Growing veg in containers

Q I have given up my allotment, but would still like to grow veg. Do you think doing so in containers is worth the effort and what should I try? Susanna Miller, West Houghton, Greater Manchester

- Anne Swithinbank

A Growing veg in containers will require a different mindset but is definitely worthwhile. You are losing the prospect of self-sufficiency, including the mounds of beans and sacks of potatoes, but are gaining tasty pickings of fresh, flavorsome veg to enliven your meals. Advantages include very little weeding, crops within easy reach of the kitchen, and no gluts!

To make the best use of space in containers, raise veg in modules first to plant when the last crop comes out, or keep things simple and sow direct. Crops to start now include mangetout and sugar snap peas, and French beans. Climbing types that scale wigwams of canes in pots are fun. Perpetual spinach and chard live long and deliver well, while a little crunchy, aniseed-flavored Florence fennel goes a long way. Experiment with spacings, but most veg need 4-5in (10-13cm).