Urban Gardening Hub
Big ideas for small spaces
A potted lemon tree in an apartment

Grow your own fruit

It mind sound unlikely, but growing fruit in the heart of the city is easier than you might think! In fact, in the UK it's sometimes easier to grow some fruit indoors rather than outdoors - so don't fret if you don't have any outside space.

Whether you want to grow strawberries from seed, or care for a lemon tree in a pot indoors, we've got you covered.

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Fruit tree growing in a city apartment

Fruits you can grow indoors

You might be surprised at just how many fruits you can grow indoors. We've included some common options below, highlighting their specific light and watering requirements as well as when to harvest. One of the joys of indoor fruit is that you can plant year-round!

Click the links in the left-hand column for more information on each fruit.

Fruit Light Water Harvest
Strawberries Bright, indirect Keep soil consistently moist 60-90 days after planting
Blueberries Full sun (6-8 hours) Keep soil evenly moist 2-3 years after planting
Figs Full sun to partial shade Moderate watering, let soil dry slightly between waterings 2-3 years after planting
Citrus trees (like lemons and oranges) Full sun (8-12 hours) Regular watering, keep soil evenly moist 1-2 years after planting
Apples (Dwarf varieties) Full sun (6-8 hours) Regular watering, keep soil evenly moist 2-3 years after planting
Peaches (Dwarf varieties) Full sun (6-8 hours) Regular watering, keep soil evenly moist 2-3 years after planting
Avocados Bright, indirect Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings 5-13 years after planting
Or grow your own vegetables

Suitable for outdoor urban gardens

Compared to indoor gardening, balcony or rooftop gardens receive more sunlight, fresh air, and blessed rainwater - but can also have some extra challenges due to exposure to cold and wind.

It's still very possible to add some fruit to your outdoor small-space urban garden, though you will need some extra supplies. For example, blueberries require acidic potting mixtures, while adding a vertical garden set-up could help maximise sunlight.

Here are some good options, with some basic guidance:

  • Strawberries: Need at least 6 hours of sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Blueberries: Thrive in full sun and require even moisture in the soil.
  • Raspberries: Prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential.
  • Grapes (Dwarf varieties): Require full sun and moderate watering. Ideal for vertical gardening.
  • Kiwi (Dwarf varieties): Need full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist.
Strawberries growing in a balcony garden

Articles

Want to learn more about growing fruit indoors or in an outdoor urban garden? We've got articles on everything from indoor figs to the best soil for citrus trees in pots.