Raised beds and container question

[oldie]

I am planning to make my plot no-dig and use raised beds. It is South facing,flat section at top then a moderate slope down most of the length and finally a flat section at the bottom. I was going to put the beds across the slope (east-west)but I've read that it is better to have them north south. What advice would you give?
My local supermarket throws out the black plastic buckets their flowers come in. I can get them for free. They are 11'' high by 10'' diameter. What could I grow in them?

[carlseawolf]

i've already got some of them buckets and plan to grow peppers or aubigene in them this year.

[Snadger]

I personally would stick with the East/West configuration this will mean your crops are planted in a rows which are North/South across the beds alowing the sun to catch both sides of each plant!

[donald]

you could grow some flower bulbs or herbs. If they're deep enough, you could try growing root veg, like radish, as the high sides of the pot may deter the slugs attacking them and harvest some root veg that's of a better quality.

[SarzWix]

Those 'flower buckets' are great for a range of crops, as they're quite deep - you can use them for;
salads spuds - 1 per bucket
carrots - individual sow at recommended spacing
tomatoes - 1 per bucket
cucumbers - "
aubergines - "
Chillis/peppers - "
Brussels sprouts - 1 per bucket

The possibilities are endless really, just remember they'll need watering!

[shirlthegirl43]

Lucky you getting them for free - which supermarket is that please?

[oldie]

Shirley I get them from ASDA. Just ask someone working on the flowers and they will keep them for you.

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks oldie. I am sure I asked at our Asda and was told they send them back - oh well, might go and ask again sometime.

[diana]

Surely you can grow most things in containers, my neighbour grows peas beans and many many other veg due to the conditions up here so you can move them around out of the wind.