Container fruit

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. Once you reach the size you are wanting it's time to think of a permanent container. For this a terracotta type pot is more beneficial than a plastic. It will breathe & may not blow over!.

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 or bamboo canes 8cm in diameter are available in our garden centre: sink to the bottom of the pot and tie in loosely.

Which feed? Use a slow-release fertiliser such as Vitax Q4, Osmocote are our choice. Pelleted chicken manure or fish,blood bone for organic use. We have specialist feeds for potted fruit, such as citrus feed for lemon trees, Olive feed etc.

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