Enthusiastic Hello

[Birdie Wife]

Hi Alison,

Welcome to the Vine! This was the first forum I ever joined and it's still the best

[moggssue]

Hi and welcome Alison!! I grew in pots and a very small veg plot in my garden last year, this year am moving onto a lottie which I've just got after being on the waiting list for 2.5 years. I therefore agree with those saying put yourself on the waiting list now if you think that is something you'll want next year. meanwhile, good luck with the containers, and have fun!!

[bluemoon]

Welcome Alison, I've just received a seed order from Dobie's and they included a leaflet about growing veg on a patio, all the best varieties to use, even pot sizes for the individual crops. So, either request their catalogue then tick the little box for the leaflet when you send off your order - or PM me and I'll send you mine, I have a couple of huge allotments and don't really need it, but I'm a bit obsessive about reading everything I can get my hands on when it comes to growing my veg - especially when it's free - Oh, and buy the mag as it often has advice about container growing.

PS, When I started out I was in my final year and about to embark on a PGCE, I became totally hooked when my first training placement sent me to an FE college which ran a horticulture course. I didn't do the course, but I really picked the brains of those who ran it!

[Alison C]

Thanks for all the advice!

I would like to plant some Strawberries I was thinking of planting some in a grow bag in my minni greenhouses.
Thanks for the advice on the lotties, I knew it could take a while to get one but I didnt realise it could take a few years. I will definately see about putting my name down for one this summer.
Thanks Bluemoon for your kind offer, but to save for your postage I've contacted Dobie's and they are going to send me a leaflet. Thanks for putting me on to that one.
I'm really looking forward to this year and I wish you all a fruitfull cropping!

[Winged one]

Before I got my plot, I grew peas up a few bamboo canes making a pyramid in a pot on the patio, and a few tumbling tomato plants in a hanging basket on the side of the house. I continued with the hanging basket last year as the toddler loves being picked up high to harvest her own little treats after tea in the evenings in summer!!

It might help to get those water retaining granules (for hanging baskets) to put into your pots when putting in the compost and plants/seeds, to help keep some water and cut down on the worst of that later in the summer. And for deep pots, either leave a good lip on top of the compost (don't fill to the top of the pot) or use a pop bottle with the end cut off, bury the head (without the screwtop) deep into the pot and you can water deeper and quicker by pouring water into the end of the bottle.

[HeyWayne]

Welcome aboard the good ship Grapevine Alison. Can I ask, what's a PGCE?

Having never grown anything other than a pathetic excuse for a goatee beard some (mumbles) years ago now, I can honestly say that the advice and encouragement you get on here is worth it's weight in Arran Pilots.

I thought I'd put my name down for a plot this time last year - thinking I'd be on a three year waiting list, and within the hour I was having my pick of four plots! You never know until you ask the question.

No idea about growing stuff in pots I'm afraid.

Good luck.

[veg4681]

Just quick post to welcome to the post. You'll get invaluable advices on GYO and other gardening queries and hope you'll have fun with the members here at the same time .

[Shelle]

Hello there Alison

Like you I started off with containers last year (all I can grow in), amongst other things already mentioned, I grew radishes very easily in small containers.

You can also get "mini" veg especially for containers, this year I am trying out cauliflower, peas, cabbage and calabrese on top of carrots, potatoes, radishes, sweetcorn, and spring onions. Also consider strawberries in a hanging basket (or tomatoes).

[bluemoon]

Welcome aboard the good ship Grapevine Alison. Can I ask, what's a PGCE?

It's a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Wayne.- ( Teacher training ). Basically it means you already have the degree so (should) know what you're talking about subject-wise, but you need a year or (sometimes) two to learn how to:

a, speak in words of one syllable again.

b, control the little darlin's without resorting to a clip round the ear.

(b, as you might imagine, being the harder of the two)

[Geo]

welcome to the vine..Alison.

Geo..

[wayne]

you could try some herbs they can be very ornamental and maybe chillies to spice up your food..

[gardenplot]

Hi Alison and welcome to the vine,

I'm planning to grow tomatoes; courgettes and cucumbers in grow bags and chillies and peppers in tubs.