Question
I'VE STARTED MY PITS (3)LAST YEAR, PUT THEM INTO LARGE POTS,USED REGULAR TOPSOIL.  I HAVE A PROBLEM IN TELLING WHETHER I'VE WATERED TOO MUCH, OR NOT ENOUGH.  WHAT ABOUT SOIL AND FERTILIZER? ALL 3 PLANTS ARE 3' - 4' TALL, BUT WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR APPEARANCE AND HEALTH. 2 OF THE PLANTS I HAVE PUT OUTSIDE(STILL IN POTS) SINCE IT IS WARMER, I KEEP ON FRONT PORCH OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT. HELP ME!

THANKS!

Answer
The pots for a 3'-4' tree should not be larger then 5gal. Instead of top soil, use good quality potting soil. Use the kind that has fertilizer and moisture control.
Give them more sun. Gradually get them used to the sun, so that the leaves won't burn. They will grow thicker and the leaves will be larger, in the bright sun light.
Check the soil often, only water when the top of the soil is dry.  Then give a deep, thorough watering, then let dry again. Shedding a yellow leaf now, and then is not cause for alarm. But if there are several, it may be stressed. This can be caused by too much water, or weather too hot, or needs to be repotted. Try not to use cold water. Room temperature water is better. If the summer sun is over 100, give them more shade, until it cools down again.
Don't fertilize until next spring. Use a complete fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. That should be all you will need for the year. At that time you will want to look at the roots, to see if it needs to be repotted in a larger pot, and you will want to prune it back.
These trees respond to continual pruning. If you just let them grow, they will become spindly and thin.
So, all through the growing months in spring, and summer, about every two months, take about 3 inches off down to just above a leaf node. The new growth will start from there. Don't prune in the fall, or winter. Hold back on the water, in fall and winter. When you bring them in for the winter, make sure they have good light, and don't place them near a draft or heat vent. A greenhouse or artificial light would be helpful if you can get it.
These will become huge trees. I hope you know what you plan to do with them when they do.