Growing your own veg Where to plant
On the patio
Harvesting a crop of potatoes
If you want to grow plants in pots, you’ll need an area of patio that’s in the sun most of the day. Pots which hold at least ten litres or are about 25cm diameter will suit smaller vegetables. Big plants such as courgettes need at least 15 litres (30cm diameter).
Plastic pots take less watering than terracotta. Fill them with a multi-purpose compost – see our compost reviews for current Best Buys. Water plants regularly to keep them moist, but not sodden.
If you have containers for ornamental plants, you could substitute a couple of edible ones and water them all together each day, or buy a drip watering system, which costs from £20 for a basic kit that will water up to ten pots.
Short-lived leafy or root veg should get all their nutrition from the compost. Fruiting veg such as tomatoes and cucumbers need a high-potash feed, the kind you use on your flowers.
Small vegetable plot
Harvesting a crop of carrots
If you have space, a vegetable plot, even one as small as a 3x1.2m bed, should produce regular pickings throughout the summer at least.
The ideal position is sheltered from wind but in sun for most of the day, especially if you plan to grow tender plants like cucumbers and tomatoes.
If the soil already grows flowers or a lawn, it should be fine for vegetables. Make sure it is well drained (rain should soak away in winter) but not too dry in summer.
Dig the area over as deeply as you can – ideally at least a spade’s depth – and work in organic matter such as garden compost or soil conditioner to improve the texture and feed the crops.
Allotment
Another option is an allotment. Try a half plot (about 125 square metres) or smaller to start. Ideally, go for a recently worked plot near a water supply.
Expect to pay about £30 a year for a full plot. There may be a waiting list, but your local council can advise on this.
For more on growing your own vegetables, see our book Growing Your Own Vegetables Made Easy.
- Read our guide to starting an allotment.
- Find out about outdoor tomatoes
- Subscribe to Which? Gardening magazine
