Container Growing Some Apple Trees

Posted by Robbie on August 13th, 2010

Container growing your apple trees not only reduces garden pests and diseases of the apple but will improve your crop of apples. Dwarf apples can be container grown in large garden pots to place on a deck or patio. It is possible to grow apples in this fashion provided you follow a few simple guidelines.

Apple trees or any edible crop can be grown in a container with great success. An apple container can be a large garden tub or a half-barrel that has a diameter of about 5 feet. It is bettert to choose a dwarf variety of apple so it will not outgrow the container. The apple varieties that grow in garden containers have the same growing pattern as those that are planted in a garden. In order for apple trees to become established and bear fruit they will need about three years.

Container growing dwarf apple trees has a few advantages: 1). after planting the tree and some pruning during the first few years, very little pruning will be needed. 2). Dwarf apple trees are easier for the gardener to inspect for diseases or pests, so they can be treated as soon as possible. 3). you do not need to own a ladder in order to harvest the apples.

Most varieties of apple trees need other apple trees for pollination which leads to a crop of fruit. It is always best to check with a fruit tree expert, your local nursery, or garden center in regards to cross-pollination of the varieties of apple tree. Some apple trees are triploid varieties which mean they must have two other apple varieties that are compatible planted in close proximity in order to pollinate. Many apple varieties or Malus domestica will need only one other variety for pollination. Once you have chosen the apple variety you want it is important to inquire about which other varieties are good for pollination. If you do not have the proper variety for pollination you will be unable to produce apples. If your backyard is unable to support two or three trees you can plant a variety that is a self-pollinater such as Golden Delicious, Jonathan, or Yellow Transplant. These varieties will also produce a larger crop if you can cross-pollinate them.

If you prune dwarf apple trees early it helps the development of the tree; it will end up with a strong formation and be able to handle the weight of the apples. Early pruning also brings about openness in the tree so sunlight will reach as many leaves as possible. When you purchased your apple tree it probably looked like a stick with twigs poking out here and there. As the tree grows it puts out new branches and then you choose the best ones that are growing in a straight line from the trunk. During the dormant season you need to cut back all drooping branches and cut off any downward growing branches. If this is not done these particular branches will get too much shade which causes them to color uneven and be very small.

As with almost any fruit tree, an apple needs nitrogen for survival. Fertilizing should also be done but not too much. The shoots on apple trees should grow between 8 and 12 inches each year; if it has grown less than 6 inches more nitrogen needs to be added in the spring. If you give your tree too much fertilizer it could grow to about 14 inches a year; when this happens the fruit will be too large and its texture will be mealy. The fertilizer that can be used is a time-release general purpose; this will ensure it receives enough nutrients to produce a healthy crop.

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About the Author:
Barbara has done some container growing in the backyard garden and finds it enjoyable. She is the author of several articles regarding gardening on her website Gardeners Garden Supplies and would like you to visit and share your thoughts.
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