Growing fruit trees in containers

[@monsurbanpatch]

love this idea. I'm renting and can't stand the thought of having to leave my fruit trees behind if I have to move.

[@SteveRichards]

They are easy enough to move on the back of a truck : All the best - Steve

[@Dyzhane926]

In the same boat! Just got a peach tree but I think I need a bigger pot, bucket or something!

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

Yep, I'm the in same boat. I love having fruit trees and refuse to plant them in someone else's house

[@monsurbanpatch]

@@SteveRichards are they easily dug out of the ground? I can't afford an arborist.

[@ofrecentvintage]

Had to revisit this classic today 🎉

[@nmorris190]

I've watched this video multiple times during the last 2 years, and get new information with each view. I've followed your lead, have been growing multiple fruit trees using Vita Urbana 140 liter planters and 15-18 liter grow bags. Your extra information about the ages of your trees and the responses about not root pruning were very helpful. Thank you for this video! (zone 7a Virginia, USA)

[@twinny12009]

Great video. I live in rented accommodation and always wanted to have fruit trees and this is an excellent idea as I can take them with me if I move. Thank you.

[@SteveRichards]

Funnily enough we had some guys come to move some stuff on our drive and they arrived with the stuff AND all the trees on the back of the lorry, they weren't very happy when we told them to take them back!

[@MatthewSherriff85]

I have just started my collection of fruit trees, my plan is to keep them in fabric grow bags, so its good to see trees that have survived in containers long term producing fruit

[@lushspirit3352]

That's my plan too! Already have a rose collection in big grow pots, but looking into getting an apple or a pear tree. I think I'm going to try 40 gallons.

[@MatthewSherriff85]

@@lushspirit3352 i have some apple trees in 10 gallon bags for the first year then into a 30 gallon, also have a dwarf banana in a 30 gallon bag

[@lushspirit3352]

@@MatthewSherriff85 Very nice! I was looking into the Chicago fig as it's hardy enough for my zone to winter over :)

[@MatthewSherriff85]

@@lushspirit3352i am lucky to be in a subtropical climate so i don't have to worry about snow or frosts really, but you would have a lot more choices of apples than me

[@lushspirit3352]

@@MatthewSherriff85 Apples would work great for pollination because my neighbours have them. :)

[@tallcedars2310]

Hi Steve. This is a good idea to plant trees in large tall bins, it gave me a way for starting our trees here on the 56th latitude where we have 6 months of freezing winters. They can be brought in as they establish themselves and be planted out when stronger. It's something I will try with a nanking cherry bush as I really miss those fruits. Will also keep mice from chewing the bark off young trees. We lost apple trees to them so I gave up. But you have me looking forward to success with fruit trees, without feeding the mice.

[@SteveRichards]

excellent, I hope it works out for you : All the best - Steve

[@lce_Poseidon]

3:13 i think you could get these out without damaging the roots, just cut the metal or use a long flat spatula all around the outside, it will be tricky but deffo doable

[@ronaldandsusanshaws-growing]

👍👍👍 A great fruit update video Steve, Take care and Stay safe.

[@SteveRichards]

You don't do any fruit trees do you Ronald? Maybe the next logical step? : All the best - Steve

[@jeff2101]

Nice information. I have a nectarine, grapefruit and Meyer lemon that I have started from seed and want to pot. I wasn't sure if it would work but apparently so. Thanks!

[@SteveRichards]

I have apricot and nectarine trees in pots, they stay outside from April to January and then they need to go into the greenhouse where they stay frost free until pollinated : all the best - Steve

[@geriannroth449]

Love this idea I'm doing something similar by planting in washing machine drums the holes allow air pruning of the roots & They also double to allow heat to quickly dissipate from the steel

[@SteveRichards]

lots more watering though! : All the best - Steve

[@geriannroth449]

@@SteveRichards believe or not Steve because of the particular soilmix i made up plus the numerous fiberous roots my soil is intact. I water bvia a deeproot system comprising of a lenght of PVC pipe drilled with several small holes down the length & then at the open end to the surface i've placed the necks of largre wiskey bottles filled with water. So far so good

[@geriannroth449]

Thanks Steve approximately how far apart are your container fruit trees from each other?

