Growing Trees in Containers (and the Magic of Espalier)

When most people think about fruit trees, they imagine sprawling orchards with deep roots spreading into the soil. But here’s the secret: you don’t need an orchard to enjoy fresh fruit at home. With the right approach, you can grow trees in containers — and even train them into beautiful shapes with a method called espalier.

Why Grow Trees in Containers?

A container-grown tree is perfect if you:

• Have limited space (balconies, patios, courtyards).

• Want to move trees around to follow the sun.

• Need to protect tender trees from frost by shifting them under cover.

• Prefer smaller, manageable harvests.

I still remember the first time we planted a lemon tree in a big terracotta pot. It felt almost wrong at first — would it be happy? But with enough depth (at least 40–60 cm) and good feeding, that little tree gave us lemons year after year. And the bonus? The fragrance of lemon blossoms drifting across the patio was heavenly.

Choosing the Right Tree for Containers

Not all trees adapt well to pots, so choose wisely. Look for:

• Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties (lemon, lime, fig, olive, peach, apple).

• Trees with shallow to medium root systems.

• Grafted trees bred for compact growth.

Citrus trees, figs, and olives are some of the easiest and most rewarding for containers.

Container Care Tips for Trees

1. The Pot – At least 40–60 cm deep with drainage holes.

2. The Soil – A rich, loose mix of compost, coco peat, and perlite for drainage.

3. Watering – Trees in pots dry out faster than those in the ground. A self-watering container or a deep saucer under the pot works wonders.

4. Feeding – Container trees are hungry! Use worm tea, compost tea, or a sprinkle of slow-release organic fertilizer monthly. Always top up with fresh compost to keep the soil alive.

5. Pruning – Keep them compact. In a pot, you want a balance between roots and branches.

The Art of Espalier

Espalier sounds fancy, but it’s simply a way of training trees to grow flat against a wall, fence, or trellis. It’s practical, beautiful, and ideal for small spaces. Imagine an apple tree with its branches neatly spread out like arms, producing fruit along a sunny wall — almost like living garden art.

Why espalier works so well in containers:

• Saves space while still giving you fruit.

• Maximizes sun exposure (branches trained horizontally ripen evenly).

• Creates a decorative feature for patios and courtyards.

• Easier to prune and harvest.

How to Start Espalier in a Container

1. Choose the right tree – Apples and pears are the classic espalier choices, but citrus can also be trained.

2. Pick your shape – Horizontal tiers, fan-shapes, or simple “T” shapes are easiest for beginners.

3. Support structure – Place your container near a wall or sturdy trellis. Add horizontal wires or bamboo canes spaced about 30–40 cm apart.

4. Train young branches – Gently tie flexible young branches to the supports, guiding them into the desired shape.

5. Prune regularly – In summer, pinch off excess shoots to keep the shape neat and focus the plant’s energy on fruiting.

Our New Container Garden Project

Right now, we’re creating a brand-new container section in our garden — a space dedicated to pots, planters, and movable harvests. One of the most exciting parts of this project is using one of the walls as a backdrop for espalier fruit trees.

We can already picture it: neat rows of branches trained across the wall, blossoms in spring, and fruit hanging within arm’s reach. Not only will it save space, but it will also turn a plain garden wall into a living, fruitful feature.

Growing trees in containers is freedom. You can move your orchard with the seasons, grow exotic fruits in unlikely spaces, and even turn a boring wall into a fruitful masterpiece with espalier.

So if you’ve been dreaming about fruit trees but think you don’t have the space — trust me, you do. Start with one tree, give it a good pot, and maybe try your hand at espalier. You’ll be amazed at how much beauty and harvest one container can hold.

Happy Gardening Friends

Tash & Family