Growing fruit, veg, herbs and flowers in pots
Everyone knows that plants in the ground do way better than pots right? I was hoping this isn't always the case as I wanted to be able to move some of my plants later in the year. I decided to experiment with different sized pots, plants and locations. Success, failure and learnings shared with you.
Rather do a lengthy wordy blog, I'm going to cut to the chase. What you really want is the pro's and con's right? Along with some photographic evidence - so here it is.
What was successful about our potted garden?
- Able to move chicken-favourite veggies out of reach of the chickens.
- The variety of foliage and flowers in one place were really pretty.
- No worries about contamination from cat or dog poop.
- Able re-arrange during different stages of plant growth to make a more aesthetic garden.
- Very little weeding required.
- No slug activity in the larger 10litre pots.
- As veggies of the same group were spread apart, more resilience from pests and disease.
- Easier to hold mulch in place without the chickens scratching it up.
- Young plants under serious pest attack could be moved to safer places.
- My potted fruit trees were had many more fruits than normal.
Failures / learnings from our potted garden
- Sometimes had to hunt around for which pots had salad items when I needed them.
- Had to water a lot more often and did lose some due to lack of water when we were away.
- Smaller pots in our mini greenhouse were demolished by slugs and caterpillars (had to keep the door open to stop small pots from drying up).
- Some plants took a bit longer to get going, especially lettuce in the smaller pots.
Conclusion
Bigger pots and diversity make a big difference!
Overall, I was really pleased with the potted garden, however size of pot did make a huge difference and in future, I will get plants into the larger pots sooner. I also need a decent irrigation system to keep them all nice and watered. I did have companion planting in mind when I decided what to place with what (most of the time) but I know I can improve further for a more perfect companion grouping that also look good.
In terms of the mini green house, I need a bigger one, with bigger pots, with an irrigation system and some air vents so that I don't need to leave the door open. I will also refrain from putting my brassica's in there and keep them outside under nets.