The perfect time to plant fruit trees
Spring is the ideal moment to plant fruit trees: the soil warms gradually, days get longer, and roots have time to establish before summer. Dreaming of juicy apples, sweet pears, fragrant peaches, delicious berries or even citrus, fig and olive? Now is the time to start!
Fruit trees are not only a beautiful addition to the garden — many can also be grown successfully in large containers on a terrace or balcony. In spring they burst into blossom and support biodiversity around your home.
Which fruit trees to choose
Select according to your local climate and available space. Below are popular options suited to gardens or to large containers on a terrace/balcony.
Apple (Malus domestica)
Versatile and productive. For a sweeter taste, consider cultivars like ‘Golden Delicious’ or ‘Jonagold’. Suitable for gardens of all sizes; columnar forms work well in small spaces.
Pear (Pyrus communis)
Cultivars such as ‘Conference’ perform reliably in temperate climates, producing juicy, aromatic fruit. Needs good light and well-drained soil.
Peach (Prunus persica)
Loves warm, sheltered spots. Compact forms like ‘Bonanza’ or ‘Saturn’ are excellent for containers or small gardens.
Berry shrubs
Perfect where space is limited and maintenance needs to be low: blueberry (Vaccinium), currant (Ribes), raspberry (Rubus). All crop well even in large containers.
Exotics for containers
Citrus (lemon, orange), fig (Ficus carica) and olive (Olea europaea) bring a Mediterranean feel. They thrive in containers in sunny, sheltered positions.
5 essential planting steps
- Choose the right spot: at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for good fruiting.
- Prepare the soil: dig a wide planting hole; loosen the base and mix soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter.
- Correct depth: keep the graft union (the swelling on the trunk) above soil level.
- Water in well: maintain steady moisture for the first few weeks to help establishment.
- Support young trees: stake securely to prevent wind rock and root damage.
Ongoing care
- Pruning: late winter/early spring for shape and health; remove damaged or crossing branches.
- Pest and disease checks: watch for aphids, caterpillars and fungal issues; prefer biological controls where possible.
- Feeding: apply organic fertiliser or compost in spring for balanced growth.
- Watering: supplement during dry spells, especially for young trees and container-grown crops.
Blossom and a harvest to match
Beyond the delicious fruit, spring blossom is a spectacle in its own right. White and pink blooms attract pollinators and transform the garden, terrace or balcony. With a little patience and care you’ll enjoy a fresh harvest — apples, pears, peaches or berries always taste best straight from the plant. For container-grown citrus, you can even enjoy ripe lemons or oranges under cover in winter.
Why plant fruit trees
- Delicious harvests for years to come.
- Greater biodiversity: they attract bees and butterflies.
- Season-long structure and interest.
- Decorative impact in gardens and on terraces.
By planting in spring and caring properly, you lay the foundations for a productive, beautiful garden for the long term. Put on your gardening gloves and get started — Plant in a Box can help you choose the right trees for garden, terrace or balcony.
