Growing vegetables in containers or pots can be both productive and satisfying. For those with small spaces, and those who just want convenience this is a practical way tp grow many vegetables.
Our Top Five Vegetables For Growing in Containers.
- Salad Rocket – This is a cut and come again salad green and it grows well in containers.
- Tomatoes – Not all types are easy however ‘Sturdy Joe’ is one of the best.
- Lettuce – The cut and come again types are the best, ‘Amish Deer Tongue’ is excellent.
- Chilli Peppers – Especially the smaller types, you can start them indoors and shift them outdoors when the weather warms up.
- Zucchini – You will need a large container, however Zucchini plants grow well in containers.
With many new container and pot systems now available specifically designed for growing vegetables if has never been easier to grow a wide range of vegetables in small areas, indoors or even on a balcony. Many new vegetable growing systems prevent the problem of nutrients being leached away through constant watering.
How to grow vegetables in containers
Growing vegetables in containers is easy and has a few advantages
- with modern self watering pots now available growing vegetables can be a easy, and the self watering pot will take care of the vegetables while you are on holiday
- containers can easily be moved to take full advantage of the sun
- containers can easily be raised for easy access, removed when not in use and can also perform a decorative function
So what containers should we use
- Vegetables prefer deep pots, they need room to develop a good root system
- Wine barrels cut in half are great, large terra cotta pots work well and large plastic pots are also suitable. Large timber planters can also be used.
- Self watering pots are great for leafy vegetables such as lettuce
- specialist systems from suppliers such as Sage Horticultural
Potting Mix
- a good quality potting mix is essential, some companies now have specialist organic vegetable mixes available
- consider making your own mix using well rotted compost with some manure mixed through
What to grow
- tomatoes are a favorite
- green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, salad greens, rocket and parsley
- herbs such as thyme, oregano and sage
- snow peas (remember to use a climbing frame)
- potatoes are great in a large tub or tyre stack
- others to consider are :Beans, Eggplants,Spinach, Silver Beet and Chillies.
Options
- a drip irrigation system can easily be installed in a series of pots.
- consider a wet – pot irrigation system, a very efficient watering system
- climbing frames or trellis can help make the most of limited space