Growing fruit trees is an entirely different ball game when it comes to backyard homegrown food. But it is also, in my opinion, the most rewarding. There is no feeling like taking a bite out of the flavourful and juicy piece of fruit that you have nurtured and watch grow from a tiny flower bud to a fist sized ball of sweetness.

Because I believe everyone should experience this, I am going to talk you through the process of how to grow your very own fruit trees in your backyard.

Can you really fit fruit trees in suburban spaces?

Short answer; yes. But let me elaborate.

No two fruit trees are equal or grow the same way. Understanding the different options you have to choose from is the first step in making this work in your space.

We are very spoilt as gardeners these days with a huge variety of tree types, as well as the genius of grafting. Grafted fruit trees mean that our favourite fruits have been 'stuck' onto the roots of another (usually smaller and less vigerous) tree, allowing normally large trees to grow in a way more suited to confined spaces. This is where the 'dwarf' and 'columnar' varieties have come from. Then we have fruit trees that have been espaliered, meaning that they have been controlled and trained to grow flat. This is another example of how fruit trees can be included within edible gardens lacking space.

So when chosing a fruit tree be sure to do your research. Look for trees with growing habits suitable for your space. Dwarf, columnar and espalier trees are all fantastic options and is where I would be looking first when finding the perfect tree.

Planted in the ground or in containters?

My answer might surprise you, but for me, container grown fruit trees all the way!

If I had expansive space to grow an orchard of fruit trees, then of course I would be planting them straight into the ground. But my reality, similar to so many, is that space is limited. Not only that, but the garden I have now is not my 'forever garden'. We will eventually move house and I want to take all my beloved trees with me. The final winning point for container grown over in ground is the constriction of growth. This might be a strange one, but in a small space we don't really want trees to be able to grow to their maximum size. If their root ball growth is restricted, then so too is the tree canopy size.

What type of containers?

Any large pot with good drainage or adequately sized grow bag will do the trick. I go for pots or grow bags that are atleast 50cm in diameter.

If the space you are growing in has a hard surface (e.g. decking, pavers, concrete, etc.) then a pot is best suited. The only consideration I urge you to take is terracotta, as terracotta is porous and will therefore suck moisture from the root ball very quickly. If you want a thick and sturdy terracotta pot, then choose one that is painted or sealed on the outside. If the tree will be sitting in a garden bed or on a surface like mulch or pebbles then you could also opt for a grow bag. Grow bags are inexpensive, lightweight and provide aeration to the outside later of soil. One of my favourite things about trees in grow bags is that when the roots reach the outside of the bag and sense the air they will branch out in a different direction. This is called 'air pruning' and prevents a tree from becoming root bound in its pot - how brilliant is that?

What about the soil?

Whether you go for a conventional pot or grow bag, the soil will need to be the same - free draining and packed with nutrients. Fruit trees are very hungry and when in a pot are relying on your for all the food that they need to grow and produce. An undernourished tree will drop its fruit, leaving you frustrated and disappointed. To ensure this doesn't happen you need to load that soil with lots of organic matter. Potting mix alone is no where near enough.

50/50 ratio of premium potting mix and top quality premium compost will be a solid foundation for any potted fruit tree. Compost should then be continually added to the pot as the tree takes the nutrients and the soil level drops.

Finally, don't forget the mulch! You want to protect all of that soil goodness in the pot from weather elements and drying out. A cheap and readily available option that I like to use is Sugar Cane Mulch. A thick layer over the surface of the pot will work wonders over spring and summer.

Don't forget they are hungry buggers - feeding is important!

An organic slow release fertilizer should be given at the beginning of the growth and fruiting season.. For stone fruit and apples, this is when they begin to wake up at the end of winter and beginning of spring. For citrus, that are green all year around, they benefit from a boost at the start of every season (they are the hungriest of them all!). My favourite 'go-to' is Gyganic by Neutrog.

To keep the trees happy and pumping throughout the season they will be very grateful to receive a liquid feed every few weeks when trying to grow and produce fruit. For this I use a combination of Charlie Carp and Eco-Seaweed.

Just make sure you taper off the feeding when the tree is ready to go dormant over the cool season. You don't want to be encouraging growth when the tree is trying to rest and rejuvinate for the next seaso

Finally, where is the perfect position for my potted tree?

Everyone's growing space is unique and contains a number of individual micro-climates. The beauty of a container grown tree is that you can move it! Find the sunniest space you can, and start there. If you have done everything mentioned above and the tree doesn't seem happy or thriving, move it. Perhaps it is too windy, too wet or even too hot and dry. Play a bit of 'musical pots' until you find a spot that the tree is happy with.

I hope you now have the inspiration and confidence to give potted fruit trees a go!

Be sure to share your progress with me @tiny.garden.growing. I am happy to answer any questions throughout your journey to growing thriving and abundant fruit trees.

I look forward to seeing your harvests soon.

Happy Growing

- Breanna.