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Post by madonplants on Dec 7, 2007 22:40:57 GMT
Two years ago, I gave two tubs to my two boys and asked what they wanted to grow in them. Craig the eldest (10 at the time) wanted a sunflower and he got very good results, using J'I' No 3 compost. Little Stephen (4 at the time) had to go to the GC to chose some packets. He chose Beetroot and Poached Egg plant! What a combination, but he managed some decent beetroot for a few days worth. He used M/P and J.I. compost mixed 50/50, whether that was right, I don't know. This year we had four tubs on the go, with carrots, beetroot, peas and dwarf runner beans. Carrots were none existant and so was the beetroot, probably the rain we had, but the peas and runners were OK. Snails got to the peas foliage a bit, but a few nights stalking soon sorted it out. Moving a mint plant growing close by, helped, as one night I watched a snail climb up the mint and swing cross to the peas!  Glad to find this thread, as it has given me some more ideas for next year. Oh forgot to mention my toms in growbags did well this year. Keith |
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Post by Shrubrose on Dec 8, 2007 9:10:52 GMT
Great to hear that the 'young 'uns' are having a go MP. Hope they really enjoy it and get the 'bug'.
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Post by Essexgirl on Feb 7, 2008 6:55:01 GMT
My runner beans did extremely well in a half whiskey barrell last year.I'll try something else in there this year but don't know what.  |
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Post by Rosefriend on Feb 7, 2008 8:25:01 GMT
They look great EG ..... my beans are going in to 120 litre tub this year and on top of that I will be doing Parlsey roots, Parsnips, 2 sorts of Parsley, Welsh onions, toms, chillies and spuds all in tubs .....
I must admit that I can't wait to start.....just the German weather won't allow it for a while.
RF
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Post by Rosefriend on Feb 7, 2008 9:22:02 GMT
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Post by Ruthie on Apr 9, 2008 18:44:59 GMT
Could any of you knowledgeable container veg growers give me some advice please. I've sown some mixed salad leaves, including Rocket and Spinach and want to grow them in large pots on my patio. I did this last year but despite regular watering (by me and the weather!) the rocket and spinach soon "bolted". I used bog standard soilless compost. Would I be better using JI no2 or 3 or even mixing potting compost with my very old, but unsterilised, garden compost. Also what's best to feed them with. I think I used a seaweed based food last year. Tomato food will be no good 'cos it's high in potash and encourages flower/fruit. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks  |
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Post by Tig on Apr 10, 2008 22:46:55 GMT
I'm no expert sr, I would try not feeding them - treat them like weeds? Maybe someone else will know Tig |
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Post by Spruance on Apr 10, 2008 22:57:35 GMT
Dr. Hessayon gives lack of water and nutrients as the principal reason for spinach bolting, and I suspect that the same will be true of rocket.
I use a 50-50 mixture of multi-purpose compost and John Innes No.3 in containers.
Dr. H also recommends application of a general purpose fertiliser.
To aid water retention you could line the containers with newspaper, and maybe use some of those water retentive granules as recommended for hanging baskets.
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Post by Ruthie on Apr 11, 2008 18:44:26 GMT
Thanks Spru. I'll go with that. I fed my Rocket like crazy last year but it still bolted, perhaps it doesn't like seaweed!
I've got another problem that none of you can help with. My seedlings (still in the propagator) are growing well and will make their first true leaves sometime next week. They will then need pricking out. I intended to put them straight in the big pots (in the G/H) BUT, I'm off to my sister's next Thurs ready to fly to Malta from Gatwick on Fri. Between now and then I haven't got time to do this! My timing's never been good but this takes the biscuit!!
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Post by Rosefriend on Apr 21, 2008 15:06:44 GMT
Bit of a daft question perhaps but can I use Bark chippings on my tubs of Parsley roots, Parsnips, Carrots etc. to help retain water?
I have grown toms and chillies/peppers for years and always used it but can I also use it for root veg?
RF
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on Apr 21, 2008 18:54:49 GMT
I'm growing all my taters in large containers...so far we have 4 pots with Lady Crystl and 2 with Pink Fir Apple.... ;D
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Post by Rosefriend on Apr 23, 2008 14:00:14 GMT
I have done the rest of my veg today - all in tubs.
Beetroot x 2, Leaf salad x 2, Onions x 5, Carrots x 1, Radishes x 2
together with 10 tubs with Toms, a 125 litre trough with the Chillies/Peppers etc in, 15 tubs of spuds and another 125 litre trough for the beans.
That makes 39 tubs and I haven't counted the 5 tubs of herbs, plus the herb planter - and the two apple trees.....
This is mad.....47 in all......just veggie things....
RF
EDIT I have forgotton the 2 x 45 litre round tubs for the Parsley Roots and Parsnips..
That makes 51 and not a flower in sight......
EDIT again - I have forgotten my Mint and Basil.....53 tubs ...some people have got a lot to answer for on GWD!!!
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Post by Shrubrose on Apr 23, 2008 18:05:28 GMT
;D
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Post by Ladygardener on Apr 25, 2008 11:43:48 GMT
has anyone tried the patio parsnip called lancer? bought a pk today, will plant some later on |
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Post by Rosefriend on May 4, 2008 4:55:39 GMT
My OH, who had to be coaxed to "enjoy" this veg growing lark is getting excited - his beloved radishes are through and he has bought a cheapy pack of seeds from the supermarket to try as well....
