Grow Your Own Magazine

I have two dwarf apples and one dwarf pear all in large pots which I bought last year and have been overwintering in the greenhouse. All are now showing signs of life with one even showing some blossom on. Should I pop them outside during the day if the temp is going to be decent and bring them in at night. I would hate to miss the blossom being pollinated because they are stuck in the greenhouse.

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Kim



http://kimbos-veggies.blogspot.com

Hi Kim,

Apples and Pears are hardy and should be outside all year round, no need to bring them undercover just because they're in a pot, they'll be fine outside.

Having said that if you've had them protected thus far they maybe a bit woosey! so maybe check there wont be a frost for the first few nights, not sure if that's right though.........personally I'd put them outside and keep them outside.

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Always aim for the best result possible not the best possible result

As Peanut says, they're all hardy and they should be fine outside, think of orchards. I've got a couple in pots and a couple in the ground. For no reason other than it can get windy here in winter and I don't want them damaged, I put those in pots against the wall at the back of the house for some shelter - they're in blossom now and seem perfectly happy on the terrace where they are giving a lovely show.

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TonyF, Dordogne 24220

I have an Apple, Pear and Apricot in pots. This will be their second summer. Last year I had fruit on the Apple which the Blackbirds enjoyed mostly once they had fallen. The Pear and Apricot did not produce anything much.

All three have been outside and are looking healthy. The Pear is currently in flower with the Apricot and Apple already finished. Fingers crossed for a better harvest this year.

With in luck I might even get some edible Peaches, this is in the ground not a pot.

I guess I have been a little cautious as I lost my pigmy cherry that I had just bought when we had the bad frost in may last year.

I have had them outside today and will get them used to outsite this week during the day then they can stay out. I will also be putting my pigmy plum out as well as it is getting too tall for the greenhouse

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Kim



http://kimbos-veggies.blogspot.com

Hi Kim,

I have an apple, pear, cherry and plum all in big pots out on the patio, they stay there all year round. They're coming up for 3yrs old and all have blossom or buds at the moment, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for fruit, had loads of pears last year and a few cherries.

How and when do you all feed your potted trees? Last year I added a handful of chicken pellets and a couple inches of homemade compost to each pot in the spring, but not sure if this was the right thing to do?

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Mandy