[@SteveRichards]

about 4 ft : All the best - Steve

[@PlantsAmore]

Something about picking your own fruit ....nice trees , thanks for sharing !

[@SteveRichards]

Absolutely, especially cherries! : All the best - Steve

[@justmeonthebeach]

Wow, thanks for sharing.. you have a lot of cherry trees in containers..

[@SteveRichards]

Small ones though and we do love our cherries! : All the best - Steve

[@geriannroth449]

Awww I absolutely love your garden

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks! we do too : All the best - Steve

[@kmeredith2009]

Fantastic video.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback : All the best - Steve

[@evaolsson141]

Beautiful garden 💜💚

[@carloszheng38]

Thank you for sharing. It’s a great idea for someone like me move frequently.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Carlos and I can confirm that they can be lifted on top of a lorry and moved ok, at least a few miles : All the best - Steve

[@TheButterflySoulfire]

Thank you! This is very helpful!

[@markshaw5835]

Great video never new u could grow them in containers

[@SteveRichards]

Tempted to try Mark? : All the best - Steve

[@markshaw5835]

@@SteveRichards I am, I wanted an apple tree for ages. When I do my garden up gonna fit one in I think

[@jennyjohnson5428]

Good video; thank you for sharing. I was thinking of buying IBCs for a dwarf-trees orchard I can move in & out of an outbuilding, since they have a UV resistant quality and are made to be moved with a pallet jack, but they still wouldn't last in the summers anywhere near so long as your galvanized steel trash cans 🤔 so now I'm reconsidering

[@SteveRichards]

My trash cans are rusting pretty badly now, but they are 20 years old. An IBC tank might last that long : All the best - Steve

[@johngodfrey1729]

To stop evaporation cover top of soil with 25mm of flint chippings or a small pebbles that will stop it in a container and around the tree in the ground when young, trees about the area of root ball.

[@SteveRichards]

Hi John, I prefer to use loose wood chippings, because they composts down well, what advantage do pebbles give? I've always assumed that anything that doesn't wick the water from the soil surface will stop evaporation? : All the best - Steve

[@jille369]

Hi Steve - I have a beautiful fig tree in a smallish pot - this year it’s flourishing even my neighbours have commented 🌞

[@SteveRichards]

Excellent, we have a couple on the allotments, but we've not had a harvest yet. What size is yours in? : All the best - Steve

[@jille369]

Steve's Seaside Allotment Hi Steve it’s 12” across and about same tall .. same pot and compost I bought it in I bought it years ago from Morrison ( supermarket) I’m in Yorkshire U.K. - it quite pot bound with wild violets all over the top but it’s really shining leaves just a few figs 😃👌- the tree itself is shoulder high

[@jille369]

Steve's Seaside Allotment Oh Steve my beautiful little fig tree , which is in full leaf looks as though it’s wilting a bit but it’s been fed and water .. thought it might be the cold nights we’re having ( I’m in Yorkshire) gonna cover it with some plastic and a bit of bubble wrap for next few nights ... what do you think 🤔

[@markirish7599]

Thank you for the great information. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪and a very happy Christmas

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Mark - you too! : All the best - Steve

[@ElimanGibba]

Good lecture.

[@SteveRichards]

Be sure to check out my free newsletter here: steverichards.substack.com it's the best place to find out what to do each week, see what I've been up to and share in the ups and downs of the good life!

[@glenabetts]

Hi Steve, really useful video. My three Yr old apple tree gives one apple a year. Will try refreshing the soil as per your video.

[@SteveRichards]

Oh dear, I'm sure you will be able to do better than that. By way of comparison my three year old pear tree gave about 20 fruit last year : All the best - Steve

[@glenabetts]

@@SteveRichards Thanks Steve, would appreciate any suggestions on a good time of the year to overhaul my pots to your system.

