Growing Veg in pots
Not all us are lucky enough to have an allotment or a garden big enough to build raised beds or plant an orchard in. But don't worry! There's lots you can do with a small space and a little imagination. It's an easy and rewarding first step into self sufficiency.
All you need to do is buy some seeds, pots and potting compost. Then you can transform your balconies, patios and windowsills into outdoor larders.
You will need to keep a closer eye on watering as pots will dry out quicker than beds. Here are a list of vegetables that are suited to growing in pots:
- Tomatoes - the taste of home gown organic tomatoes is far superior to any shop bought variety. Cherry tomatoes are the easiest to grow. Some plant cans be quite large so try and pick a dwarf variety. A bamboo cane support may be necessary.
- Beetroot - These are very easy to grow. You can eat the leaves in salads throughout the growing season - just be conservative with the amount you take! Harvest the beets at the end of the season.
- Potatoes - Suitable for patio growing in old car tires.
- Peas - You will need a trellis, wall or some bamboo for them to grow up. These can look stunning on a urban balcony.
- Onions - You can grow onions in pots. They may not get to full size but will taste great. You can eat the leaves in salads too.
- Lettuce - Great in pots and on window sills.
- Radish - Probably the easiest vegetable you can grow. Most varieties will grow in about 3 weeks. You should end up with a good few harvests in the year.
- Courgettes - This may need a bigger pot than most. Once they start fruiting it can be like having courgettes on tap! These will taste much better than the commercial varieties.
- Strawberries - A large pot will do or if you have space for a strawberry tower you'll be enjoying lots of organic strawberries this summer.
- Chillis - Add some spice to your harvest. Chilli's will be happy with a sunny windowsill.
- Herb garden - If all you have is space for one or two window boxes then herbs are a pretty good option. It's a way getting the most flavour out of your space. You will be able to grow the majority of what you can grow in a big garden.
