The spring months in the garden seem to pass in a blur of preparation, sowing, planting and excitement for the season ahead.
Then, before you know it, here we are, summer peeking her glorious head around the door. If you were hoping to add some deliciousness Healthy food crops For your space this year, you may think you’ve missed the window of opportunity, but I’m here to tell you there’s still time!
And what’s more, you don’t need acres of land to enjoy a bountiful harvest to grace your kitchen table – there are plenty of crops you can get right out of the gate, in pots right now! Here are some favorites You can grow vegetables in pots right now
1. Short-rooted carrots
(Image credit: Getty)
As garden writer Kim Stoddart explains, these sweet little roots are a wonderful choice for small-space growers: ‘carrot An excellent crop to grow in containers with small spacing, such as ground cover, this can help prevent pest problems. Carrot fly.’
You need a deep container so the roots have room to grow. Container grown carrots It can also be of better quality, shape-wise, as the roots in the soil can be distorted in shape by stones.
In terms of which variety to grow, some grow faster than others (often with the word ‘speedy’ in the seed description). Baby carrots will be available, of course, but faster and shorter varieties are also fast growing. It’s also down to weather and watering, and is a perfect excuse to try a few different varieties to compare and contrast this summer. Enjoy!
Where to buy short root carrots:
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Paris Market – Atlas‘ is a variety that produces tasty, bite-sized roots
- Sutton: ‘Rondo’ Perfect for pots, and has a wonderful, sweet flavor
2. Dwarf French beans
(Image credit: Getty Images/Pavlinek)
From Emma O’Neill Garden Organic Says ‘Dwarf French beans are perfect vegetables For growing in containers, provides fresh produce throughout the summer months.’
A few things to consider before planting: You’ll need a pot at least 30cm deep and about 45cm wide. Make sure there are plenty of drainage holes, and it’s a good idea to put some crocs or grit in the bottom to aid drainage. Dwarf French beans thrive best in full sun and require regular watering. It is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.’
Watering is especially important during flowering, when the plant will produce pods. Always choose a good quality peat-free, organic compost that contains enough nutrients. If necessary, you can feed weekly with a high potash solution. Although this plant only grows to a height of 45cm, I like to put in some twiggy material to help support it, as it can get top-heavy. To protect the plant from slugs and snails, we use copper tape and grit or shell around the top of the pot. Finally, remember that the more you reap, the more you get!”
Where to Buy Dwarf French Beans:
- Dobies: ‘mascotA wonderful choice for container growing, producing fine, stringless pods
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Quartz‘ is a generous variety, high yielding and able to withstand hot summers
3. Salad leaves
(Image credit: Getty Images)
So June is an excellent month Growing salad leavesAnd these crops make it easy to enjoy a fresh, home-grown harvest in even the tiniest of gardens, balconies or patios.
growing rapidly Salad crop Things like lettuce, rocket, mizuna, mustard greens and cut-and-come-gain leaf mixes thrive in containers and can provide a steady supply all summer long to keep you toasty lunches and dinners during hot weather.
Choose a pot, trough or window box with good drainage – This all-in-one teat from Crocus A fab choice is – and fill it with a quality peat-free compost, eg Miracle-Gro’s premium all-purpose fertilizer. Keep the container in a sunny spot (although some light afternoon shade can help prevent leaf bolting in hot weather).
Sow the seeds sparingly and often (known as succession sowing) – every two to three weeks – to ensure a constant supply of tender leaves. Keep the compost consistently moist, as the container dries out faster than garden soil. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender.
Where to buy lettuce seeds:
- Sutton: ‘French Mix‘ is perfect for growing on windowsills and is full of flavor and goodness
- Dobies: ‘Salad leaf Asian leaves‘ Part of the Organic range and Dobby’s, it’s great if you’re trying to boost your organic credentials.
