1 minute read
SUMMER FRUITS Tasty
The beauty of modern fruit trees and bushes is that you can grow your own tasty summer fruits, even where space is limited
Every garden, patio or balcony is suitable for growing some sweet, juicy fruit. Many modern fruit trees have been grown to suit smaller gardens or patio pots, while berry-bearing bushes are also perfectly happy in a large container in a light, bright spot. A fruit tree makes a lovely addition to a colourful vegetable patch, or it can be planted in a sunny border, with annual flowers and herbs growing at its feet. The benefits of adding a fruit tree or bush to your garden also span several seasons: from spring, when the blossom nourishes pollinating insects, through to tasty fruit for summer desserts, and fiery autumn leaf colour.
Blueberry ‘Alvar’
Compact and bushy, with sweet, juicy fruit
HO W TO… GROW A BLUEBERRY BUSH IN A POT
1 Use peat-free ericaceous compost
Half-fill the pot with peatfree compost – blueberry plants are acid-loving plants so they need an ericaceous compost.
2 Add slow-release plant food
MiracleGro’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron
Continuous Release feed also suits blueberries. Mix gently with the compost.
3 Position your plant in the container
Place the blueberry bush in the centre of your container. Gently twist from side to side until you’re happy with the position
4 Add more compost
Top up your container with compost, firming in the root-ball. The blueberry bush should be planted at the same level as in the original pot.
For bigger harvests, grow your fruit tree or bush where the spring blossom will be protected from late frosts
5 Find a sunny spot
Place the container in a sunny but sheltered spot, then water well (ideally with rainwater). Water regularly, whenever the compost feels dry.
William Morris pot 30cm Dia., £29.99 early
Popular and easy to grow, with intensely flavoured fruit
Eat fresh from the tree, or use in pies and crumbles
A reliable variety, with tasty yellow-gold fruit
Easy to grow, with crip and a generous harvest
