A movable feast

There are many good reasons for growing edible plants in containers. Perhaps you want to grow a variety that is not suited to the soil type in your garden, or you are short of space or perhaps you want to grow a less than hardy variety that will benefit from some winter protection in the greenhouse. Another reason though is simply for the flexibility of being able to move containers where you want them when you want them, and as their fruits develop and become more attractive. As summer turns to autumn, many fruiting plants have as much visual appeal as flowers or late season foliage plants such as grasses. Moving them into prime positions in the garden will not only allow you to enjoy them when they are at their best but will also make sure you don’t forget to harvest their fruits. Add to that the vast range of pots and containers you will enjoy a feast for both eyes and stomach. 

There is virtually no fruit or vegetable that cannot be grown in a container. Many traditional fruits, such as apples and pears, are now grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks, and plant nurseries have successfully bred miniature varieties of many other types of edibles, such as tomatoes. Plenty, such as herbs, are of course just small anyway. 

I have enjoyed growing one or two prize specimens in pots this year, moving them into the spot light as their jewel like fruits have begun to dazzle, and will definitely be trying a few more varieties next year. Here are one or two suggestions to add another dimension to your garden:-

Chilli (Gusto mixed) – These have looked fantastic for months and are currently dripping with fruit (pictured) which are slowing turning from green and purple, to red and orange. They were seeded in a tray on the kitchen windowsill in March, potted on to 9cm pots in April and then on to their final home (9 inch diameter terracotta pots with multi-purpose compost and slow release fertiliser) in May. As they are only about 45cms tall and in quite small pots they have been easy to move and therefore have had quite a nomadic summer.

Tomato (Minibel) - Sowing and potting these on was as for the chillies, and again they are currently dripping with fruit (which are proving quite attractive to slugs so some vigilance has been required). I have been regular but sparing with the watering of these to avoid splitting.  

Aubergine (Moneymaker) – Again, sowing and potting on were as for the chillies, with the main difference being that their final home was a slightly larger pot. The big leaves have meant that these are thirsty plants and the extra support of a cane has proved necessary as the large fleshy purple fruits have ballooned.

Nectarine (Nectarella) – This dwarf variety is ideal for a sunny terrace and one I plan to get hold of for next year. It is slow growing and requires virtually no pruning. It wants to be planted into a decent sized pot (45-50cms) with plenty of drainage at the bottom, and a multi-purpose fertiliser mixed with grit and slow release fertiliser. As they are very early to flower some protection, perhaps in an unheated greenhouse, is usually wise in late winter and early spring.

Blueberry (Bluecrop) – This is one I am really looking forward to growing. In a pot they will grow up to 100-120cms tall and produce plenty of fruit in late summer (which might need some protection from birds). They also have the advantage that they turn a beautiful autumn colour. Being acid lovers they will need to be grown in ericaceous compost and will prefer to be watered with rainwater (more acidic than tap water). Even though they may be sold as self-pollinating, blueberries always fruit best where there is more than one. Once established, older stems will need to be pruned out at the base to encourage new growth.