Planting Trees in Pots in the Ground – A Complete Guide

Planting trees in pots in the ground is an innovative gardening technique that offers unique benefits compared to traditional in-ground planting. This method, often called “pot-in-pot” gardening, involves setting nursery pots or other containers into the soil so that the rim rests at ground level. Inside each buried pot, you can plant trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, herbs or other plants.

Pot-in-pot gardening is gaining popularity due to the flexibility and convenience it provides. Read on to learn everything you need to know about successfully using this unique planting method for trees.

What is Pot-in-Pot Gardening?

Pot-in-pot gardening, also known as “buried pot gardening,” involves digging holes in the ground and inserting pots or other containers into them. The pots are buried up to the rim so that the top is flush with the soil surface. This creates in-ground planters ready for planting.

Once the containers are in place, you simply fill them with potting mix and your choice of plants. The plants’ roots remain inside the containers but have access to moisture and nutrients from the surrounding soil as well.

Benefits of Pot-in-Pot Gardening for Trees

There are many advantages to planting trees in buried pots compared to standard in-ground gardening:

• Easy tree swapping – You can change out trees in the containers as desired each season. This allows flexibility to alter arrangements, bloom times, colors, etc.

• Mobile gardening – Since trees are self-contained in pots, you can easily reposition or even remove them.

• Soil control – Container soil stays loose and customized for each tree vs. compacted, native ground soil.

• Drainage – Tree roots won’t get waterlogged since excess moisture drains from pots.

• Weed barrier – Pots prevent weeds from surrounding in-ground soil from invading.

• Insulation – The air gap between the pot and ground provides insulation from temperature extremes.

• Wind protection – Pots shelter fragile trees and keep soil from blowing or washing away.

How to Create a Pot-in-Pot Garden for Trees

Follow these simple steps to create your own pot-in-pot garden bed for trees:

• Select a site with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Dig over the area to loosen soil to 12 inches deep.

• Decide on your container sizes. Measurements like 10′′ deep x 12′′ diameter are common. Match similar sizes for a cohesive look.

• Dig holes 2-3 inches wider and deeper than your pot dimensions. Space 18-24 inches apart depending on tree sizes.

• Place pots in holes, pressing firmly. Top edges should sit level with the soil. Backfill gaps if needed.

• Fill pots nearly to the top with a quality potting mix amended with compost or slow-release fertilizer.

• Plant your tree selections in each pot according to their spacing needs. Water well initially.

• Mulch garden beds to help retain moisture. Replenish mulch as it deteriorates over time.

Tips for Successful Pot-in-Pot Tree Planting

Follow these tips to get the most out of your pot-in-pot garden for trees:

• Select hardy trees that won’t outgrow pots quickly like dwarf fruit trees, compact ornamentals, etc.

• For good drainage, fill pots with a commercial potting mix instead of garden soil. Incorporate perlite or vermiculite too.

• Fertilize trees regularly to replenish nutrients since their roots are confined. Use slow-release or organic liquid feeds.

• Check soil moisture frequently, especially during hot, dry weather. Water when the top few inches become dry.

• Mulch around pots to limit evaporation and suppress weeds. Replenish mulch routinely as it breaks down.

• Lift out and prune overgrown trees or trim pots if needed to contain them. Remove trees that outgrow pots promptly.

• In colder zones, insulate aboveground portions of trees over winter if left in pots.

Trees Well-Suited for Pot-in-Pot Planting

Many types of trees thrive when grown pot-in-pot style. Some top options include:

• Dwarf fruit trees – Apple, peach, cherry, citrus

• Ornamental trees – Japanese maple, crape myrtle, redbud, dogwood

• Conifers – Dwarf spruce, cypress, false cypress varieties

• Shrubs trained as trees – Dwarf alberta spruce, azaleas, boxwood, holly

• Tropical trees – Fig, olive, pomegranate, hibiscus

Choose compact, slow-growing varieties under 8-10 ft tall at maturity for best results. Avoid fast-growing trees with spreading root systems that could escape from pots.

Creative Ways to Use Pot-in-Pot Tree Gardening

Beyond traditional beds and borders, consider these fun twists on pot-in-pot gardening with trees:

• Create a mini orchard with a variety of fruit trees.

• Use matching pots and trimmed topiary trees to frame an entryway.

• Plant a living screen or windbreak with evergreen trees in pots.

• Grow bonsai specimens creatively trained as miniature potted trees.

• Form a peaceful zen garden with ornamental trees, raked gravel and decorative rocks.

• Grow a potted allée with matching trees in a row along a path or border.

Let your imagination run wild as you design eye-catching pot-in-pot gardens with trees! This versatile technique opens up many creative possibilities.

Troubleshooting Common Pot-in-Pot Tree Gardening Problems

While pot-in-pot gardening offers advantages for trees, you may encounter occasional issues:

• Poor growth – Fertilize regularly, improve drainage and avoid overwatering or underwatering.

• Roots escaping – Prune wayward roots or trim pots if needed to contain trees.

• Soil drying out – Mulch pots and water more frequently during dry, hot conditions.

• Pots shifting – Bury pots deeper or use landscape pins to secure those that become loose.

Stay vigilant to avoid problems and maintain thriving potted trees. Rejuvenate containers and potting mix annually.

Planting Potted Trees In the Ground

If you purchased a containerized or potted tree, proper planting technique is important for getting it off to a healthy start. Follow these tips when planting potted trees directly in the ground:

• Choose an appropriate planting site with good drainage and proper sun exposure.

• Prepare a wide planting hole 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball.

• Carefully remove the tree from its pot, loosen circling roots, and roughen the sides of the root ball.

• Position the tree in the hole with the root collar at soil level. Do not plant too deep.

• Backfill the hole with native soil, tamping periodically to firm the soil around the roots.

• Water thoroughly at planting and continue deep watering routinely, especially during the first year.

• Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk.

• Stake the tree if needed to prevent excessive movement until established.

Follow proper aftercare methods such as pruning, fertilization, pest management, and protection from weather extremes. With attentive care, your potted tree will flourish when planted in the landscape!

Pot-in-pot gardening enables the unique benefits of container and in-ground gardening in one integrated system. By planting trees in buried pots, you can enjoy design flexibility, mobility, controlled soil conditions, and insulation against temperature swings. Select compact trees suited to container life and provide attentive care. Branch out with creative themes from fruit orchards to bonsai gardens. With the right techniques, pot-in-pot gardening offers an innovative way to grow beautiful trees!