THE POTTED PLOT

Since lockdown, gardeners are looking to fill every space with produce. Many are novices, keen to try a few packets of seeds for the first time. So where to start? Steve Ott looks to pots to provide the answer

- Steve Ott

You don’t need acres of space to grow your own delicious edibles; in fact, by far the best way to begin is by growing a few plants in pots or a small raised bed. If you enjoy that (and you will), you can always expand your efforts later.

A paved area is just perfect for filling with pots and many crops are colorful and attractive, either alone or dotted among ornamental plants in pots and containers or in the borders.

It is amazing just how much you can produce in containers on the patio, a balcony or dotted around the garden, and most fruit and veggies lend themselves to growing in this way. Many others are suited to growing in hanging baskets or to climbing up walls, arches or obelisks.

TOP 10 VEG CROPS FOR CONTAINERS

As mentioned, most vegetable crops will do well in pots. Here are a few favourites.

TOMATOES: A great one for beginners with both upright (cordon) and bush types available. Growing bags or tomato planters are ideal for two or three plants and the bags themselves can be placed in a growing bag holder to make them more decorative. Alternatively, grow in pots or hanging baskets, selecting a dwarf or trailing variety.