwarfs cannot do.