Veg for containers
Growing vegetables in containers is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce even if you don't have access to a garden or have limited outdoor space. Container gardening is perfect for those who live in apartments, have small balconies or patios, or who simply want to grow their own vegetables without the hassle of a traditional garden. Elmwood Garden Centre has all the tools and materials you need to get started with container gardening.
5 rules when growing vegetables in containers
When space is limited, you need ingenuity to get the most from your plot. Growing veg in containers is a lifeline for patio gardeners, and helps beef up the harvest from handkerchief-sized gardens, too. Follow our five rules for bumper container harvests every year:
- Go large: bigger pots are definitely better, as the more your veg can spread their roots out, the happier they'll be. There's a range of roomy pots in our garden centre.
- Mix and match: don't be afraid to grow several types of veg in the same pot. Plant quick-growing carrots around tall spinach, for example, to double your harvest.
- Water, water, water: never let containers go dry: it's a recipe for bolting lettuces, drooping spinach and poor fruiting. Water daily in summer, adding liquid feed once a week.
- Use your walls: troughs alongside fences and walls hold climbing beans and give you twice the space to play with. Nail trellis to the wall for support.
- Choose the right varieties: veg with shallower roots, like beetroot, do best; or try varieties bred specially for pots. Look for 'patio', 'dwarf' or 'container' on seed packets in our garden centre.
Here's how you grow vegetables in containers:
When it comes to growing vegetables in containers, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, you'll need to choose the right container. Containers should be large enough to accommodate the root system of your vegetables, and have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. You can use a variety of containers, including pots, planters, and raised beds.
- Next, you'll need to select the right soil for your container vegetables. It's important to choose a high-quality soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. You can also add compost or organic fertilizers to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
- Once you have your container and soil, it's time to start planting your vegetables. You can choose from a wide variety of vegetables that are well-suited to container gardening, including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and herbs like basil and parsley. Make sure to select varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.
- After planting, it's important to care for your container vegetables by watering them regularly and providing them with adequate sunlight. You may also need to fertilize your plants periodically to ensure that they have the nutrients they need to grow. Additionally, you'll need to watch for pests and diseases and take action promptly to prevent them from damaging your plants.
Please ask the staff in our garden centre in Emersons Green for more information and advice about growing vegetables in containers.