Growing in planters demands thoughtful planning regarding what to cultivate and how to achieve the best results. Recently, raised planters have surged in popularity, especially in urban settings with limited outdoor space, allowing easy access to fresh produce like vegetables, herbs, and salad greens. However, several pitfalls can hinder success.
MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN PLANTING IN CONTAINERS
We consulted soil expert and nutritional gardener Dr. Nigel Bending to highlight prevalent planting errors and strategies to sidestep them.
1. IGNORING YOUR SPACE LIMITATIONS
Containers have restricted growing space. To optimize yield, consider harvesting crops as 'baby leaves' early or selecting compact varieties. For instance, try growing 'Piccolo' courgettes, 'Pot Black' mini aubergines, or yellow 'Summer Ball' courgettes. The 'Tom Thumb' pea is also a fantastic choice, yielding full-size pods while only reaching a height of 25cm, significantly shorter than most pea varieties.
2. CHOOSING CROP VARIETIES PRONE TO PESTS
While it may seem appealing to grow brassicas like cabbage and turnip, they are often susceptible to various pests and diseases. Opting for hardier alternatives can simplify your gardening experience. Great choices for greenhouse planting include 'Red Kitten' spinach or 'Bright Lights' Swiss Chard, which features stems in a variety of colors. Consider swapping cabbage for these resilient options.
3. STICKING TO COMMON VARIETIES
Many gardeners limit themselves to supermarket selections, missing out on more nutritious and flavorful crops. Supermarkets prioritize varieties that withstand transport and shelf life, often sacrificing taste. Herbs thrive in containers, so cultivate your own herb garden with unique choices like 'Lemon', 'Thai', or 'Ruby' basil. Also, varieties like 'French' and 'Red-veined' sorrel are not commonly found in stores but offer a zesty flavor and are reliable crops.
4. NEGLECTING MATURITY TIMES
Some crops, like parsnips, take up to 180 days to mature. Always check the maturation period before planting. Consider alternatives such as 'Chioggia' beetroot, which matures faster than 'Boltardy', or 'Speedy' Dwarf French bean instead of 'Masterpiece'. Aim for varieties that mature in under 90 days, enabling multiple harvests each season.
Check out tips from Great Dixter's Aaron Bertelsen on growing fruits and vegetables in pots.
5. BEING OVERLY AMBITIOUS
Beginners with limited gardening space should avoid challenging crops like celery. Starting with a 'lettuce bag' can be a rewarding first step. Seeds for this are easy to find and reliable to grow. Try varieties such as Mustard 'Red Giant', Mizuna, or 'Red Frills'. If you prefer something milder, options like 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Cocarde', and 'Oak-leaf Smile' are excellent choices.
