Gardening Articles: Edibles :: Fruit & Nut Trees Fruit Trees in
Containers (page 4 of 4) by William Ross Pests, Diseases, and
Sanitation Proper sanitation can prevent or control many
problems; but the longer you put it off, the harder it gets. For
your trees, a regular shower, a spray with an insecticidal soap
such as Safer (an organic treatment), and a gentle scrub all
over with a soft brush will control most pest outbreaks. For
serious scale infestation, use a light horticultural oil spray
once a year or get the appropriate beneficial insect predator,
available for most insect pests. Prevention is the best approach
to diseases. Find varieties and rootstocks that are resistant to
the microbial problems in your area. It deserves repeating:
Sanitation is the most important aspect of container and
greenhouse growing; as gardeners say, when in doubt, clean it
up, and clean it out. Growing trees in containers can produce an
abundance of fruit (and satisfaction) for city-dwellers, people
with limited space, or fol