CROPS IN POTS

Planting vegetables in containers is a great way of growing your own food, especially if space is limited. It means you can have your own supply of edible crops not only in the garden but on you balcony or patio and pretty much all year round.

And there are plenty of excellent reasons for growing vegetables and herbs in pots ...

Convenience – everything is easy to get to when you need to pick some spinach or grab some tomatoes, you just step outside to your container garden

Light – sometimes the only sun you get in a garden is on the patio or balcony so for plants that thrive in sunny positions it makes sense to place them where they will grow the best. It also means that if there is a heat wave you can move them into partial shade for a while.

Soil – you are the master of their soil, which means you can create the best growing environment by using the right compost. A soil based compost such as John Innes No 3 is easy to grow in or compost from grow bags is also a good option. Growing vegetables in good potting mix makes plants grow faster and remain healthier.

Water - it takes less water to keep a few pots watered than to water an allotment or vegetable garden. However, it’s really important to make sure your containers don’t dry out so you do need to water on a regular basis especially if growing in porous pots such as terracotta. If water restrictions are in place then you can always use grey water – from baths or washing up.

Sharing – container gardening can include all the family. Children love growing plants in pots because the soil is good and success is more than likely. Pots are easy for them to reach, they can have a pot of their own and although they will need help in the initial planting they can be responsible for the care ... and harvesting!

The key to successful container growing is picking the right varieties and the right pots. Many vegetables are happy growing in containers – just make sure they are deep enough for the plants to grow in. Vegetables that grow particularly well in containers include beetroot, broad beans, carrots, herbs, lettuce, peas, potatoes, salad leaves (rocket and chicory), salad onions, spinach and tomatoes.

Choosing a pot that is the right size for your plants will help ensure container gardening success. Smaller containers can result in a lack of moisture and nutrients for plant roots. Aim for pots or troughs with a depth and width of at least 45cm (18in), or else you will have to water and feed more frequently.

You can grow crops in pots all year round, but mainly from April to October. Seeds can be sowed straight into the container soil and at this time of year will start sprouting and growing almost immediately. Just make sure you feed them with a general purpose liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks. Then all you have to do is wait for that first ripe tomato, pick it and taste it – delicious!