by David Haigh
What could be fresher and tastier than carrots pulled from pots on the patio or salads picked in the back yard? Many vegetables and herbs perform very well when grown in containers, which is excellent news for anyone without a garden or an allotment. This method of production is also ideal for people with little time to tend a vegetable patch.
Crops can be grown in pots, troughs, window boxes, grow bags, old tires, chimney pots and guttering. In fact any container which holds sufficient compost for the plant being grown, and allows excess water to drain, will suffice. For salad crops such as lettuces, Chinese greens, and spinach, as well as herbs like basil, coriander and parsley grow bags are cheap and fit into tiny places including window sills and porches. Radishes being quick growing and shallow-rooted can be grown in lengths of guttering. Regular watering in dry weather is a must, as salads stop making leaf and run to seed in hot dry weather. Sow small batches of these crops every 3-4 weeks for continuity of supply from late spring to late autumn.
Early crops of carrots can be started in a greenhouse, conservatory or porch. It is a simple job just to place the pots out of reach of low-flying carrot flies.
Plants with more extensive root systems including tomatoes, peppers and potatoes require bigger containers with a depth and width of at least 18" or so or they dry out too quickly, requiring frequent watering and feeding.
Basically any multi-purpose compost with some sterilized loam added is suitable. Make sure there are ample drainage holes and a layer of drainage material such as broken pots or crocks in the bottom of the containers.
Peppers, both the sweet bell peppers and the fiery chilli peppers, are well suited to growing in containers; a certain amount of root restriction helps the flowers and fruits form. To grow well peppers need good light and plenty of warmth. Peppers form small root balls and hate being transplanted into large pots of cold compost, so pot on gradually. Liquid feed with tomato feed every week once the first flower truss has set.
Growing tomatoes in grow bags has long been common practice. Dwarf and compact varieties are excellent for growing in hanging baskets and tubs.
Baby new potatoes (earlies) are expensive to buy. When grown in containers they are free from pest damage and exceptionally clean at harvest time. Many garden centers sell seed potatoes by number (such as 3 potatoes, 4 potatoes) so you don't have to get a big bag which contains far more than you need. Put 2-4 tubers in, depending on the size of the container and cover with 14 - 5 inches of compost. Earth up the developing plants with more compost as you would potatoes growing in the garden. Harvest in 8-10 weeks time. A quick rinse and they are ready for the pan! What a treat!!
What could be fresher and tastier than carrots pulled from pots on the patio or salads picked in the back yard? Many vegetables and herbs perform very well when grown in containers, which is excellent news for anyone without a garden or an allotment. This method of production is also ideal for people with little time to tend a vegetable patch.
Crops can be grown in pots, troughs, window boxes, grow bags, old tires, chimney pots and guttering. In fact any container which holds sufficient compost for the plant being grown, and allows excess water to drain, will suffice. For salad crops such as lettuces, Chinese greens, and spinach, as well as herbs like basil, coriander and parsley grow bags are cheap and fit into tiny places including window sills and porches. Radishes being quick growing and shallow-rooted can be grown in lengths of guttering. Regular watering in dry weather is a must, as salads stop making leaf and run to seed in hot dry weather. Sow small batches of these crops every 3-4 weeks for continuity of supply from late spring to late autumn.
Early crops of carrots can be started in a greenhouse, conservatory or porch. It is a simple job just to place the pots out of reach of low-flying carrot flies.
Plants with more extensive root systems including tomatoes, peppers and potatoes require bigger containers with a depth and width of at least 18" or so or they dry out too quickly, requiring frequent watering and feeding.
Basically any multi-purpose compost with some sterilized loam added is suitable. Make sure there are ample drainage holes and a layer of drainage material such as broken pots or crocks in the bottom of the containers.
Peppers, both the sweet bell peppers and the fiery chilli peppers, are well suited to growing in containers; a certain amount of root restriction helps the flowers and fruits form. To grow well peppers need good light and plenty of warmth. Peppers form small root balls and hate being transplanted into large pots of cold compost, so pot on gradually. Liquid feed with tomato feed every week once the first flower truss has set.
Growing tomatoes in grow bags has long been common practice. Dwarf and compact varieties are excellent for growing in hanging baskets and tubs.
Baby new potatoes (earlies) are expensive to buy. When grown in containers they are free from pest damage and exceptionally clean at harvest time. Many garden centers sell seed potatoes by number (such as 3 potatoes, 4 potatoes) so you don't have to get a big bag which contains far more than you need. Put 2-4 tubers in, depending on the size of the container and cover with 14 - 5 inches of compost. Earth up the developing plants with more compost as you would potatoes growing in the garden. Harvest in 8-10 weeks time. A quick rinse and they are ready for the pan! What a treat!!
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