Bengaluru Gardener Grows Mangoes in 16-Inch Pots

Imagine plucking a ripe mango from your own balcony or harvesting dragon fruit from your kitchen windowsill. For city dwellers who dream of homegrown fruit, Bengaluru gardener Sushma Reddy is making it look effortless.

Reddy grows 300 plants on her terrace, including 70 thriving fruit trees. The surprising part? Every single one fits in a pot between 10 and 16 inches wide.

"First on my list is the ever popular mango tree," says Reddy. "This is a wonderful addition to any container garden." Her mangoes thrive with simple care: well-drained soil rich in organic matter, six to eight hours of sunlight daily, and regular watering to keep soil moist.

Dragon fruit turns out to be even easier. Once established from cuttings, these colorful cacti need minimal attention and only require watering when the topsoil dries out. Reddy warns that overwatering is the main threat to these desert plants.

For smaller spaces, Reddy recommends calamondin oranges, which produce vibrant fruits perfect for balconies. These citrus trees prefer bright natural light but need protection from harsh direct sun that can damage their leaves.

Water apples grow fast and stay easy to maintain, requiring consistent moisture especially during flowering and fruiting. Star fruit trees offer beauty beyond their glossy fruits, with lovely foliage and clusters of flowers that enhance any garden space.

The secret to success in pots is feeding. Fruit trees lose nutrients quickly in containers, so Reddy adds animal manure once every 20 to 30 days throughout the year to keep them healthy and productive.

The Ripple Effect

Urban gardening is transforming how city residents connect with their food. When apartments and small homes can produce fresh mangoes, oranges, and dragon fruit, the barrier between urban living and food security shrinks. Reddy's success proves that limited space doesn't mean limited possibilities, inspiring other city dwellers to start their own edible gardens.

Container fruit trees offer fresh produce within arm's reach while greening urban spaces one terrace at a time.