If you’re a fan of homegrown fruit but have limited space, poor soil conditions or harsh winters, growing fruit in terracotta pots is a fantastic solution. Whether you’re working with a garden, a balcony, or a patio, terracotta pots allow you to cultivate a wide variety of fruit trees including Tom’s Yard favourites like lemons, figs, blueberries, other citrus varieties, and tender trees such as peaches and nectarines.
Why Choose Terracotta Pots for Growing Fruit?
If you're a regular reader of our blogs then you’ll know this section well by now as it is so important to discuss the many reasons that terracotta pots are just the perfect choice for growing anything in and these are the reasons they’re excellent for growing fruit
Breathable Material - Terracotta is porous, allowing air and moisture to pass through, which prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged and helps to avoid root rot.
Aesthetic Appeal - Let’s be honest here, nothing, absolutely nothing beats the natural, earthy look of terracotta and it just complements such a wide range of garden styles, adding a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor (or indoor) space.
Temperature Regulation - That’s right! The material helps to regulate soil temperature, keeping roots cool during the summer and warmer during cooler months. Amazing!
Now that we know why terracotta pots are a great choice, let’s jump into our favourite fruit to grow and some handy hints and tips.
Lemons (and Other Citrus Fruits)
Citrus trees are perfect for growing in pots, and lemons are one of the most popular choices. The key to success with citrus trees in terracotta pots is ensuring they get enough sunlight, warmth, and drainage.
Citrus trees need full sunlight, ideally 8-12 hours a day, to thrive so it’s best to place your pot in a sunny spot, such as a south-facing space. The beauty of having pots is that you can also chase the sun and move your fruits to the sunniest spots throughout the day (If you have the energy!).
Use a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. A mix designed for citrus trees will work well, but you can also create your own by combining garden soil with sand and compost and this will be just as effective (and a little cheaper!). You’re tree is in a prime location, it’s happy in the soil and now it’s down to watering and feeding. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Citrus trees are sensitive to overwatering, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings and don’t forget a regular feeding, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for fruit trees and your tree will certainly thank you for it , in the form of lots of gorgeous citrusy goodness!
Thomas' Winter Tip! During the colder months, citrus trees are best moved indoors or placed in a sheltered location to protect them from frost, another bonus for planting them in a pot!
Figs
Figs are another excellent fruit tree to grow in terracotta pots. They’re relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in containers as long as they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Luckily figs aren’t overly fussy picky about soil but do need excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging, figs don’t like their roots sitting in water, so be careful not to overwater. Top tip is to allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.
Other ways to look after your figs is to regularly prune. This will help them stay compact and productive. Remove any dead or damaged growth in the winter, and thin out older wood to encourage new fruiting branches.
Figs are hardy, but if you live in a region with cold winters, consider moving your fig tree indoors during freezing temperatures or placing it in a sheltered area.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a lover of the acidic soil and if this is something you lack then pots to the rescue as you can give them exactly the right conditions blueberries need to produce and abundance of fruit. Top Tip from the Yard - Blueberries are sensitive to hard water so you’re best using rain water to keep the soil moist (but not soggy!).
Peaches and Nectarines
Tender trees like peaches and nectarines can be grown in pots, although they do require a little more care to ensure they flourish in a container. These fruit trees are well-suited to warmer climates but can also be grown in cooler areas with proper winter protection.
Like citrus, peaches and nectarines are sun-worshippers so ensure your tree gets at least 8 hours of sunlight a day and like the trees above they don’t like being left in soggy soil so let the top couple of inches dry out before watering.
Since these trees are more tender, they need protection during the winter. Move the pots to a sheltered location or cover them with horticultural fleece during cold weather to prevent frost damage.
Hopefully this article has inspired you to grow your own fruit, so often we can be deterred from growing something because we hear the reality is a challenge but growing fruit in terracotta pots opens up so many growing possibilities and just imagine having your very own home grown fruits. From the tangy sweetness of lemons to the juicy richness of figs and peaches, a wide variety of fruits can thrive in pots with a little attention and care.
Happy gardening, and may your terracotta pots yield bountiful harvests of delicious fruit!
