Hello all!
I've got two pear plants that I grew from seeds in the spring, both about the same size (around 4 inches tall) that are both in 4 inch tall by 4 inch diameter pots. I believe they reached the point where they have maxed out their growth potential for the size pot, and I've got some 6 inch diameter by 5 inch tall pots lined up next.
My question is two parted: first, what steps are needed to take to ensure they survive the winter? Will I need to take it inside for its first winter, and every subsequent winter? If not, do I leave them outside until the first frost? I live in Albany NY, where I see pear trees growing naturally in this climate, and where there are mature trees, I can only assume it meant that they survived winters as seedlings similar to mine, but I understand that there might be different variables at play for trees growing naturally outside, and ones in pots. I've heard that they are pretty hearty trees, and might actually need a dormant/winter period. I'm not against bringing them inside if that is what they require, but I have two cats that run a very high risk of destroying them.
The second part is when should I move them to the larger pots? Should I do it now while there is still relatively warm fall weather ahead, or wait until spring? Does it not matter if I have to bring them indoors anyway?
Basically, I know almost nothing about fruit trees, and need to know what steps I need to take to keep these bad boys alive and thriving so I can feast on the delicious pears down the road. Thanks in advance for any help!!
I've got two pear plants that I grew from seeds in the spring, both about the same size (around 4 inches tall) that are both in 4 inch tall by 4 inch diameter pots. I believe they reached the point where they have maxed out their growth potential for the size pot, and I've got some 6 inch diameter by 5 inch tall pots lined up next.
My question is two parted: first, what steps are needed to take to ensure they survive the winter? Will I need to take it inside for its first winter, and every subsequent winter? If not, do I leave them outside until the first frost? I live in Albany NY, where I see pear trees growing naturally in this climate, and where there are mature trees, I can only assume it meant that they survived winters as seedlings similar to mine, but I understand that there might be different variables at play for trees growing naturally outside, and ones in pots. I've heard that they are pretty hearty trees, and might actually need a dormant/winter period. I'm not against bringing them inside if that is what they require, but I have two cats that run a very high risk of destroying them.
The second part is when should I move them to the larger pots? Should I do it now while there is still relatively warm fall weather ahead, or wait until spring? Does it not matter if I have to bring them indoors anyway?
Basically, I know almost nothing about fruit trees, and need to know what steps I need to take to keep these bad boys alive and thriving so I can feast on the delicious pears down the road. Thanks in advance for any help!!