Winter crops for containers?

[*Lavender*]

Hello,

Last year I hadn't really thought about a winter season, but this year I'd like some other things to replace my crops I'll hopefully be finishing off in the autumn time!

I don't have a big garden and all my crops are in containers - I have about 12 large tubs (approx 38cm dia and 35cm deep). I'm currently growing potatoes, carrots, peas, broad beans and courgettes in them, but I'd like to replant them with some stuff for the winter time, but I'm unsure what!

Can anyone help? Thanks!

[sewer rat]

It's tricky as most winter crops need to more or less reach full size (if not maturity) before winter and need to be planted about May or June to allow them time to grow. Leeks can be started now for transplanting after your potatoes, and you could start kale or PSB in small pots, to plant into your larger pots as they become free.

[Alice]

I'd go with Rat and say PSB and Kale. You could also try salad leaves and Pak Choi with a little bit of protection (fleece). See what others think.

[Snadger]

I would say that you could conceivably grow any 'normal' winter outdoor crop that you would usually grow in the allotment/garden in containers.
I know that this year, my greenhouses will have winter veg in pots in them rather than standing empty!

[Cutecumber]

The problem is keeping the roots warm enough - in a container they are much more vulnerable to the cold. The solution is to wrap the containers in something like bubble wrap and keep them in the most sheltered place you can.

Try a dwarf kale - like dwarf green curled - they are just the right size.
Winter lettuce, like Valdor, are also good.
Spring cabbages are not too big and should do ok.

Personally I wouldn't recommend psb in that size container.

Remember that some of these crops will still be coming into harvest in March, April and May next year - when you will need to be sowing and planting again.

[*Lavender*]

Thanks for all your replies!

I think I will try some leeks, and maybe some winter lettuces. What about chard - would that be ok?

As I'm growing in a restricted container, obviously the compost will have been exhausted from the 1st crops I grew. Should I replace the whole lot, or is there a way to replenish some of the goodness? I know beans & peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, but what about the containers I grew mine in - will the soil need conditioned with something else, or should I just dump the lot?

Good tip about bubble wrap - I wouldn't have thought about keeping the pots warm so thanks!