Fruit trees

What sort of rootstocks do you have - are they dwarfing rootstocks or bigger ones?

I'm not convinced that anything bigger than the smallest dwarfing rootstocks will be happy in there.

Dantheman, Hi, I did the same thing 3years ago, bought an Apple with dwarfing root stock, stuck it in half barrel and it fruits better than my Cordons! Just give it a feed in spring and don't let it dry out or overwater it.

Dave

They will grow in half-tubs. My dad had a couple in his back gardens for several years.

You could try a short section of down-pipe inserted a few inches into the compost/soil mix to quickly dliver a belt of water to the roots. It might be easier than only watering the surface.

You need to keep an eye on the roots as they can poke their way through the base if left in the tub for too many years without moving them.

We have a massive mimosa in my mother's front garden that has sneaked it's way through the base of a very large wooden 1/2 barrel and squeezed down between the concrete paving stones. It is loving the extra moisture... for now 

Hope it works out well for you. Wish I had done the same with my plum tree - had to leave that behind on the plot and it was a beaut.