chrisbemis.com: observation and analysis

In this essay, I review the process of planting dwarf fruit trees in containers. Please note that the end product is very heavy and may require the help of another person to move.

Materials

The following supplies were used to plant three dwarf fruit trees in 18 gallon containers.

1. Three dwarf fruit trees, $19.88 each, Walmart:

I was surprised to find dwarf fruit trees at Walmart. I was impressed that trees carry a one year warranty. I ended up purchasing two varieties of apple trees to cross pollinate: "Dwarf Fuji," and "Dwarf Cortland." I also purchased the self-pollinating "Dwarf Santa Rosa Plum." All trees were compatible with my USDA Hardiness Zone

I chose Walmart over an internet supplier because returns would be easy and I could avoid shipping charges. Also, I could view the tree before I bought it. However, I performed the research to find an internet supplier, the process I feel is worth sharing.

First, I used the appendix of The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping to find a list of online fruit tree suppliers. After generating a list, I looked them up on "Dave's Garden". Specifically, the section entitled Garden Watchdog. I eliminated most suppliers from the list based off of negative reviews on this website. Ultimately, I would have chosen Stark Bro's as my online supplier.

An important note: It will take a truck or trailer to load the trees, as they are over 6 feet in height. I recommend wrapping the trees in burlap to protect them from high winds when driving. Bungee cords around the trunk can help secure the trees. I would not recommend highway travel.

2. Three 18 gallon (68 L) containers, $5.97 each, Home Depot:

These rope totes were located in the gardening section of Home Depot. This was by far the best deal for a large container. Similar sized containers designed for plants ranged from $20-$100. I thought of using small garbage bins, but they started out at over $10. I simply had to drill drainage holes in the rope totes.

3. Three bags Miracle-Gro potting mix, 2 1/2 cubic feet (70.7 L), $11.97 each from Home Depot:

I chose Miracle-Gro potting mix over Scotts. Although they come from the same company, I found the Miracle-Gro potting mix fluffier. I also tried a variety of cheap potting mixes from Agway and Walmart with disappointing results.

An important note: Even though I had a greater volume of soil than the capacity of the container, as well as two inches of gravel, I had just enough soil to finish the job.

The National Gardening Association has a good recipe for a homemade container potting mix for those so inclined. For larger projects, it may be worth filling a truck at a garden supply center.

4. Two bags pea pebbles, .5 cubic feet (14 L), $3.49 each

I used gravel par the request of a variety of websites, such as the Florida Cooperative Extension Service 1-2 inches of gravel at the bottom of the container facilitates drainage.

A cheaper alternative might have been to visit a quarry for gravel. I could have purchased three times the quantity for a sixth of the cost. However, being a small quantity and cost, I found the trip not worthwhile.

The total cost of supplies for one tree was $41.31, not including sales tax. Total cost of supplies for three trees was $120.44 (due to quantity of gravel required, the cost of three trees was not $41.31 x 3).

Tools

1. Shovel
2. Drill (if container has no drainage)
3. Watering Can or Hose
4. Scissors (to cut burlap)
5. Soapy Water and Sponge (to wash containers)
6. Ruler (to measure depth of gravel)

Planting the trees

An important note: With all the materials combined, the potted trees are very heavy. I suggest planting the trees where they are going to stay.

I chose to locate my trees at the end of my driveway. There is plenty of sun, and no forseeable risk of contamination from oil or antifreeze.

To prepare the containers, I had to drill drainage holes in the rope totes. This was necessary because the totes were not originally designed for holding plants.

Next, I washed out the containers, simply because I am growing food in them.

After rinsing the containers, I lined the bottom two inches with gravel to facilitate drainage. I rinsed the gravel thoroughly before adding potting soil.

I filled the containers with potting soil. I placed the trees in the container occasionally to make sure the base of the tree rested just above the top.

Once the soil was at the level it needed to be, I gently lifted the root ball of the fruit trees by the burlap they were wrapped in. With a little coaxing, they came out of their old containers.

I then placed the root ball, burlap and all in the soil. I cut the burlap away carefully, making sure not to cut the roots or to cause the root ball to collapse.

After some careful maneuvering, I centered the tree and made sure it was perfectly upright. I packed a little soil around the root ball so I could let go of the tree without it shifting.

Carefully, I shoveled soil around the root ball until the container was filled. I watered the soil generously to remove any air pockets and to observe the drainage qualities.

After a little wipe down the project was complete. I found I was able to lift the containers, especially because of the rope handles. However, I am a contractor and often lift heavy things, and I found it a difficult task.

Some final thoughts

I chose to plant container fruit trees because I don't know where I'm going to be in the next couple of years. I do know that I will probably be close enough from where I am now to merit lugging the trees on my truck.

The consensus from the reading material I digested is that container fruit trees have lower yields than planted fruit trees. They also require regular pruning. I hope that in the next couple of years I can report the yield of my fruit trees, as I see no such data on the internet.

I hope to plant these trees sometime in the future when I plant my own roots somewhere on this green earth. Until then, we are both transient beings.

Resources

1. Fruit Trees in Containers. William Ross. National Gardening Association.
2. Miniature and Dwarf Fruit Trees: Four Ways to Grow Smaller Fruit Trees. Lesley Shepherd. About.com
3. Growing Fruit Crops in Containers. Julian W. Sauls and Larry K Jackson. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fruit Crops Fact Sheet FC-57

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