How to plant a bare-root tree in a pot

If you don’t have enough space to plant a tree in the ground, but have a courtyard, patio, or even a balcony, it’s entirely possible to grow a tree. First, the variety must be carefully selected and needs to be to scale – for example, there is no point planting a forest tree, an oak or beech, if it won’t get the chance to reach maturity. It should also offer more than one season of interest, perhaps blossom in the spring coupled with arresting autumn colour or winter bark. Selecting the right container is almost as crucial as choosing the tree. It must be capacious enough to support the tree; and be prepared to pot on as necessary. It also needs to have adequate drainage, so there is no possibility that the roots will become waterlogged. Compost should be as close to soil as possible, having a high volume of loam in it, as well as grit for drainage and a little peat substitute for moisture retention. Firm each layer of compost down as you go, so the new tree will be securely anchored. Adding slow-release fertiliser will also help the tree get established, but avoid manure. Giving it an occasional organic liquid feed during the growing season will be beneficial. Having placed your pot in position and filled it half full, examine it carefully to work out how much more compost you need for the tree to be at the same level it was when it was dug from the ground. Holding it upright, gradually add more compost, shaking the tree gently to ensure there are no air-pockets around its roots and that it is firmly settled in. Staking may be necessary in some cases.