Fruit

How to grow fruit in pots

Spring is the best month to plant fruit in pots. Large, heavy bottomed pots are best for fruit trees and large fruit bushes like currants and raspberries to prevent the plants from falling over. Plant bare root raspberry canes in pots in autumn and winter.

Grow strawberries in smaller planters, window boxes and hanging baskets. Water fruit in pots at least once a week and more in warm summer weather. Use grit in the bottom of your pots to improve drainage, and use plenty of organic matter in the potting mix to make a fertile growing environment and maximise fruiting. 

What are the easiest fruits to grow?

Strawberries, blackberries and autumn fruiting raspberries are easy fruits to grow. These soft fruits have long cropping seasons, are easy to harvest and taste delicious both fresh and cooked. Grow these easy berries in patio pots or in the ground in a sunny position for the best cropping results.

What are the quickest fruits to grow?

Berries are the quickest fruits to grow and produce a crop, usually in the first year after planting. Strawberries, blackberries, autumn fruiting raspberries and currants are all quick growing berries that can grow in pots or in the ground. Harvest your berries during the summer months and either eat fresh or freeze for using later in the year.

How to grow rhubarb

Plant rhubarb crowns between November and March, avoiding frozen ground. Choose a spacious part of the garden in full sun or semi-shade. Rhubarb does best in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Add well-rotted horse manure around the base of your plants every year in early spring to boost growth. 

Harvest rhubarb stems by pulling and twisting the stems sharply from the base of the plant between March and July. Never harvest more than half of the total leaves on the plant. To allow the crown to establish, resist harvesting your rhubarb until the second year after planting.