It can be hard to imagine how you could grow your own fruit and vegetables when all you have is a small courtyard, balcony or windowsill. However, there are many varieties that do well in pots that will have you on your way to harvesting your own crops in no time. Here’s some suggestions to get you started.
Vegetables pots
Short and round varieties of carrots can be grown in large, deep pots. Put your pot in a place that gets good sun at least half of the day. Leave a large distance between seedlings.
Tomatoes need 5 to 6 hours of sun as a minimum, and can be productive when grown in pots. Ask your local nursery for guidance when selecting a variety, as different varieties needs different sized pots.
Beans are climbers that can be grown in pots provided there is a trellis for them to twine through. Beans need a sunny spot and a pot that is at least 30 centimetres deep. Kale or celery will grow well alongside beans.
Bok choy can be grown in a medium sized pot and doesn’t need a lot of sun. You can op them in a shady corner as long as they get around 3 to 4 hours of sun in the morning. They will need plenty of moisture and organic fertiliser.
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that needs to be planted in spring and will grow well in a large pot.
Fruit pots
Orange trees can be panted in very large pots or containers and can be planted any time of the year. They need plenty of water, nutrients and pruning.
Strawberries are an excellent fruit to pop in a pot, and they don’t require a large space to grow.
Dwarf apple, peach and nectarine trees can be grown in large pots, just pick a self-fertile variety.
For fig trees in pots, restricted root growth yields shorter fig plants loaded with fruit. Prune the initial plant 12-15 inches high, followed by an annual winter pruning to increase branch number.
Windowsill
Many herbs can be grown on a windowsill all year round. Basil seeds will grow well in a south-facing window, it likes lots of warmth and sun. Bay is a perennial that needs an east or west-facing window, but ensure it doesn’t get crowded. Bay needs plenty of fresh air circulation to produce healthy leaves. Parsley likes full sun, but it will grow, albeit slowly, in an east or west-facing window.
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