[@SteveRichards]

I do mine in early spring, so you could do it now : All the best - Steve

[@ben-fe3zy]

Sorry to butt in Glen, but for some rootstocks, and some varieties, 3 years is only just about the time to start fruiting, so don't give up hope. More dwarfing rootstocks fruit earlier. Also, you can summer prune for fruit growth, rather than winter prune for branch and leaf growth. Still, bit a bit of nutrition does us all some good :)

[@glenabetts]

@@ben-fe3zy Hi James, very welcome advice. I still have a lot to learn. Never even heard of summer pruning. Will have to get a lot more research. Covid has got me thinking about how to maintain my plants. Thanks

[@karlacoco2821]

Wow beautiful , good job 👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@kebunzuhdhan6679]

Beautiful, beautiful Coach Collection . I'm From Indonesia

[@TheEnglishladyskitchengarden]

I've just taken delivery of a duo pear tree. Two varieties on one trunk. It will be interesting to see how it performs over the years

[@SteveRichards]

There are quite a few duo fruit trees on our site, they seem like a great idea

[@bollywoodcinema1]

What is the diameter and height of the containers you have used on the cherry trees?

[@SteveRichards]

Just a standard 90L dustbin, like this 90L Galvanised Metal Rubbish Bin Anything 4 Home www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C5HU6MI/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_vpMUEbW53DNAM

[@bigmaude31]

Steve, I asked a question about a week ago about your dealing with pests and your backyard fruit trees. I figured you missed it because you are very prompt in responding. If you have another video on it, please point me to it. Thanks 😁

[@SteveRichards]

I will try and find it. The challenge is that youtube doesn't notify me about follow up comments, so I have to scroll down looking for them and that takes ages, so I can only go back so far : All the best - Steve

[@Handlesarestupid702]

The trash can is an amazing idea!

[@SteveRichards]

Works well, brightens up a dreary drive : All the best - Steve

[@howtogrowdragonfruitplant7849]

Dragon fruit grow well in containers!

[@lisas7097]

Great video thank you 🙏🌺

[@bigmaude31]

Hi Steve, I hope my fruit trees become as productive as yours. I planted some last year and some this year, so no fruit yet. Most are dwarfs and are in containers. I also have two muscadine vines that are showing signs of producing a good yield. Do you have problem with squirrels, chipmunks, and birds getting after your fruit? If so, what do you do? I would like to enjoy at least some of my fruit. My neighbor has an apple tree that produced apples for the first time in 10 years last year. He got not a one. The squirrels got them all.

[@SteveRichards]

I'm afraid I'm not going to be very helpful in this long delayed reply Maude. We don't have chipmunks here in the UK, but we do have squirrels, but they are much more interested in the nut trees and we've never had a problem with them. We leave a few windfall apples on the ground for the birds and they prefer those. The birds do go after the cherries though, we have quite a few cats who help a very little, we sometimes net the best couple of trees, we also harvest the cherries just a little before they are fully red/ripe, we love the taste, still very sweet and extra crisp : All the best - Steve

[@jaxxon98]

Great video, thanks! I'm experimenting with fig trees in containers.

[@SteveRichards]

Yeah, they are great, we have some on the allotment : All the best - Steve

[@jaxxon98]

@@SteveRichards I forgot to ask if your fruit trees are dwarf varieties.

[@SteveRichards]

@@jaxxon98 They are on a dwarfing root stock yes, but constraining the roots causes additional dwarfing : All the best - Steve

[@caroleclack1396]

Hi just watch your video. I have just potted some fruit trees in pots . What do you do to keep slugs and pest away. do you put any bands around the trunk . Its my first time growing these .thanks would appreciate any tips xx

[@SteveRichards]

I don't do anything special, pears and cherries don't really have any climbing pests that I know of : All the best - Steve

[@LK-3000]

I'm finding your video in 2022. Very impressive. I have my trees in half barrels (approx. 27 gal) and it's good to see that they can do well in containers. I've heard that they should be root pruned every 2-3 yrs to revitalize them. I was wondering if you've done that. Thanks for the video.

[@SteveRichards]

No, I can't get the trees out without destroying them

[@alexandrewiborg9491]

Thanks for the video, Steve.

[@Ferdiansyahchanel]

I want to learn from you how to grow my plant

[@vibevista101]

Im starting to do this method and looks good..