I am laying down the law though - my Roses are staying - there is no way that I am digging them up for any veg!!
RF
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Post by Cheerypeabrain on May 13, 2008 20:02:13 GMT
;D My OH always gets involved when the garden starts looking good...especially when the vegetables start to grow...then he insists on watering them (and even brings his friends round to show them 'his' successes....  ) aw bless... He does do all the construction work in the garden tho...so I won't complain. ;D |
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Post by Rosefriend on May 20, 2008 16:35:49 GMT
I do know what you mean CPB - my OH always says when everything is in bloom ...ooo our garden does look lovely this year.....well it is our's but..... Anyway here are some of the veg pots - not all - I didn't think a pic of compost and nothing growing would go down too well. Toms and some of the Spuds/More Spuds   Beans/Mini Cucumber   Beetroot/Rocket and Leaf salad stuff   Onions/Garlic   Peppers and Chillies/ Onions/Carrots   Herbs in various pots/Radishes etc.   RF |
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 18:32:59 GMT
They are all looking very healthy RF
Your beans are way ahead of mine
What is the mini-cucumber you are growing?
x Tig
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Post by Rosefriend on May 20, 2008 19:04:17 GMT
They are all looking very healthy RF Your beans are way ahead of mine What is the mini-cucumber you are growing? x Tig The mini cucumber is Printo from Kiepenkerl - it is supposed to be an early variety and cold tolerant - it is certainly being tested at the moment. The beans are doing well and the ones I sowed outside in the trough are also coming through now. RF |
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 19:21:55 GMT
Thank you, I will look forward to hearing how well it does in the taste test  x Tig |
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Post by Chuckles on May 20, 2008 21:37:50 GMT
WOW RF that veg looks brilliant, just goes to show what you can grow in pots. I've currently got spuds, garlic and carrots grwoing in tubs. I have some young squash plants and pepinos that I'll be trying to grow in tubs too, part of the 2008 trials gardenworld.proboards103.com/index.cgi?board=2008trials Then there are the usual GH plants in tubs/pots, toms, cucs and peppers. Got a feeling I've got some other veg stuff in tubs too but can't think what atm |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jun 24, 2008 12:46:40 GMT
Just thought that I would update my veg patch. I am pleased, really pleased. 3 neighbours have followed suite with spuds, toms, peppers and beans. Seems I am starting a trend. Parsley Roots and Parsnips/ Potatoes   Beans all flowering and some have even set.   Lettucy things, Beetroot, Rocket etc/ 1st cucumber   Onions and Carrots all doing well  RF |
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Post by Ladygardener on Jun 24, 2008 18:42:52 GMT
Wow RF they're all looking fantastic, so healthy and those beans have lovely flowers.Well done for roping in the neighbours too ;D My rocket has all gone to seed so I'll have to start again but I'm still cropping little salad leaves. I must post a pic soon of my patio parsnips which are doing great.
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Post by Tig on Jun 25, 2008 22:37:47 GMT
Cucumber envy here RF  What a great result you are getting from your container veg Well done, trend-setter ;D x Tig |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jun 26, 2008 5:53:52 GMT
Thank you both...I am delighted with the mini cucumbers Tig - there are about 7 growing on the plant at the moment. I have grown normal cucumbers and the "half-sized" ones and both are better that the normal length ones. I shall try and get some seeds next year for this variety - unfortunately it is a F1.
Toms and Peppers are doing very well - just the spuds - I am interested to see if I need all of the other 14 tubs to get a meal...if so I won't be doing spuds again I don't think.
The one interesting thing is that the beans are even better in the trough (90 litres) than they were in the ground.
I have to laugh at my neighbours - I expected ridicule and they are all having a go now and enjoying themselves.
RF
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Post by Tig on Jun 27, 2008 19:31:20 GMT
Seven  I had to make do with one tiddly cucumber on my plant, although since I harvested it there seems to be a bit of new growth, so I'm hopeful I may get another! I have several gherkins though, not sure what I going to do with them! It must be very rewarding that your neighbours are encouraged by your madness, they will all have fatsias next year ;D x Tig |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jun 28, 2008 8:22:45 GMT
For some reason I have often seen that cucumbers grow better after the first one is taken off - must be a reason for it, I suppose.
Rewarded - not sure really - just makes me relieved that I won't be the only one that the men in white will be carting off....
Fatsia's all over ....... ooo nay Tig, then Andy will have to come up with something else....I can cope with being a little strange..
RF
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2008 1:02:29 GMT
Your pots are all looking really good Rosefriend. Did you find it easy to grow the mini cucumber or do they need a lot of care?
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Post by Shrubrose on Jul 1, 2008 6:15:40 GMT
Well, there's growth in abundance there RF and what a result with the cucumber! Hope you're well and truly hooked now? |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jul 1, 2008 7:06:53 GMT
I am happy that I am doing so well at the moment. The mini cucumber "Printo"is really going mad - we have eaten 3 and there are another 5 on the plant at the moment. Only around 17 cms but so tasty and ideal for a small salad.
I have grown so many different types of cucumber but never this sort - it will be a "must" next year as well - apart from watering and feeing there is nothing to do. Very temperature and mildew tolerant - especially good for outside.
RF
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) aw bless...
I had to make do with one tiddly cucumber on my plant, although since I harvested it there seems to be a bit of new growth, so I'm hopeful I may get another! I have several gherkins though, not sure what I going to do with them! 