Pots
- Thread starter scott_va
- Start date
GoodFriendMike
Moderator
7Gal grow bags off Amazon. They work great for me. Not as pretty as the plastic pots. But drain well.
Which is something I need here.
Which is something I need here.
Too heavy for who? I have 14 or so 18 gallon SIPS. I am a 70 year old man. I struggle slightly to move them. But I get it done. Next year I may break down and ask for some help. They grow much better than the ones in 5 gallon SIPS.
As far as the surface of the sun heat situation, a SIPS may help with the water situation too, as long as you keep water in the reservoir.
Motherwise
Well-known member
There are plant dollies that help a lot in moving heavy trees.
scott_va
Well-known member
Good to know about SIPS. I can understand how a kid like you can throw those big pots around, but what about us old guys?
ChesapeakeFigs
Well-known member
In my case, I like the 10 gallons a lot, and sometimes 15s. 5 and 7s are too small for my by year 3 or 4. 15s are great, but can be difficult if I need to move them after a rainstorm. I have some 20s, but won't be doing them anymore, because moving them out in the spring and back in in the fall is rough. This year it rained right before I had to move them back in for winter storage.
My situation is also because My storage spot and the location they are in the winter is over 600ft away... that and I have over 400 to move
My situation is also because My storage spot and the location they are in the winter is over 600ft away... that and I have over 400 to move
I agree that 5 and 7s are a might small. I am going to see what I really like, and upgrade a few for next season. I hate to ask others for help, but next year, a year older? Yes sir Jimmy I have 2 handtrucks and a little wagon for our lawn tractor.
I knew I liked you Scott! Kid
Daily watering or watering multiple times a day?
387PETE
Well-known member
As it gets warmer I increase watching to 3 times during the day. Set at 10 minutes each time but will increase time also
TorontoJoe
Administrator
Practically, for me 5-10 gal injection molded nursery pots work best…. But if they’re going front of the house I try to get something that looks less commercial. Similar size though
Since I don't have to move mine, I like the big pots. I have two 32 gallon, four 19 gallon, and two 17 gallon. I did relocate the 19 gallon pots the other day, and with the use of a dolly, it wasn't difficult at all. Now if I had dozens, that'd be a different story!
Steven J.
Well-known member
Do you struggle repotting with the fabric bags? I heard roots can grip them quite a bit, but I have never tried.
GoodFriendMike
Moderator
With figs. I lay them on their side and pinch and tug on multiple spots before I can remove the bag and reuse it.
I know some people just cut the bags off. Which is a quick option if you are not planning to reuse.
Some other types of fruit trees will push roots through the bag. Something to keep an eye on.
RosyPosy
Well-known member
The size of pot depends on your goal and if you need to move them. 5 gallons is kind of small but lets you trial a variety. 7-10 gallons is the max I would want to use if I had to move them around or store them.
15-25 is ideal for maximizing what you can get in a pot, but boy are they a pain in the butt to move around if you have to store them. If you only have a few trees, it’s not as bad moving the larger ones, but if you have a lot of trees, it is quite a chore.
Any fruit tree will do best in the largest pot you can manage.
I use 7 gallon Rootmaker pots, which are like a combo of fabric pot and plastic pot. They are true gallons, so a little larger than a 5 gallon bucket. But I would never stack them if someone needed that for storage. I have used 10 gallon trash cans that I drilled holes in, and I don’t mind those either. They’re pretty easy to move around, but take up quite a bit of room if that is important for storage. I like that they come in different colors that last in the sun, so I can get white ones to keep the roots cooler in summer.
15-25 is ideal for maximizing what you can get in a pot, but boy are they a pain in the butt to move around if you have to store them. If you only have a few trees, it’s not as bad moving the larger ones, but if you have a lot of trees, it is quite a chore.
Any fruit tree will do best in the largest pot you can manage.
I use 7 gallon Rootmaker pots, which are like a combo of fabric pot and plastic pot. They are true gallons, so a little larger than a 5 gallon bucket. But I would never stack them if someone needed that for storage. I have used 10 gallon trash cans that I drilled holes in, and I don’t mind those either. They’re pretty easy to move around, but take up quite a bit of room if that is important for storage. I like that they come in different colors that last in the sun, so I can get white ones to keep the roots cooler in summer.
FruitBrute
Well-known member
I'm youngish at 39YO and currently use 10-15 gallon nursery pots for about 20 varieties. The eventual plan is to have fewer varieties, maybe 7-10, in livestock mineral tubs. The tubs are around 27 gallon. Hoping they can go longer without needing root pruning and retain moisture longer. Obviously planning on using a truck or dolly of some sort to move them around.