Growing fruit trees in containers

In total we have about 30 fruit trees scattered around the allotments and the front and back garden. This video is about the handful of them that are growing in containers.

Containers constrain the roots of the trees and as a result restrict the growth of the tree, beyond what would be expected with the dwarfing root stock they are grafted onto.

I'm particularly fond of the cherries, because even though the trees are old and unhealthy we've loved being able to open the kitchen door and pick fresh cherries.

We don't normally net all of our cherry trees, we rely on the local cats to deter the birds a little and we also pick the cherries a little early, when the are crisp and sweet, but not quite red enough to attract the birds attention.

If you’d like to explore more then I have loads of great resources for you, including hundreds of extra videos, my comprehensive gardening ebook, my gardening app, data on everything I grow and when I grow it and so much more. Everything I do is free to use, but not to create!

My books and videos are all grounded in what I actually do, I make sure you can see the evidence. For example if I suggest sowing carrots in November, take a look at my monthly tours to see them growing and my harvest videos for May to see the actual results. I'm not just about regurgitaing information from the backs of seed packets!

[monsurbanpatch]

love this idea. I'm renting and can't stand the thought of having to leave my fruit trees behind if I have to move.

[twinny]

Great video. I live in rented accommodation and always wanted to have fruit trees and this is an excellent idea as I can take them with me if I move. Thank you.

[nmorris]

I've watched this video multiple times during the last 2 years, and get new information with each view. I've followed your lead, have been growing multiple fruit trees using Vita Urbana 140 liter planters and 15-18 liter grow bags. Your extra information about the ages of your trees and the responses about not root pruning were very helpful. Thank you for this video! (zone 7a Virginia, USA)

[MatthewSherriff]

I have just started my collection of fruit trees, my plan is to keep them in fabric grow bags, so its good to see trees that have survived in containers long term producing fruit

[lce_Poseidon]

3:13 i think you could get these out without damaging the roots, just cut the metal or use a long flat spatula all around the outside, it will be tricky but deffo doable

[tallcedars]

Hi Steve. This is a good idea to plant trees in large tall bins, it gave me a way for starting our trees here on the 56th latitude where we have 6 months of freezing winters. They can be brought in as they establish themselves and be planted out when stronger. It's something I will try with a nanking cherry bush as I really miss those fruits. Will also keep mice from chewing the bark off young trees. We lost apple trees to them so I gave up. But you have me looking forward to success with fruit trees, without feeding the mice.

[bigmaude]

Hi Steve, I hope my fruit trees become as productive as yours. I planted some last year and some this year, so no fruit yet. Most are dwarfs and are in containers. I also have two muscadine vines that are showing signs of producing a good yield. Do you have problem with squirrels, chipmunks, and birds getting after your fruit? If so, what do you do? I would like to enjoy at least some of my fruit. My neighbor has an apple tree that produced apples for the first time in 10 years last year. He got not a one. The squirrels got them all.

[caroleclack]

Hi just watch your video. I have just potted some fruit trees in pots . What do you do to keep slugs and pest away. do you put any bands around the trunk . Its my first time growing these .thanks would appreciate any tips xx

[edithhilliard]

At 4:33, what size container is that cherry tree in? I just got a semi-dwarf cherry stella tree and id love to do what you did with yours where its contained but "not really".

[ronaldandsusanshaws-growing]

👍👍👍 A great fruit update video Steve, Take care and Stay safe.

[geriannroth]

Love this idea I'm doing something similar by planting in washing machine drums the holes allow air pruning of the roots & They also double to allow heat to quickly dissipate from the steel

[PlantsAmore]

Something about picking your own fruit ....nice trees, thanks for sharing !

[LK-]

I'm finding your video in 2022. Very impressive. I have my trees in half barrels (approx. 27 gal) and it's good to see that they can do well in containers. I've heard that they should be root pruned every 2-3 yrs to revitalize them. I was wondering if you've done that. Thanks for the video.

[justmeonthebeach]

Wow, thanks for sharing.. you have a lot of cherry trees in containers..

[viviandraper]

What planting zone are you in ? Do the cold affect your plants

[jennyjohnson]

Good video; thank you for sharing. I was thinking of buying IBCs for a dwarf-trees orchard I can move in & out of an outbuilding, since they have a UV resistant quality and are made to be moved with a pallet jack, but they still wouldn't last in the summers anywhere near so long as your galvanized steel trash cans 🤔 so now I'm reconsidering

[davenadainton]

What a fantastic video.. I panic when It comes to trees but have made a pact to buy many this year. I haven't got loads of space but I can afford some room for half barrels. I have 1 cherry in a half barrel at the moment and the tree was growing way too fast that the branches started to look like a weeping cherry. I pruned it back to 3 branches in July and cut them quite small but it's taken off again with loads of growth. Are half barrels something I could use for other fruit trees too? I've just got John innes 3 and multi purpose In mine but feed with seaweed. Mines topped with bark.. Im A Novice gardener and this is my first time Growing any tree.. This video has gave me much confidence to carry on.. Thank you

[tammyjokerney]

Newbie Gardner. We just moved to a very small plot of land in gardening zone 10a (USA). I have been looking for a container solution for citrus trees purchased (8). I am curious if you coated your galvanized aluminum cans? I have read warnings about aluminum in deodorant etc being linked to Alzheimer's. Do you think the aluminum leaching into the soil is a problem? Or, do you not think it leeches or not in enough quantity to matter? Love your channel! I look forward to binging on your channel as time permits. What a wealth of information. Thank you for sharing!

[bollywoodcinema]

What is the diameter and height of the containers you have used on the cherry trees?

[markshaw]

Great video never new u could grow them in containers