Hi, I have been given a dwarf Initial apple tree. I plan to plant them in a container, either steel drums (cut in half) or wine barrels (cut in half). Can you please advise if steel drums (which I can get for free) are okay for dwarf apples? I understand that the metal may make the soil too hot for the roots? I don't know the life expectancy of wine barrels (which I have to buy). Feel free to offer any other information. Many thanks, and thanks too to your useful website. Regards, John

Hi John, dwarf fruit trees are ideal for growing in containers and it is great that you are able to recycle 44 gallon metal drums. You are correct in saying that the roots will heat up and could potentially "cook" in a metal container, placement would be key to avoiding this from happening. Another consideration is what has been in the drum previously and could this potentially contaminate the potting mix the tree is growing in. A solution to this would be to line the drum with plastic or similar to prevent leaching of any residue into the mix if this could be a concern. Holes will need to be drilled in the bottom of the drum for drainage. For the best results use a quality potting mix so that you have good drainage and not garden soil as soil compacts down and is not as free draining as a potting mix. Wine barrels are also good planters and will last for many years, but over time do fall apart, holes will need to be drilled in the bottom for drainage as well. If the tree is not thriving after a couple of years it can be removed and replanted in the garden or another container. The Tui Team.