[@viviandraper9308]

What planting zone are you in ? Do the cold affect your plants

[@SteveRichards]

North west of England, we don't have zones here, winter can get as low is -10c : All the best - Steve

[@bernadette6211]

Wow thank you for sharing, I have 2 cherry tress, one is quite big. I'm trying to net them this year as the birds usually eat them on me.

[@SteveRichards]

It is always a challenge with the birds, we try to eat them a little under-ripe, they are still lovely crisp and sweet : All the best - Steve

[@bernadette6211]

@@SteveRichards Thanks again, that's a good idea

[@roosevelthardy4308]

@@bernadette6211 kaAq

[@t147han]

I like the idea of the pot in the ground.how big a pot do you need for apple trees cherry etc.

[@SteveRichards]

I've not much more experience than I included in the video, but about 80 litres or more should do it : All the best - Steve

[@phanarobert]

What size are the galvanized containers to grow your fruit trees?

[@SteveRichards]

Just ordinary dustbins Sterling Ventures Large 90L Galvanised Metal Storage Bin with Lid and Handles by Lavv Housewares Learn more: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GZY1SBL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ZZSBBNZ5TAD7F5ZGFKT1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@nasrinebrahimikhoo228]

I have cherry and fig trees, but I am worried that these trees will not perish in the pot due to heavy rain❤❤❤❤

[@thomasn5984]

Thank you Steve: my question is that did you have to drill many holes in the bottom for water drainage ? Thank again.

[@SteveRichards]

I did Thomas, about 6 I think and in summer we always water until water comes out of those holes

[@edithhilliard2105]

At 4:33, what size container is that cherry tree in? I just got a semi-dwarf cherry stella tree and id love to do what you did with yours where its contained but "not really".

[@SteveRichards]

It’s an 80 litre plastic dustbin, with lots of drainage holes Edith

[@NishiSingh]

Hi, great video. How often do you change the soil? What happens when the tree becomes root bound?

[@SteveRichards]

Never and they don't get root bound, they just stop growing any bigger, like Bonsai : All the best - Steve

[@davenadainton4209]

What a fantastic video.. I panic when It comes to trees but have made a pact to buy many this year. I haven't got loads of space but I can afford some room for half barrels. I have 1 cherry in a half barrel at the moment and the tree was growing way too fast that the branches started to look like a weeping cherry. I pruned it back to 3 branches in July and cut them quite small but it's taken off again with loads of growth. Are half barrels something I could use for other fruit trees too? I've just got John innes 3 and multi purpose In mine but feed with seaweed. Mines topped with bark.. Im A Novice gardener and this is my first time Growing any tree.. This video has gave me much confidence to carry on.. Thank you

[@SteveRichards]

Apples and pears on dwarf grafted rootstock are ok too : all the best - Steve

[@nasrinebrahimikhoo228]

What kind of fertilizer or soil should I use that will help the girls I have in the pot?❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SteveRichards]

I thought I said in the video, concentrated well rotted cow manure is my favourite

[@nasrinebrahimikhoo228]

@@SteveRichards Thank you so much

[@Handlesarestupid702]

Where did you get your blueberry containers?

[@SteveRichards]

This video is a bit old now, I think I had the blueberries in galvanised buckets (from B&Q) but they do better in black plastic 30 litre tubs, which I get from growseed.co.uk : All the best - Steve

[@zero.697]

Hi Steve found the video very useful and have subscribed to your channel. I have a nectarine growing in a pot and would like to know if I should remove the shoots that have sprouted from the trunk down at soil level? Thanks

[@SteveRichards]

Most likely these will be shoots from the root stock, so they should definitely be removed : All the best - Steve

[@whatisgoingonineedtoknow.]

Very interesting. How do you renew the soil? Do you need to feed it with organic liquid feed over the growing seasons?

[@SteveRichards]

I just add a layer to the top of the pots with concentrated cow manure, seweed meal and blood fish and bone, then cover that with wood chops : All the best - Steve

[@whatisgoingonineedtoknow.]

@@SteveRichards Thank you so much for the reply Steve.

