🥕 Growing vegetables in containers
If you want to grow your own veggies and space is limited, think creatively. By choosing edibles that do well in pots you can make the most of any small area, such as a patio, small courtyard, balcony or even a windowsill! Many pot crops not only taste good but look good too, and a collection of containers together can instantly transform a small space. Freshly grown crops are full of flavour and nutrition. Herbs are also ideal to grow in pots and smell fabulous!.
🪴 Choosing the right containers
Any type of container can be used, as long as it has drainage holes or is suitable to have holes made into the base. Buckets are great, as the handle makes moving the container easier, but avoid black buckets as black plastic attracts heat and will dry out quickly. This also applies to terracotta pots because they are very porous, and clay containers are heavy to move when filled with soil. When choosing containers take into account the type of edibles you want to grow as some will need larger pots, like climbing beans, potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers. Hanging baskets and window boxes are great for growing trailing cherry tomatoes.
☀️ Position & sunlight
It’s important to select the right spot to grow container vegetables, and, although most edibles love full sun, there are a few that prefer some shade during the day.
🌱 Soil & planting tips
For the best results use a good quality compost with either water-retaining granules, perlite or vermiculite added to help retain moisture plus some slow-release fertilizer. Remember to cover drainage holes with broken terracotta crocks or pebbles to avoid them getting blocked with soil, then add the compost, firming it down well and watering thoroughly. Once you have planted your veggie seeds it’s advisable to use a spray bottle or watering can with a spray attachment for watering until the seeds have germinated and are growing strongly, then feed regularly with a liquid fertiliser.
