Growing vegetables, fruits and herbs in containers is a great way to save space. With a few tricks you can get the best from these container-grown crops.
Lots of veggies can be grown in pots – potatoes, peppers, salad greens, tomatoes and the list goes on…
To get the best from them and to make sure you always have something to harvest, you have to consider the plants you grow and how you grow them.
Companion planting
Combine crops that like the same growing conditions. For example, plant basil among your tomatoes as it will love the warmth and can help prevent whitefly on them. Also, summer savory can discourage aphids and blackfly from broad beans.
Use deep pots
Use deep pots to give tall plants stability. However, avoid containers with tapered sides if you need to use supports, as canes can’t be pushed far enough into the compost.
Use trailing plants
Use trailing plants such as tumbling tomatoes and nasturtiums, which will grow down the sides of your pots, making the most of your space.
Sow fast-growing crops
You should sow fast-growing crops such as radish and pea shoots in containers with slow-growing vegetables like tomatoes and kale.
Grow larger crops
It is a common mistake to believe that container crops have to be dwarf. Use plant supports to gain height – bamboo canes or hazel poles are ideal when tied together to form a tepee for climbing French or runner beans, borlotti beans and nasturtiums.
Plant edible flowers
Plant edible flowers like nasturtiums and violas next to vegetables. You can decorate your salads, while also encouraging beneficial insects.
Source: www.gardenersworld.com