[@tammyjokerney4152]

Newbie Gardner. We just moved to a very small plot of land in gardening zone 10a (USA). I have been looking for a container solution for citrus trees purchased (8). I am curious if you coated your galvanized aluminum cans? I have read warnings about aluminum in deodorant etc being linked to Alzheimer's. Do you think the aluminum leaching into the soil is a problem? Or, do you not think it leeches or not in enough quantity to matter? Love your channel! I look forward to binging on your channel as time permits. What a wealth of information. Thank you for sharing!

[@SteveRichards]

The bins are steel with a zinc coating so I think they are fine : all the best - Steve

[@emmarasmussen8934]

Do you root prune your fruit trees in containers?

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Emma, I don't the trees are too big to remove from the containers now, they are there for life : All the best - Steve

[@amandaj2888]

Hi, are they any particular rootstock? Thank you

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Amanda, they are all dwarfing rootstocks, but nothing special : All the best - Steve

[@amandaj2888]

Thank you 👍

[@lucymacbride8287]

Hi from the Highlands. Will the fruit trees grow in the containers here please. X

[@SteveRichards]

You'd probably have to be more careful about your varieties Lucy and try and fine a bright, but sheltered spot, close to a south facing wall would be ideal : All the best - Steve

[@maiedgar8791]

What size the containers do you for trees fruits?

[@SteveRichards]

80 litre dustbins

[@susantunmore6676]

Hi Steve, I'm new to the gardening world, and I've just bought a cherry tree, and blueberry trees as well. How big does the cherry tree need to be before planting in those metal bins?

[@SteveRichards]

About 3 ft tall Susan : All the best - Steve

[@yaima0901]

Hello, I recently found your channel and I love your cherry trees, I have one that it was beautiful but now it has lost all of the leaves. It has many bulbs but the leaves that grow all get soft and die. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!

[@SteveRichards]

I'm not sure about your specific problem, however cherry trees in containers always seem to loose their leaves earlier than ones in the ground : All the best - Steve

[@NK__NK__NK]

Is it possible to try container planting regular cherry trees that are not dwarf? Thank you for the great video!

[@SteveRichards]

Maybe, I've no direct experience, but I understand that even quite large trees grow in containers ok if their roots are constrained, I guess that's Bonsai : All the best - Steve

[@NK__NK__NK]

@@SteveRichards Thank you Steve!

[@NamTran-ek9gv]

Hi , Are you trees dwarf varieties or normal varieties? They look fabulous!

[@SteveRichards]

They are dwarfs : All the best - Steve

[@silver4072]

I loved the video! Thank you for giving me confidence in start filling every corner I can with container trees😄. Can you possibly say what kind of trees are them . Any names of the varieties? Thank you in advance !

[@SteveRichards]

This is the best I have, unfortunately I don't know all of the names airtable.com/shrbzAXoBAOlJcXdO : All the best - Steve

[@ben-fe3zy]

Thanks Steve - those trees look great. How often do you water the blueberries? Ben

[@SteveRichards]

Once a week in summer, although this year they have the thick mulch of wood chip, so it might be every two weeks this year : All the best - Steve

[@stevehiggins1263]

Why metal bins? Do they not heat up and evaporate moisture faster?

[@SteveRichards]

Why would they heat up? Shiny surfaces reflect the heat away during the day and conduct the heat away quickly at night. Plastic traps the heat. The only reason they seem hot is that they conduct heat quickly to your hand, that’s cooling at work : all the best - Steve

[@stevehiggins1263]

@@SteveRichards interesting, just assumed as it's metal they would warm up in the sun.

[@ronvalente65]

We had a Victoria plum for many years in the ground, two years ago it got a disease so I had to get rid of it, we both love plums and we were looking to grow a couple of Dwarf plum trees in pots, have you tried growing them in pots Steve? any advice would be good!

[@SteveRichards]

I've not but the RHS has some recommendations here www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=321 : All the best - Steve

[@snehadahiya7871]

Nic

[@DaBuDaSak]

What size are the containers?

