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Anyone use Smart pots/Fabric Pots for their trees?

7 years ago

I am getting the garden into shape and ordering new pots for almost everything and came across quite a few people who use fabric style pots in the garden and wanted to know if anyone has tried them with citrus? Right now I use black growers style pots and 5-1-1 and they work well enough for me but with all the focus on good root health I wondered if my citrus could benefit from them? I assume they would be tricky to move in and out but I only really do that a few times in the year and could probably put them on trays to make it a bit easier. Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

PacNorWreck

7 years ago

I tried them last year for a lemon and a lime and didn't like my results. It wasn't a scientific test, but my Rangpur and Yuzu in plastic and cedar containers respectively had much better growth.

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Comments (6)

myermike_1micha
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Yes, I do and it makes no difference if my trees are not cared for properly...
Sammers510
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Mike, I don't think these would be a replacement to good care. I was just hoping they would be an extra help in keeping the roots from getting pot bound quickly, I am not familiar with root pruning and want any extra help I can get ;) I have been looking at using them for veggies as a wicking garden and thought if they have use for that than maybe there was a way they could have use for my citrus too. I think I will give them a try and get some standard pots on hand if they happen to show a decline over the season. Do you water yours from the top or let it wick from the bottom?
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Sammers510
Original Author
7 years ago
Pac, I wonder if it has something to do with soil temperature? In our climate the trees might prefer the higher soil temps from plastic/wood containers. I am in no hurry for my trees to get larger but I do hope to get a few decent fruits off of them. I have seen these pots used (mostly in youtube videos) in warm/hot areas of the world and perhaps they aren't suited as well for a cooler environment for citrus. Hmmm. Lots to consider.
PacNorWreck
7 years ago
My best guess was that the pots actually allowed too MUCH air flow to the roots for our cool nights, hot days during the summer in the PNW. Essentially, the outer roots were drying out much faster than the interior of the pot and the roots were getting chilled to below 55F every night and then warmed back up to the 80s and 90s during the day - but not until they'd had sun beating on them for hours each morning and early afternoon.
poncirusguy6b452xx
7 years ago
I am more and more bent on planting in ground with a grow tent/greenhouse protection. I will be starting another greenhouse for my 2 NZL trees. Nothing beets my 6 foot by 4 foot by 15 foot container for my kumquat trees on the south side of my house.

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