You can never compare the taste of your garden-grown fruits to a store-bought one, often find compromised quality produce in a case of store-bought fruits. The sheer joy of growing your fruits is extremely satisfying. Growing your fruits may seem an enormous task to some, but it’s quite simple and enjoyable. You do not need a big yard to grow your fruits; you can start in your garden or even in a pot. It is amazing how a lot of fruit trees can grow out of a small pot!
Not only is growing greens a great stress buster, but it also saves on your grocery bills, improves your health as you get to eat fresh produce, and gets you involved in physical activity. Growing fruit trees is also a great family hobby, and you also spend quality time together.
Growing fruit trees in small pots is easier than it appears. A fruit tree grown in a small pot can take advantage of the position of the sun and wind as they can be easily moved around in the garden. In addition, it is easier to grow fruit trees in pots to determine the right mix of soil and administer the water and fertilizer intake. Though fruit trees grown in pots may produce fewer fruits than huge trees, it is ideal for growing fruits if you have limited space.
If you wish to grow the fruit trees in pots, you need to opt for dwarf or semi-dwarf species. They are typically half the size of the original tree.
The most popular fruit trees that can easily grow in a pot are apples, oranges, lemon, pears, cherries, plums, etc.
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Apple Trees
Dwarf apple trees can easily grow in small pots or tubs. You can place them in your backyards, balconies, or front garden. You can opt for a self-pollinating plant so that just one plant is enough to get the fruit. It is a grafted variety and is self-fertile.
Cherries
Cherries are another fruit that can be easily grown in small pots. They can produce fruits in both the spring and summer seasons. A cherry plant needs ample sunlight, and proper watering as its roots are shallow. However, the sour species of cherries can be grown in shady areas.
Peaches
Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf varieties of peaches are best suited for pots because it is convenient to move the pots to protect the flowers from cold. The peach plant needs to be re-potted after every two years.
Plums
We recommend growing plums in a pot to protect the soft early fruits. Plums need proper watering and timely fertilizers for good produce. Opt for a self-fertile variety if you can pot only one plant.
Raspberries
Raspberries can yield fruits in both summer and autumn. Raspberries grow as a shrub and can be easily grown in a pot. Summer-fruiting species can be grown in less space as compared to the autumn species of fruit.
Oranges and Sweet Lime
Oranges and Sweet lime grow easily in pots. They need a lot of sunlight and grow well in warm climatic zones. Timely watering and 8 hours of sunlight are what you need for good produce.
Apricot Trees
Apricot trees can even survive in cold climates. You need to take care of the flowers so that the frost does not cause much damage. Next, you must pluck the fruit when the color turns out to be yellow or orange. This is when your soft and juicy apricots are ready to be eaten.
Fig Trees
The roots of the dwarf fig trees can grow in a smaller space. They grow better in places with warm temperatures. You can replant the sub-branches called suckers that grow near the tree base to grow more plants. You must pluck them only when they are fully ripe and soft.
Lemon Trees
Lemon trees are another pot-friendly variety of plants that can grow up to a height of 10 – 25 feet. Timely pruning of the plant is much needed. Like many other citrus trees, lemon trees also cannot tolerate cold temperatures. An average fruiting wait period is 2 – 3 years.
Points To Remember
- It is crucial to check the potting mix of the soil being used for potting. You need a good mix of sand, peat moss, and vermiculite. This would also determine the moisture and the growth of the plant.
- You may use any pots to grow the fruit trees, but you must avoid plastic pots, which wear out within a year or so. Proper drainage holes are essential. The diameter of the pot must be at least around 10 to 15 inches. Ceramic or Cement pots are a good option.
- You must move the potted trees to shelter to avoid freezing temperatures. Water them thoroughly before doing so.
- Potted fruit trees will need a dose of fertilizer to keep them growing and healthy. But be cautious of not over-fertilizing the pots. Best for fruit trees are nitrogen-based fertilizers.
- Watering the pots plays a vital role in the growth of the plants. Do not overwater as it may wash out the nutrients. If you place the plants in hot sunny areas, then the soil dries faster. Take a moisture test by putting your finger in the soil. If dry, then water the trees thoroughly. The soil needs to be moist, not soggy.
- Buy your sapling from well-known sellers. They guarantee a good quality plant.
- Always buy a self-pollinating variety if you have a space constraint.
- Use a container with a stand or wheels so that you can move it easily.
- Position the pots in a way to get a good amount of sunlight.
- Protect them against strong winds.
- Re-pot them every two years and so that the trees do not become root-bound.
Just take care of these basic points and enjoy the fruit of your labor. Happy Fruiting!
