Food in pots

Food plants grown in pots can be an unusual alternative to flowering plans, whilst looking jast as attractive, and acting as a source of flavour for your cooking, or even healthy snacks. Some plants, such as courgettes, even have edible flowers, which are both beautiful and tasty

Many mediterrianian plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, courgettes as well as herbs and leafy plants will grow well in containers, and look great on the patio, or even in the conservatory.

They will probably need larger pots than ornamental plants, simply because a smaller pot will dry out faster than a larger one, If the plant isn't struggling to stay alive due to lack of water, it'll put all the more effort into its fruits, giving you a lucious, juicy crop. For the same reason, teracotta pots are better than plastic, with the added advantage that the weight will stop them from blowing over and damaging the friuts.

Choose a good quality soil. What nutrients the plants gets from the soil will affect it's quality and flavour and also the nutrients you can get from the fruits. To help the plant along, mix in some water retaining crystals and a good, slow release fertilliser.

Young plants area available from most garden centres and many new gardeners will prefer to buy them, but growing from seed is not too difficult, offers more variety and works out cheaper.

Don't limit yourself to pots, either. Many edible plants look great in window boxes, and hanging baskets. Edible flowers, such as nasturtium, calendula or viola are great for adding to salads and do fabulously in a hanging basket