Container fruit

Growing container fruit is a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh fruit without having to own a large garden or orchard. Container fruit is also ideal for those who live in urban areas or have limited outdoor space. With the right techniques and materials, you can grow a wide range of fruit in containers and enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce.

Container fruit - Your questions answered

You too can grow fruit – even if you don't have a garden. Almost all fruit trees and bushes can be grown in containers, and more exotic fruits, like peaches and nectarines, do better in a pot as they can be protected more easily. Here are our top tips for growing fruit in pots:

• Which container? Choose terracotta or plastic planters about 7cm larger than the plant's rootball from the range available in our garden centre. Re-pot into larger containers each year.
• Which compost? Soil-based composts such as John Innes no 3 are available in our garden centre and are ideal for fruit as they hold on to nutrients for longer. Don't use garden soil as it doesn't drain well enough.
• Which stake? Most container-grown trees need staking. Sturdy tree stakes and bamboo canes 8cm in diameter are available in our garden centre: sink to the bottom of the pot and tie in loosely.
• Which feed? We have specialist feeds for potted fruit, such as citrus feed for lemon trees, in our garden centre, and also slow-release fertilisers such as Osmocote and pelleted chicken manure for other fruit trees.

Container fruit can grow anywhere!

One of the best things about container fruit is that you can grow it almost anywhere. All you need is a sunny spot, a large container, and some good quality soil. You can use a variety of containers, including pots, planters, and raised beds. It's important to choose a container that is large enough for the type of fruit you want to grow and has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away.

Which fruit can grow in containers?

When it comes to choosing the fruit you want to grow, there are many options available. Some of the most popular container fruit include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, dwarf citrus trees, and figs. You can also grow smaller fruits like grapes and cherries in containers. When choosing your fruit, it's important to select varieties that are suited to your climate and growing conditions.

Here's how you start growing your own fruit in containers:

Once you have your container and fruit, it's time to start planting. Make sure you use good quality soil and add some compost or fertiliser to provide your plants with the nutrients they need. You should also water your plants regularly and make sure they have plenty of sunlight.

One of the challenges of growing container fruit is ensuring that your plants have enough space to grow. You'll need to prune your plants regularly to keep them from getting too big for their containers. You should also keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly to prevent them from spreading to your other plants.

Please ask the staff in our Emersons Green garden centre for more information and advice about growing fruit in containers.