Growing fruit trees on a terrace may seem like a challenging task, but Abdurazak, an Indian based in Kerala, has proven that it is possible and effective. After living in Dubai for 30 years and working in the wholesale fruit and vegetable business, Abdurazak returned home in 2018 with a desire to grow fruit trees. Today, his terrace garden boasts 250 trees, of which 135 are growing in plastic drums. Here, we share his method and tips for those who wish to follow in his footsteps.
Searching for an alternative to grow bags
Abdurazak initially considered using grow bags, a common choice among urban gardeners.
However, he found that these bags often inhibited the growth of trees, preventing them from producing fruit. Inspired by a fruit farm in Thailand, he decided to use plastic drums, a technique he observed during his work with fruit suppliers from over 56 countries. The drums allow for more efficient use of fertilizers and reduce manual labor.
Preparation and selection of drums
To start, Abdurazak experimented with paint buckets filled with soil. After finding that the trees grew well, he bought used plastic drums from second-hand shops, each costing around 700 rupees (just over 7 euros). New drums are twice as expensive, so he recommends this technique only for those who are passionate about growing fruit for personal consumption and not for commercial purposes.
Advantages and disadvantages of your method
Growing fruit trees in plastic drums has several advantages:
- Faster growth:Trees in drums produce fruit more quickly than those planted in the ground. While a tree in the ground may take five years to bear fruit, one in a drum may take only two years.
- Space optimization: Although fruit production is lower in drums (25 to 50 fruits versus 100 in the ground), multiple varieties can be grown in a small space.
However, there are some considerations:
- Frequent watering:Trees in drums need to be watered at least twice a day due to their sun exposure and limited root space.
- Regular pruning: It is crucial to keep trees pruned to a height of 2-2.5 m to ensure their health and manageability.
Care and maintenance
To ensure the success of drum farming, Abdurazak uses a drip irrigation system and natural fertilizers. His homemade biofertilizer includes cow dung, neem cake, bone meal, cane sugar and Gliricidia sepium leaves. This fertilizer is mixed with water and sprayed on the trees monthly.
How to grow fruit trees in drums
- Selection of the drums: Use plastic drums with capacities of 70 to 130 liters.
- Preparing drums: Make at least three 8mm to 16mm holes 3 inches from the bottom for water drainage.
- Substrate mix: Fill 3/4 of the drum with a mixture of soil, organic fertilizer and cocopeat.
- Planting and irrigation: Plant the tree and water at least once a day.
- Fertilization and pruning: Apply fertilizer once a month and prune regularly to maintain optimal height.
Abdurazak’s method of growing fruit trees in plastic drums is an innovative and practical solution for urban gardeners. It makes the most of limited terrace space and produces a variety of fresh fruit. With proper care and regular maintenance, anyone can enjoy the fruits of their own garden at home, following the advice and experience shared by Abdurazak.
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