Growing veggies in pots

It's an increasingly common phenomenon. People without much space at home and still wanting to grow their own vegetables are approaching nurseries and horticultural consultants in growing numbers, asking for advice on growing veggies.

"It's happening all the time," says Wendy Wicks from Northcote Nursery. "And just because someone has only got a small outdoor area – whether it's a small backyard or even just a balcony – doesn't mean they can't grow their own vegetables." 

The fundamentals of growing veggies in pots are the same as for any plant. You must use the best quality potting mix you can find and you need to choose an appropriate size of pot to accommodate the root system of the plant. 

According to Wendy, every vegetable that will grow in your climate can be grown in a pot. This includes climbers like beans and peas (as long as you place the pot next to a structure like a fence or netting for the plants to climb) and leafy plants like lettuces, silverbeet and spinach. Even spreading plants like pumpkins and zucchinis can be grown in pots.

"They just need a pot for the roots," says Wendy. "The plant itself can cascade over the side of the pot and run across the ground."

Give your veggies the right light

The single most important factor in growing veggies (and any other plant) in pots is that they receive sufficient sunlight. "As long as you've got room for a pot and the spot that you put it receives plenty of sunshine, then you can grow vegetables," says Wendy.

Feeding veggies 

Then it comes down to feeding the plant correctly. Remember that soil in pots dries out more quickly than soil in the ground, so regular watering is important. Wendy suggests using a potting mix that contains wetting agents and water-storing granules to make your job easier. 

Growing veggies with natural stimulants

She also recommends using a root stimulant (like a seaweed product) immediately after planting, to promote root growth and reduce 'transplant shock', and to use liquid fertilisers. Routines for feeding vary from product to product, so check the instructions on the packet for advice on how often to feed your plant. 

Plants respond differently to different fertilisers, so make sure the one you use is appropriate for your vegetables. Plants producing fruit like tomatoes, for example, will require a different fertiliser to leafy vegetables like lettuce or spinach. If in doubt, ask your local nursery for advice.