How easy is it to grow your own vegetables? It is getting easier and easier to grow your own fresh, delicious tasting vegetables. Containers of all sizes are there for you to choose and get growing!  The number of vegetable varieties that are available now makes it feasible to grow number in pots.

Among the vegetables that can be grown in containers are beans, carrots, courgettes beetroot ,lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines(eggplant) rocket, all the herbs and a number of fruits.  The fruits include apples, peaches, citrus and even grapes. The choice of a dwarf rootstock is of course a pre requisite.

The potting mixes for the various plantings dictated by the length of time that you plan to use the container. The type of vegetable grown, for example, aubergines and capsicums are going to be growing for most of the summer months if grown out side. It will of course be different if a hothouse or green house is used. The reasons being the roots will not take over the whole of the container where a fruit tree would take up the entire pot.

Grow bags are also used for growing the likes of tomatoes. I have also grown pumpkins in these as well.  Once tomatoes are finished and removed from the bags, you are likely to be able to grow a fast growing plant. Try lettuces or rocket. The tomatoes given fertilizer leave some residual elements available for another brief crop.

Planting the container is simple, start with a clean container so ensuring there is no carry over of diseases.  Fill the container to just over half add water retaining granules and or controlled release fertilizer.  Tap the new plants gently from their pots or plant directly if you have used the small peat pots for growing your seedlings in.

If the plants have been left a while and have become root bound, gently loosen the roots at the bottom of the plant and those on the sides.

Plant the plant to the depth required allowing at least 1/2-1 inch from the top of the pot to the neck of the plant. Gently tip in more of the potting mix or compost until the soil is level with the neck of the plant firming down as you go. Water the plant into its position adding more mix should the watering cause it to sink.  It is also an idea to keep the pot slightly either elevated to aid the drainage with pot feet or balanced on some small flat wooden sticks.