Specialty gardeners and gardeners with limited space are jumping on board one of the most popular new gardening niches - growing fruit indoors. Indoor fruit trees are a perfect option for anyone who enjoys fresh fruit and gardening. Even if you live in a small apartment, you'll have room for one of these fragrant, fun-to-grow trees, which are now readily available from online outlets.
What Types Are Available?
Fruit
Indoor fruit trees are, as their name implies, specially developed to thrive indoors. Unlike standard trees one might see at an orchard, these trees are quite small, usually topping out at 10 feet maximum. These hardy trees are available for just about any citrus fruit you desire - orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and more.
How Are Indoor Fruit Trees Shipped?
When you purchase one of these trees, expect it to arrive in a standard planting container, usually a 5 gallon size container. There is no specific season for shipping these trees - they can be bought and shipped at any time of year, no matter the climate where you live.
How To Care For Your Tree
Since indoor fruit trees are hardy, they are relatively easy care and suitable for even beginning gardeners. While growers always include specific growing and care instructions along with how-to tips, in general there are just a few things to keep in mind. Give your tree plenty of sun exposure, and don't over water. Also, follow specific instructions for whatever type of indoor citrus tree you've purchased, because there are some subtle care differences from species to species.
What Is The Fruit Yield?
Most of these trees will yield fruit at a pace of several pounds annually. Yield will vary depending on what type of tree you own, and how well you follow the care instructions. Sometimes, if proper care isn't given to the tree, it's possible the fruit yield is smaller, both in fruit size and actual numbers of fruit.
Other Indoor Fruit Tree Tips
While it isn't completely necessary, your fruit tree may benefit from spending warmer months outdoors on a patio or balcony. When the temperature drops consistently into the low 40's, bring the tree inside. In terms of watering, usually every 10-14 days is sufficient. You may also want to consider a time release citrus fertilizer for your tree, which are available online or at garden centers.
Grow Your Own Fresh Fruit With an Indoor Fruit Tree
Jim Hofman discovered how easy it is to grow indoor fruit trees and enjoys their generous yield of fresh fruit. Be sure to visit Jim's indoor fruit tree resource site for easy care tips, free recipes, and specific recommendations at: http://www.squidoo.com/indoorfruittrees