Homegrown Grub

mallada

I recently moved into a new house, with plenty of outdoor space. The problem being that for the moment it is pretty much concrete and patio at the back.

Any advice for what can grow well in pots, and maybe I could make a raised bed (though not sure how well this would work on concrete?)

I have done very little gardening in the past, so would like to start with stuff that is more easily manageable before going too adventurous.
Personally I wouldnt mind a potted patio fruit tree or two, but not sure if the yield on these is worth the expense? Anyone got any?

ladylouise62

The problem with container gardening is always watering, so you need to decide whether you are the sort of person who can keep on top of that (which would mean different amounts for different plants and sometime multiple times a day). I am terrible at keeping on top of watering, so I always keep that in mind. Having said that, you can get self-watering pots (with a reservoir at the bottom) so you don't have to water so often, and you can also add water-retaining gel when potting up which also helps. Some plants, when in the ground, can deal with dry weather because they have very deep roots rather than because they need little water, so in pots will make them more susceptible to drying out... keep that in mind when you read that a plant is happy in dryer weather.

Although tomatoes need careful watering I have done them in pots (the cherry, bush tomatoes), and have been OK despite my poor attention. This year I did them in reservoir pots and they seemed to do quite well - I certainly had enough out of them to pay for the pots that I had to buy, seed and compost, and so next year it will nearly all be profit

As for raised beds, watering will also be an issue, although not as bad... all depends up on how deep you make them! BTW, if you don't want to make them yourself take a look at the Link-a-bord website, they will sell direct and it's half the price of buying it from any other place, and can include some self-fitting cages to cover with fleece or plastic. http://www.linkabord.co.uk/shop/products.asp?cid=6

ladylouise62

I neglected to say, I have had reasonable success also with courgettes and chilies, and of course potatoes are do-able, berries (I'm trying Blueberries, and this year should hopefully give me my first harvest!).
Herbs are great, and some even prefer to be 'maltreated', like Sage.

mallada

I could certainly make some beds a couple of feet deep. As for watering, Im pretty sure I could keep on top of at least once a day. Though twice a day may push it for myself.

Thanks for the info!

annie123

This will give you lots of ideas:
http://www.container-gardening-for-food.com/index.html

HTH

mallada

Brilliant link, very useful information about container and raised bed gardening. But also on seed types etc.

Thanks!