[@SteveRichards]

They are standard 90L dustbins, see my shop www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N37O81P/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d

[@mille6267]

May I ask how large your garden is? I think yours is my ideal size of yard. Hope you could help me decide. thank youuuu

[@SteveRichards]

It's about 10m by 20m : All the best - Steve

[@mariaelenairizarry149]

Hi Where can you buy fruit trees that goes the container thank you and God bless

[@SteveRichards]

Just look for trees with a dwarfing root stock, every garden centre sells them and all online gardening stores : All the best - Steve

[@HBFREEWORLD]

Nice content . Thanks Question please - can bay tree 🌳 grown in pots / containers ?

[@SteveRichards]

Yes, they can : All the best - Steve

[@Menfam6]

I was wondering if you have planted regular sized trees in your containers or if they are the dwarf variety. Love the video! Beautiful backyard you have there.

[@SteveRichards]

They are dwarf, but I suspect just restricting the roots would do a lot of restrict growth, just like bonsai

[@Menfam6]

@@SteveRichards thank you for the swift reply! I just found your channel and am learning a lot. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@zeruty]

If they have a lot of evaporative loss, why not add mulch?

[@SteveRichards]

I mulch with 6" of wood chip now : All the best - Steve

[@sportsplus42]

How many gallon containers are they?

[@SteveRichards]

They are 90 litre bins

[@sportsplus42]

@@SteveRichards do you root prune the treees

[@shamailafazal9439]

Hi Steve, have you thought about damson tree in a container? Would that work? In partial sun?

[@SteveRichards]

I'd not Shamaila, Debbie loves Damson jam and we have an unreliable supply from a neighbours tree, so having our own would definitely be a bonus! : All the best - Steve

[@jowilde4702]

Hi steve i am in Lytham and you have given me some inspiration to grow some fruit trees as i do not have land space to put thèm in the ground. Can i ask do u buy the marshalls manure on line and do you think a plum tree would be suitable to grow in on of the galvanised bins?

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Jo, yes, you can get it from Marshals or Amazon online. I've no experience with plums, but they should be ok : All the best - Steve

[@jowilde4702]

@@SteveRichards thanks Steve appreciate the reply x

[@JayGillUK]

Hey Steve, I’d love some fruit trees like this in containers but would they last a couple of weeks without watering in the summer should we go on holiday?

[@SteveRichards]

I’d say so, we left them for 10 days and they were fine. You’d need to water them a couple of times before you leave and when you arrive back

[@JayGillUK]

@@SteveRichards thank you. I’m working my way through your excellent videos. I’ve been looking for examples of how to grow fruit and veg in the garden but the garden still look attractive. Like my late grandad use to! You’ve managed that brilliantly. Was thinking I’d need to create wicking containers which was enough to put me off. I’m in Dorset and 54 this year. I don’t have a greenhouse or much spare time but I eat whole foods and thought I’d try starting with some perennial veg and fruit as I currently buy loads of it. You’ve really inspired me.

[@JayGillUK]

@@SteveRichards do you name the varieties of fruit trees in you videos? I’ve noted Williams Pear so far. Are they cheap B&Q (or similar retailer) or special orders?

[@SteveRichards]

I'm growing apples, cherries and pears. The apples are grafted varieties that are my favourites from the allotment, but I don't know their names. The cherries are Stella, I like these because they are sweet enough for my before they go very red, which means I get them before the birds get interested! Concorde is my favourite pear. I got mine online, but the supplier is out of business now : All the best - Steve

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback, we love our garden, most visitors and all family love it too, but a few prefer something more manicured. I like the efficient but rustic look myself : All the best - Steve

[@hannahbayne5589]

Hi Steve, I know this is quite an old video but I've just bought some bare root fruit trees and plan on using your method of growing in containers. I have a couple of questions; 1) I only have black plastic bins (similar size to your galvanised bins), would you suggest doing anything differently because of them being in plastic bins? 2) You say in your video that you water with about 12lt a week, as mine are bare root and essentially just 'sticks' with roots currently, should I water as much as that? And over winter? On another note it would be great if you did a quick video, when the time is right, 'how to...' prune your various fruit tree/bushes as a new grower it would be great to see how it's done. Many thanks Hannah

[@SteveRichards]

Its unusual to get bare roots at this time of year, so I assume you are in Australia/new Zealand? In a black plastic bin the roots will be hotter and as you say they definitely won’t need 12l a week while they get established, just keep the compost moist. Over winter they shouldn’t need any water. I’m no expert at pruning, in fact I’m very much a keep it simple person, there are some great videos out there though : all the best - Steve

[@hannahbayne5589]

@@SteveRichards That's interesting you say it's unusual for this time of year, I'm in Essex, England. Bought from my local morrisons supermarket. Maybe worth me keeping the bins slightly shaded then to keep the roots cooler.

