Patios are, for the uninformed, paved courtyards adjoining the house that is used for several different outdoor activities. A patio may be partially shaded, although traditionally most patios enjoy uninterrupted exposure to sunlight. This particular feature makes them the ideal location for one to display homegrown foliage, shrubbery, and flora.
Patio containers are key to patio container gardening- a practice that lets patio owners maximize patio space in order to grow and rear plants. Patio containers are not just your traditional earthen pots, however, they can be any container that fits the theme and schema of the patio.
The goal is to establish a focal point for the outdoor space. Patio containers range from buckets and old watering cans to rusty bathtubs for denser vegetation. Not only does it allow the space a touch of the unusual, but it is also an effective way to implement recycling in the home.
Fruits and berries are popular choices for patio gardens- thanks to an unmitigated supply of sun and air. The following list has 10 such options that fit the brief exactly!
1. Apple
Not the easiest plant to grow( a cold climate is sometimes necessary), apple trees can sometimes adjust to milder temperatures too. When planting a single apple tree, take care to ensure that it is of the self-fertile variety, i.e, it can pollinate itself. Alternatively, choose a dwarf family with several different varieties grafted onto the rootstock.
Some popular varieties of apples grown in containers include Fuji, Pink Lady, Cox, and Liberty.
Pro Tip: The choice of the container should depend on the variety of the apple plant- there are different categories that often rely heavily on purpose.
2. Cherry
Both a fruit and flower tree, cherry trees are quite the ideal choice for patio gardens. Cherries like a lot of sun, and studies have proven that exposure to light actually causes the berries to ripen and turn sweet. Some of the more sour varieties( mainly used for cooking) can be grown in the shade.
Most cherry trees are self-fertile. Dwarf varieties are probably your best bet for a home garden- they reach medium heights and provide adequate fruit.
Cherry plants like to be watered frequently, and one has to always be wary about the soil drying out.
Pro Tip: Some varieties of the cherry tree( Bing) can be planted in the vicinity of a compatible bloom, in order to encourage cross-pollination.
3. Peach
Peaches( and nectarines, apricots) like the sun. They are usually self-fertile, although a plurality is recommended, even for smaller spaces.
These trees can grow to be rather large specimens. Repotting once every two or three years is a good idea, both to maximize space and stimulate further growth. Pollination is another criteria important to the general well-being of a peach plant.
4. Plum
A personal favorite of mine, this, plums are remarkably easy trees to grow. They are self- fertile and as a result, quite self-sufficient. Thinning the fruit in springtime is a mandate that must be adhered to, though, for this simple act leads to the tree growing larger, sweeter fruit as opposed to a small and sour variety.
Plum trees tend to be quite large, even in containers. They grow up to about 10 feet, leaving aside dwarf varieties. Plum trees like the sun, although prolonged exposure can sometimes prove to be harmful. Well-drained soil is necessary.
Added bonus? Plum trees are easy to maintain and require little to no pruning.
5. Blueberry
Blueberries are delightfully sweet and sour fruits usually found in varying shades of blackish-blue. Blueberries are slightly complicated to grow and require careful tending.
Blueberries like a low pH level of soil and lots of root space. They like to build a strong root foundation and extend and expand once that is established. Blueberries are self-sterile( which entails that they are not able to pollinate themselves). The growth of two or more varieties is essential to ensure pollination.
6. Strawberry
The greatest upside to growing strawberries in containers is being able to have control of the soil conditions, and the ability to keep the fruits out of reach of pests and critters.
Strawberries are self-fertile. They are fond of the sun, even though certain specific varieties might tolerate the shade. The three most popular categories are classic( June is harvest season), perpetual strawberries (they can be harvested twice a year), and alpine strawberries( small fruits).
Well-drained, fertile soil is necessary for optimum growth. Place your patio container in a position that is sheltered from strong winds. Strawberry plants are relatively short-lived and it is always a good idea to root the runners.
7. Blackcurrant
Blackcurrants make for easy-going and easy to grow patio plants. Blackcurrants like the sun and require between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight every day.
Patio containers for blackcurrants are usually a little deeper than normal, for this plant has strong, far-reaching roots.
8. Fig
Figs are quite diverse when it comes to options, there is a wide variety to choose from based on need and preference. There are some varieties markedly more sensitive to external changes( temperature) than the others.
Root pruning is a practice especially beneficial in the case of fig trees- this is used to accommodate growth without having to re-pot every few years. This also stimulates further growth. [The process involves sliding the root ball out of the pot and trimming the roots by a third.]
Figs are usually green, and sometimes turn slightly orange when adequately ripe.
9. Pear
Pear trees grow in pairs. Even if you have only a single container to spare, make sure it is large enough to accommodate two plants. Alternatively, close proximity works as well. Cross-pollination is absolutely indispensable to growing healthy pear plants.
Pears like the sun and need to be sheltered from strong winds. They are also susceptible to frost. They tend to be early bloomers. A common practice to shield flowers is to use a winter fleece or a frost cloth.
They are relatively slow to reach their maximum height.
10. Lemons
Lemons, I will have you know, can be grown from the seeds itself. All you need is fertile soil and a guarantee of sunlight and water.
Like lemon, most citrus fruits can be quite easily grown inside the home. If not with the help of seeds, a grafted tree or stem cutting works too. The other important criteria to be taken into consideration is the climate. Tropical fruits can only thrive in warm climes.
And there you have it, 10 different fruits and berries well suited to adapt to growth in patio containers.
It is, of course, very important to do your research before you start. Grow only what you have room for, and can afford the upkeep for. It also never hurts to invest in gardening equipment that makes one’s life easier- custom manure, plant trolleys, and containers that fulfill all the requirements. Once that is done, it is an easy road ahead!
