Edibles in containers/pots - watering

I'm hoping to do some fruit growing in my south-west backyard, but the problem is that it is entirely concreted over so I can only use containers.

I was planning on trying chilean guavas, kiwi berries, strawberries, possibly a columnar apple and dwarf cherry tree.

Am I going to be overwhelmed as a newbie gardener with all the watering? Is it better to try to set up an automatic irrigation system first?

 

I think it mostly depends on how committed you are, some people would be prepared to spend an hour or so in the garden each day during summer, others just an hour a week.
Just bear in mind, once established in their pots, you will probably need to water them all at least once a day in summer.

 

Hi,

It also depends on how big your tubs are, though you might be able to buy or build a much larger trug or a type of raised bed that can hold several plants ?

As long as you have some way to connect to mains water, then if needed, worry about an automatic system next year, plenty on the market, quiet cheap these days and battery operated.

Never grown a Guavas or mini Kiwi, but seems the Kiwi get quite large so do check, and also check that the Kiwi and the Apples as both ideally need a matching pollinator. Some are self pollinating but not always as productive as having two plants.

Are you aware that you can get patio type versions of Blackberries and Raspberries, though you can grow standard Raspberries in pots.

 

Thanks Ricky and Pete for your help.

I'm going to build a raised bed from cinderblocks around one side of the garden, which would be maybe 3-4 metres across. I understand there are some issues with raised beds on concrete so I'll put in a wire bottom with holes in the wall to let water drain out.

I want to put two kiwiberries against the house wall but that will need to be two pots or maybe one big trough as I've read you shouldn't have raised beds against the house.
For the apple I was thinking about this, which says it's self-fertile. It looks pretty but no idea what it tastes like.
Apple Columnar 'Purple Haze' ® | Thompson & Morgan

I'm not a big fan of the taste of raspberries and blackberries and the ones in my dad's garden are beasts so I would be worried about them taking over.

Watering everyday sounds like quite a big job :/ Good to hear automatic systems aren't that expensive. But maybe it's a good idea to wait a little and see how much I enjoy oudoor gardening before investing.

 

Hello fellow Tynesider

With container growing the key is to get the biggest pots you can find. Watering is easier, and the plants are less likely to get blown over.

Raised beds sound great, and it shouldn't be impossible to build one next to the house wall although it would be a good idea to leave a gap so that the wall doesn't stay damp.

I have a makeshift 1.5x1m knee high raised bed for my summer veg, during the hottest season ("double digits" ) it needs a good soak daily but probably anything less leafy than large tomato plants will get away with less. During the normal weather I water it about once a week.

Kiwi and Guava sound very exotic and exiting, hopefully they turn out to be hardy enough for our weather. Growing them against the wall is a good idea. Currants do well in containers and can be grown as shrubs or standards if you fancy the shape. Underplanting with (semi) evergreen edibles such as alpine strawberries and Thyme looks good, suppresses weeds and adds growing space.

Do let us know what you decide to do, photos would be very nice too.