[@SteveRichards]

Very unusual for trees, which are normally sold bare rooted in winter when the trees are dormant.

[@hannahbayne5589]

Well I'll plant and keep my fingers crossed!

[@catarinafouto]

Hi, thank you for this video, just what I needed! I wanted to ask whether you considered insulating the containers in any way? I see another subscriber asked a question regarding the metal overheating in the summer - which my worry if I go down the route of having plastic containers this big. Also, how do you know that the metal will not leak chemicals into the fruit? That is my main concern with buying metal containers. Many thanks for your reply, and for your videos. I always learn a lot!

[@SteveRichards]

What would the metal leek? Zinc and Iron, both nice and healthy. Shiny metal doesn't really get hot in summer, especially in that location, shaded by the house and the wall : All the best - Steve

[@catarinafouto]

Hi Steve, many thanks! There is somewhat contradictory information out there about the effects of water on the coating of galvanised containers. Here is a passage I’ve found in my readings - what do you think? “ galvanized containers have a zinc coating (which can contain cadmium) which prevents the underlying steel or iron from rusting. If you have these containers for a while, or if your soil/water is acid, the zinc coating can corrode, and the zinc and cadmium can be released and uptaken to your plants. So this would be a major consideration if you were planning on growing veggies for your family in the galvanized containers. Small amounts of zinc help your immune system but large amounts of zinc and any amount of cadmium can be poisonous.” Any advice is much appreciated!

[@SteveRichards]

I've no advice to give really, other than we are not growing veggies in them, just cherries and pears. I can't say we've noticed any negative effects during the 1 month cherry season, over the 10+ years we've had the bins. It's hard to imagine 'large amounts' of anything being absorbed that way, but I might be wrong : All the best - Steve

[@catarinafouto]

Thank you for taking the time to reply - this is much appreciated! I will be doing the same as you, then!! Love your channel!

[@15shafique]

@@catarinafouto Good conversation. They question I wanted to ask has already been raised and replied. I have both metal and plastic bin of these sizes and will opt for plastic one.

[@adamlomas1372]

Are these dwarf trees or ordinary fruit tree?

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Adam, they are on dwarfing root stock like almost all fruit trees, but nothing special, constraining the roots does most of the work : All the best - Steve

[@BACKYARDGARDENER]

Hi Steve new here. I'm really enjoying your channel

[@SteveRichards]

Great, thanks for the feedback : All the best - Steve

[@joeyanderson6660]

How many years can they live in the container? And are these dwarfs?

[@SteveRichards]

These are about 12 years old I think, will be replaced in a few years, yes dwarfs

[@joeyanderson6660]

@@SteveRichards Replaced meaning in bigger pots or in ground?

[@SteveRichards]

Composted and replaced by new trees

[@joeyanderson6660]

@@SteveRichards so their entire life their in a pot?

[@SteveRichards]

Yes, but they don’t last quite as long as in the ground

[@kielfiniak935]

Why is your neighbours back door window broken?

[@SteveRichards]

Teenage tantrums

[@Rohmat-jv2ns]

Terjemahan kan dong

[@SteveRichards]

Sayangnya tidak

[@njf669x]

My cherry tree is over 13 feet tall i need to prune and shape it,but its all i can do stop the damn birds from stealing them,they stole the lot last year.....ant advice?

[@SteveRichards]

It's a challenge Nick, I do three things: I do net a couple of my trees for cherries that we fully ripen, I actually really like cherries when they are yellow with a pink blush, ie slightly under-ripe but still amazing, the birds don't really go for them until they are red, finally we had a sour cherry and that ripened first, the birds tried those and didn't like them, so it put them off the rest : All the best - Steve