Herbs and vegetables in containers

By Rannveig (rannveig) on June 10, 2011

Not everyone has the space for a big vegetable garden that can provide their family with veggies well into winter. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not possible to enjoy the taste of homegrown vegetables even if it’s just a small quantity. Many vegetables can be grown successfully in pots and other containers on balconies and patios.

So what can be grown? The first things that come to mind are various herbs and varieties of lettuce which are very easy to grow in pots. It's pretty nice to have a pot with some favorite herbs by the door where they’re easily accessible to fetch a pinch with a meal. It’s a good idea to sow the lettuce in intervals of a few weeks to get a fresh crop over a longer period.

I experimented with growing carrots in a big flowerbox last summer with great results. It didn’t take very long for us to finish the entire crop, but there’s nothing that can beat the taste of homegrown carrots. The soil warms quicker in a raised box than in the ground which is very helpful in our short growing season. Strawberries are also ideal for growing in boxes and even hanging baskets for the same reason. Another bonus is that the berries are off the ground so there’s less chance of the slugs getting to the berries before we do. All kinds of brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be grown in containers as well as green beans and peas.

It’s also a great way to give kids a chance to try growing their own vegetables. There are even many different colored varieties that can be exciting to try, like the purple and yellow carrots that were a big hit with my girls. Sweet, tasty and packed with healthy antioxidants. The possibilities are endless so just let your imagination go and treat your taste buds to homegrown vegetables this summer.

Translation of an article that first appeared here.

Related articles:
container gardening, herbs, vegetables

About Rannveig
Born and raised in Iceland, I found a deeper appreciation for my country after spending 6 years of my teens in the US (Florida). I've been a garden enthusiast since my childhood and love the challenges of gardening in Iceland ..... well, most of the time. I have to admit that slighly longer, warmer summers would not be a bad thing.

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