Fruit trees

[stingray888]

I have 2 apple trees & a plum tree in containers. I plan to keep them in the greenhouse over the winter. Does anybody know how often they need watering in the winter, if at all?

 

[Hu Jardon]

I was always led to beleive that containered fruit trees could be planted out any time of year and if planting at this time of year mother nature wil provide the trees needs, unless it is dry (been a while) in which case a good initial soaking. Why are you keeping them in the greenhouse?

 

[grumpyoldb]

If you intend keeping them in the containers under cover, just be careful not to overwater them, otherwise they will rot. Just keep the soil moderately moist and not wet.

 

[stingray888]

Thanks for that. I bought them as small container plants designed to be kept in containers for life. I was told by the garden center that they would need protecting from frost in the winter.

 

[Rigga]

"Protecting from Frost"

That means wrapping them in Sackcloth or putting bubblewrap screen around them to keep the frost off...not moving them indoors.

I have a potted Japanese Acer and for the past 9 years I have left it out year-round

 

[gemarriott]

I personally wouldn't water them till you put them out again. Plants need a dormant spell a bit like riggers and sumpies really.

 

[stingray888]

Cheers again. They are designed to be grown in greenhouses. I have a large-ish greenhouse (12 by 8ft) but it still gets too hot to keep them in all summer. I,ll try keeping them in this year and see how they go. Maybe water them once in the winter.

 

[gemarriott]

Cheers again. They are designed to be grown in greenhouses. I have a large-ish greenhouse (12 by 8ft) but it still gets too hot to keep them in all summer. I,ll try keeping them in this year and see how they go. Maybe water them once in the winter.

I would leave the watering till about February if it was me but you should be OK