Apricots in containers?

[Newtothis]

Hi Alys

I have an old security safe that I have oxy/acetalined the door off and put on it's side.(It is mine - honest....)
With some drainage holes drilled in the bottom do you think this will do as a container for an Apricot tree?
It's about 50cm x 75 cm and around 50cm deep.
Also can you suggest a variety for this. We have a reasonably sheltered south facing garden, and can put the container against the garage wall. We are near Oxford so middle of country.
Any suggestions as to compost to use, or will garden soil do?

Thanks

David

[Alys Fowler]

Sounds more than big enough for a dwarf apricot, not so sure about ones on more vigorous root stock. I’d worry more that the security safe is made of metal and thus will get extra cold in winter (not good for tender apricots) I think I might line it with some recycled polystyrene or at least a lot of cardboard to insulate it a bit. AS for soil I’d make it a mixture of garden soil and compost, say three parts compost to two parts garden soil.
Martin Crawford (of Forest Gardening fame) recommends the following varieties Flavorcot, Goldcot, Hargrand, Harogem and Tomcot. I’ve grown Tomcot before and found it a very good grower

[Newtothis]

Thanks for this.
I'll check if Martin has any on his sales list.
Will pack lots of cardboard around the edges to try and keep cosy.


David