Do you want to grow your own fruits but you can’t because you don’t have enough space? If you think you need a large area to grow fruits, think again. There are a lot that you can actually plant and grow in containers. If space is the problem, container gardening is the answer.
Planting in containers is the perfect solution if you only have a small area or if you want to plant indoors. The catch, however, is that not all fruits can grow when planted in a container. Before you start, you need to know which ones to plant.
Here’s a list of 10 fruits that you can easily grow in a container.
Apples
Who says apple trees merely belong in an orchard? Fact is, they can fit right into a 45-50 cm wide pot or container. Place them in a sheltered, sunny spot for optimum growth. When choosing a variety, go for the dwarf or semi-dwarf one. Soon enough, you’ll be harvesting apples that you grew yourself.
Blueberries
Blueberry bushes are perfect for container growth. They’re very easy to take care of because they don’t require too much attention. Remember to plant them in acidic soil that is moist and well-drained. Only apply fertilizer a month after planting.
Cherries
If you want these delectable treats but don’t have the needed space, worry not. Although you may need to use something that’s deep and large in diameter, dwarf cherries can tolerate the restricting environment of containers. Remember to choose cherries that are self-pollinating. Examples of which are Stella, Duke, Lapins, North Star, Sunburst, Nabella, and Morello.
Figs
Figs are easy to grow and they tend to grow well if their roots are restricted in a container. One variety, the Negro Largo, even does well as a houseplant. The recommended size for a container is nothing smaller than 16 inches in diameter.
This plant is not finicky at all. It requires a well-drained soil and they’re usually tolerant to drought.
Lemons
If you’re planning on planting a lemon tree, use the seeds of an organic lemon because they’re easier to grow. You will need the basics: fertile potting soil, compost, and a pot that is 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. Once you’re done planting, move the pot to a warm and sunny area. Remember to keep the soil moist but don’t overwater it.
With proper care, it’ll take 3-6 years for the lemon tree to bear fruit. But it’s worth the wait – just imagine being able to pluck a lemon right off the tree planted in a pot!
Oranges
If you live in a cold area, planting oranges outdoors is out of the question. They do not do well in the cold. However, you can still grow them indoors by planting them in containers. This way, you can protect your plant from possible cold damage. The important thing is to select a variety that’s suited for pots – and then you’ll have to take care of it: fertilize, water, and prune.
Choose dwarf varieties such as Budda’s Hand, Calamondin, and Trovita. Plant them in a 5-gallon pot with well-draining soil in it. Make sure that your pot has holes for drainage.
Pineapples
Who knew you’d see pineapples on this list? The truth is, you can actually grow a delicious, sweet pineapple right from a pot! This is one of the few tropical fruits that’s well-suited for pot growing.
So, how do you do it? You simply cut off a pineapple’s crown and then soak it in water for one to two days. Plant it in a gallon-sized container and put it in a sunny area. Tend to it daily and before you know it, you’ll be harvesting your own home grown pineapple!
Pomegranates
Pomegranates have shallow root systems, making them one of the easiest fruit trees to grow in containers. The key is in choosing dwarf varieties of the plant. The Nana variety is compact, strong, and bears a lot of flowers. It produces small fruits with viable seeds. In addition, you may also consider the Provence and State fair varieties.
Strawberries
Of all the fruits included in this list, strawberries are the most popular. They produce fruits fast, need very little space, and with a self-watering planter, they are low maintenance.
Considered perennial, you only have to plant them once. If you choose everbearing strawberries, you’ll get to harvest twice a year. When planting, choose a container that’s 18 inches wide and has good drainage. Expose the plants to approximately 8 hours of direct sunlight.
Tomatoes
Is tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Scientifically speaking, it’s a fruit because it has seeds. In the culinary world, however, they consider this as a vegetable. The important thing here is, tomatoes may be grown in containers. If you plant them in small containers, they’ll require support when the fruit gets heavy. Those planted in large containers will do quite well without support.
There you have it, ten fruits you can grow in containers. Now you know, when it comes to gardening, the lack of space is never a problem.
