Not enough room for an orchard?
Try planting a small fruit tree in a container.
A dwarf fruit tree needs sunlight and almost no growing room.
You’ll also want to keep the potted tree within reach of the hose for easy maintenance.
Here are some choices:
Choose a Container and Soil
Think big.
Don’t squish a fruit tree in a planter smaller than 18 inches.
Preferably, choose a pot 20 inches or wider.
Containers can be plastic, terra-cotta, wood, or ceramic.
Large half whiskey barrels and plastic pots offer low prices and high durability.
If you use lightweight plastic, it’s easier to move your tree.
Choose good-quality potting soil for your container.
How to Pot a Fruit Tree
1.
Add soil.see to it drainage holes are clear in a pot at least 18 inches wide.
Add commercial planting mix with a pH of about 6.5.
Prep tree.Tip the tree and gently work it loose from the nursery potdon’t pull it by the branches.
Tease the roots apart, or use a hose to rinse the soil out of the roots.
Trim off overlong or damaged roots.
Set tree.Use a straightedge to center the tree on the mound.
Let roots drape down around the mound.
The graft union of the tree should be just above your planned final soil level.
Adjust the mound level until it sets correctly.
Work quickly, so the roots are exposed as briefly as possible.
Water.Soak the soil and let it drain.
This eliminates air pockets around the roots.
Add potting soil if settling occurs.
Add support.Support the young tree.
A 1x1 trellis anchored in the pot works well, or use bamboo or other stakes.
Loosely tie the tree to the support.
Rigid tying can harm the tree.
