Stop buying cherries at the store. Grow them at home with this step-by-step guide

Select a cherry tree variety that is suitable for container gardening. Look for dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivars as they are more compact and better suited to smaller spaces.

Purchase a healthy cherry sapling from a reputable nursery or garden center. Make sure it is disease-free and has a well-developed root system.

Choose a large container with a minimum capacity of 15 gallons. It should have good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root growth.

Fill the planter with a well-draining potting mix. You can create a mixture by combining equal parts of potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. This blend provides adequate moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain away.

Dig a hole in the center of the planter that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the sapling. Gently place the sapling into the hole and backfill with the potting mix, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface.

After planting, give the cherry tree a deep watering to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. From this point on, water the tree regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist.

Place the planter in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Cherry trees thrive in bright, sunny conditions, so choose a spot with maximum sunlight exposure.

Regularly prune your cherry tree to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and light penetration, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Feed your cherry tree with a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients.

Monitor your cherry tree for common pests like aphids, cherry fruit flies, or birds. Take appropriate measures to control them, such as using organic insecticides or netting to cover the tree and deter birds.

As the cherry tree grows, it may require support to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of fruit. Use stakes or a trellis system to support the main trunk and larger branches.

Depending on the variety, your cherry tree will start bearing fruit in two to five years. Once the cherries are ripe, gently pick them by hand. Enjoy the delicious fruits right from your own tree!