growing own veggies in bags and pots (Merged)

stilernin

katyk wrote: »

Need some advice on what may be a leg-pull, people.

I put a request on my local freecycle today for a strawberry planter as I have some very hardy little strawb plants which I have decided need a second chance. One lady, whilst unable to offer a planter, did email me to suggest planting them in an old wheelbarrow and allowing them to spill over the sides. As I would not have space for this, she offered another suggestion of an old bra, lined with cut up disposable nappies for the water retaining gel, and then filled with soil.

Now,whilst I could offer sufficient cup size to provide a fairly decent crop, I am unsure if this would really work or if I am merely having the Michael taken. Can anyone advise? I am just about daft enough to try this one!

Another version of a strawberry planter can be made with three or more differernt size plant pots. Fill all with compost and stack them one on top of the other finishing with the smallest. This has created a tower with enough compost exposed at each level for your strawberry plants. The top has all of the area available of course. One benefit of this is that each pot will keep the compost beneath it cool and moist,and you'll find the roots travel there.

You could also use different sizes of plastic storage boxes.

Why not keep an eye out on Freecycle? I have often seen offers of pots etc.

katyk_2

Thanks Davesnave and Stillearnin

Piling pots on top of each other is an idea I had not thought of_may well give that one a try!

Davesnave

sunshine6650 wrote: »

Hello Everyone,

Ive read briefly through most of the posts..there is so much tho!

I have no ground to grow anything, but i take it from the posts above & beyond, carrots, parsnips can be grown in large pots/containers?

I know this is better for you but is this cheaper than buying from ahop? (once got pots, seeds,compost,fertilizer etc)

Sorry for a basic easy question!

No, its a good question.

In general, I think that fast -growing crops like salad leaves, herbs and reasonably rapid roots, such as radish are worthwhile.

On the other hand, crops like parsnips that need a long time, and finicky things, like French beans, can be more trouble than they are worth. It is not just the cost that needs considering, but also the time, trouble, likelihood of pest attack etc that should be weighed-up.

Some people just have to grow something. I'm one of them, but I still think it pays to grow smart, especially if your space/time is limited.

I know I save a fortune on salad leaves, cress, rocket and various herbs for a minimal amount of effort. Personally, I wouldn't go beyond that in containers, but then I don't have to.

I'm sure there will be someone else along in a moment that grows much more than me, but I'm not convinced long term crops are 'worth' it, except for the sheer enjoyment & satisfaction, which is a personal thing.

sb44

stilernin wrote: »

Another version of a strawberry planter can be made with three or more differernt size plant pots. Fill all with compost and stack them one on top of the other finishing with the smallest. This has created a tower with enough compost exposed at each level for your strawberry plants. The top has all of the area available of course. One benefit of this is that each pot will keep the compost beneath it cool and moist,and you'll find the roots travel there.

You could also use different sizes of plastic storage boxes.

Why not keep an eye out on Freecycle? I have often seen offers of pots etc.

Do you mean like this?

stilernin

sb44 wrote: »

Do you mean like this?

Yup, that's the one............. it has really worked well for me. Easier to keep it watered than the big pots sold as strawberry planters and the fruits hang down the sides just the same.

katyk_2

stilernin wrote: »

Yup, that's the one............. it has really worked well for me. Easier to keep it watered than the big pots sold as strawberry planters and the fruits hang down the sides just the same.

Would this idea work for cherry toms or for herbs??

I have literally load of tubs of various sizes and could easily utilise a good number of them for this type of thing. Would take up little space and I presume I could vaseline the outside of the bottom one to help keep the slugs at bay too.

Thanks folks
Katyk

stilernin

katyk wrote: »

Would this idea work for cherry toms or for herbs??

I have literally load of tubs of various sizes and could easily utilise a good number of them for this type of thing. Would take up little space and I presume I could vaseine the outside of the bottom one to help keep the slugs at bay too.

Thanks folkds
Katyk

I would imagine that you could grow loads of things in a tower. There is a variety of toms called Tumbler which would work well. The top pot could have salad leaves in it (away from the slugs) and you could replace it when it is finished with a pot the same size that was sown three weeks later IYSWIM

katyk_2

OK, now I am just showing my age and ignorance but what, oh what, does IYSWIM mean?

stilernin

If you see what I mean............

lbt_2

katyk wrote: »

Would this idea work for cherry toms or for herbs??

I have literally load of tubs of various sizes and could easily utilise a good number of them for this type of thing. Would take up little space and I presume I could vaseine the outside of the bottom one to help keep the slugs at bay too.

Thanks folkds
Katyk

Ahh, I hadn't thought of that as a way of keeping the slugs away. I can't use pellets as i have children, and I found that slug tape didn't work after a while. Will try this year - they had a field day with my spinach last year:mad: