HOW TO GROW VEGETABLES IN CONTAINERS
HOW TO GROW VEGETABLES IN CONTAINERS
Many vegetables do really well in containers. By following the basic principles of growing vegetables in a garden, and picking the right plants, you can grow a fair amount of food in just a few large pots! One of the best things about container growing is the pots can be moved from one place to another, to give the plants the best micro-climate and show them off when they’re looking their best! To get started, find a sunny spot to place your containers and choose a few different vegetables that you and your family like to eat.
CONTAINERS
Use the biggest containers you have space for to provide a deep growing medium for your vegetables. Containers with a minimum depth of 40cm are ideal. This will mean you have to water and feed your plant less often, and they're more likely to produce a bigger crop, as they have more space to grow. Tall crops such as tomatoes which require staking will need containers that are heavier and deeper to minimise the risk of tipping.
The container may be a plastic or pottery pot, grow bag, trough, barrel or bath. It will need to have at least one drainage hole 1-2cm in diameter.
POTTING MIX
We recommend you use only the best. The potting mix for vegetables needs to be free draining but also have good water holding capacity. Use a premium potting mix which contains slow-release food and water-storing granules. Do not use garden soil in pots as it will have weeds and become compacted causing poor drainage and aeration.
FEEDING
Fast-growing vegetables use a lot of nutrients and with watering, nutrients can be washed from the pots. Regular (weekly) liquid feeding will greatly improve your crops' health and yields.
WATERING
After planting, water gently but thoroughly to settle the seeds or seedlings. In spring and autumn, your containers may require daily watering, and twice daily in summer. Mulching with straw or compost will help the soil retain moisture.