In this article, for which we are sending thanks to a CRJFruitTrees expert who has been kind enough to share his valuable knowledge with us, we’ll explore how you can grow these delicious plums in small spaces, giving you a taste of summer in even the tiniest of gardens or balconies.
Table of Contents
Getting Started with Pixy Plum Trees
Pixy Plums are a delightful addition to any small garden or patio. These compact fruit trees are perfect for container gardening, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh plums even in limited spaces. Here’s how you can get started:
Choosing the Right Container: Select a large container or pot with good drainage. A 15-20-gallon container is ideal for a Pixy Plum tree, ensuring ample room for the roots to grow.
Selecting the Right Variety: Pixy Plums come in various cultivars, so choose the one that best suits your taste preferences and available space. Compact varieties like ‘Pixy’ or ‘Patio Plum’ are perfect for small gardens.
Soil and Location: Utilise potting soil of superior quality that has been combined with compost for optimal growth. Ensure that your container is placed in a bright location that is exposed to direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours per day.
Planting: Plant your Pixy Plum tree in the container, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the container’s rim. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering: Soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Particularly in the sweltering summer months, water thoroughly whenever you feel the top inch of soil becoming dry.
Fertilizing: Between the months of March and July, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to your Pixy Plum tree. Do not overfertilize your plants; doing so will cause them to produce more leaves than fruit.
Pruning: Regularly prune your Pixy Plum tree to maintain its shape and encourage fruit production. Remove any dead or crossing branches, and thin out excess growth.
Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common plum tree pests like aphids and plum moths. Early detection and treatment with organic methods or horticultural oils can help protect your tree.
Harvesting: Pixy Plums are typically ready for harvesting in late summer. When they easily detach from the tree and are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, they are ripe and ready to be enjoyed.
Why Pixy Plums in Containers?
Space-Saving Solution: Pixy Plum trees are dwarf varieties, perfect for small gardens, patios, balconies, and even courtyards. They can be grown in containers, saving valuable garden space.
Year-Round Beauty: Beyond their delicious fruit, Pixy Plums also offer aesthetic appeal. These trees have attractive foliage and beautiful spring blossoms, making them an excellent choice for ornamental purposes as well.
Easy Maintenance: Container gardening requires less effort and maintenance compared to traditional in-ground planting. It’s easier to control soil quality, water, and pest management in containers.
Fresh, Homegrown Flavor: There’s nothing quite like picking a plum from your own tree and savoring its sweet and tangy goodness. Pixy Plums offer that satisfaction in even the smallest of spaces.
Pollinator-Friendly: Pixy Plum trees attract pollinators like bees, ensuring a healthy garden ecosystem and potentially benefiting other nearby plants.
Tips for Success
Pollination: Pixy Plum trees are self-fertile, but having another plum tree nearby can increase fruit production through cross-pollination.
Winter Protection: In colder regions, consider moving your container-grown Pixy Plum tree to a sheltered location or insulating it during harsh winters.
Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on your tree throughout the growing season. Address any issues promptly to ensure a healthy and fruitful tree.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your Pixy Plum tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.
Conclusion
In the world of gardening, small spaces should never be a barrier to growing your own delicious fruit. Pixy Plum trees in containers offer a fantastic solution for urban gardeners in the UK, providing fresh, homegrown plums in a compact package. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of these trees and the sweet rewards they offer.
Whether you have a tiny balcony or a small garden, Pixy Plums can bring the taste of summer to your doorstep. So, why wait? Start your Pixy Plum container garden journey today and savor the delightful flavor of your very own plums in the comfort of your home. Happy gardening!