4. Radishes
(Image credit: Getty)
Fast-growing and easy to care for, radishes can produce a crop in less than four weeks, providing quick rewards for gardeners of all experience levels. Choose a container that is at least 15 cm deep and fill it with good-quality, peat-free compost – This Wasteland one from B&Q A great option. Sow the seeds thinly in shallow drills, spacing them a few centimeters apart to give the roots room to develop. Water lightly after sowing and keep the compost constantly moist. Irregular watering can cause roots to become woody or split.
For best results, place the container in a sunny location. To ensure a consistent harvest, sow small batches of seeds every two weeks during June, rather than planting everything all at once.
Harvest radishes as soon as they reach usable size, as keeping them in compost for too long can affect quality. regular sowing, Water carefully And timely harvesting will help you enjoy crisp, delicious roots all summer long—and beyond if you add winter varieties, too!
Where to buy Radishes:
- Crocus: ‘Mixed‘ gives you a wonderful selection of colorful radishes – fast growing and fab for beginners
- B&Q: ‘Rocks 2‘ has a vibrant color and flavor, which packs a real punch even in the smallest of spaces
5. Swiss chard
(Image credit: Future plc/Heather Young)
This prolific leafy vegetable is easy to grow, attractive to look at and offers a long harvest season.
Choose a container that is at least 30 cm. Be deep – something like that These pots from Dunelm Reasonably priced and will fit into any space. Fill it with a good-quality peat-free compost and pop it in a sunny spot. Swiss chard Grows best in moisture-retaining soil, so regular watering is important.
Sow the seeds thinly, about 2 cm deep and thin, when they are large enough to handle. Alternatively, young plants can be transplanted into additional containers. Applying a balanced liquid feed (an organic type, eg Wasteland Organic Vegetable Feed from Amazon, works) every two weeks can help promote healthy growth.
Prune leaves little and often, removing the outer stems first, to keep the center of the plant producing fresh growth.
Where to Buy Swiss Chard:
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Bright lights‘ is a beautifully ornamental as well as reliable crop
- B&Q: ‘Celebration 1‘ is a great choice for growing in containers on the patio, and looks and tastes great
6. Spring onions
(Image credit: Getty Images/Yulia Kokosha)
This An easy onion to grow Take up very little space and give steady harvest. To start, fill the container with a good quality peat-free compost and place it in a position that receives a fair amount of sun during the day.
Spring onion seeds can be thinly sown in shallow drills, with rows spaced a few centimeters apart to allow the plants to grow. Keep the compost moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Weeding And ensuring good air flow around plants can help maintain healthy growth. Spring onions generally require less feeding when grown in fresh compost, although a balanced liquid feed can be used if growth appears slow. They’re usually ready to harvest in eight to 12 weeks, depending on the variety, so they’re another quick option, perfect for the avid growers among us!
Where to Buy Spring Onions:
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘White Lisbon‘ is a popular variety due to its reliability and punchy taste
- Marshalls Garden: ‘IshikuraCan be harvested young or left to mature and has a delicious, mild flavor
7. Herbs
(Image credit: Future plc / Colin Poole)
Container Herbs Make it easy to enjoy fresh flavors in even the smallest spaces. Many herbs (including basil, parsley, chives, coriander and mint) thrive in pots and can be placed near the kitchen for convenient harvesting while you cook.
the most Herbs Choose a sunny position, receiving at least six hours of sunlight per day, although parsley and mint will tolerate some light shade. As with other crops, aim to keep the compost evenly moist.
Prune the tree little and often to encourage growth. Plucking the growing tips of basil and other leafy herbs can help prevent premature flowering and promote more leaves – meaning more crops! Mint is best grown in its own potBecause it can spread and drown neighboring plants.
Where to buy herbs:
- B&Q: herb’mixed collection‘ allows you to grow a selection of fragrant leaves
- Dobies: ‘Mint‘ is a favorite of many growers – and the benefits of banning pot!
There you have it! Whether you have a large garden or just a sunny one A patio or balcony for growing vegetablesThese fast-growing varieties prove that you don’t need much space to enjoy indoor crops this season.
