Preparing the Barrel

• 1). Use gloves to remove all dirt, rust and other debris from the whiskey barrel. A clean barrel is essential for proper drainage -- an important factor when growing produce in containers.
  
  
• 2). Turn the barrel upside down and drill 1 inch or smaller holes in the bottom for adequate drainage. Mesh screens can be placed inside the barrel to prevent soil from leaking if it is a concern, but it is not necessary.
  
  
• 3). Place the barrel in an appropriately lit area. Dwarf apple trees require full sunlight and good air circulation.
  
  
• 4). Fill the barrel with a good-quality potting soil that has a pH of 6.5. Leave a few inches of space for watering.
  
  
• 5). Dig a hole wider than it is deep. Dwarf apple trees need enough space to allow the roots to grow and spread out.
  
  

Planting the Tree

• 1). Place pre-purchased dwarf apple tree in the container. Ideal trees for barrel gardening should be about 1 year old and 4 to 6 feet high.
  
  
• 2). Cover the tree with approximately 2 to 3 inches of soil.
  
  
• 3). Water your tree immediately and frequently. Dwarf apple trees growing in whiskey barrels require more watering because the soil dries out faster.