The Mail on Sunday

GOING POTTY FOR CONTAINER CHRISTMAS TREES

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FRESHLY cut trees might be the most popular option for people wanting the shape, scent and presence of a real Christmas tree, but over the past few years pot-grown specimens have enjoyed a surge of popularity as they can be kept in the garden once the festive season is over.

Nordmann fir, Norway spruce, blue spruce and several other varieties are available in containers from garden centres, DIY stores and online suppliers. They range from 3ft to 5ft, with miniature versions for displaying in windowsill­s or on the table.

Select pot-grown trees that look healthy and are well-rooted – check by sliding off containers. If the compost falls away easily, the tree is likely to have been lifted from the ground and had its roots trimmed severely. Avoid at all costs as the tree is unlikely to live for long.

Trees in pots hate central heating, so leave them outdoors for as long as possible. Ideally, bring them inside the weekend before the big day and don’t keep them in the house for any longer than 12 days. Once indoors, treat them like a houseplant, watering regularly to prevent needle drop.

To reuse the tree the following Christmas, move it into a slightly larger pot in late winter, using soil-based John Innes No 2 compost with controlled-release fertiliser granules. Another option is to plant it out, but bear in mind that they have the potential to grow to a whopping great size.

 ??  ?? VERSATILE: A basket-grown tree
VERSATILE: A basket-grown tree

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