What Veg can't be grown in pots?

[Dutch]

I was wondering, Is there any veg that deeps such a deep root system that growing in containers would be a real problem?

I was thinking of maybe sweetcorn or brussel sprouts?

Their has to be ways of growing these in containers that dont resemble small cars?

[Alice]

Hello Dutch, anything can be grown in containers if the container is big enough and you feed it and water it enough. However, some things would not be worthwhile in terms of crop for the work involved. As you say, I think brussel sprouts and corn would come into this category. Was there something in particular you were thinking about.

[wellie]

Alice, I think Parsnips might very well come into this category too, no?

[wellie]

Although, we do need to know what kind of 'container' and how deep, because of course you could do Parsnips too if you had the depth.....
So. How long is this piece of string that we're talking about perchance?!

[Alice]

I think parsnips could be succesfully grown in containers, Wellie, if they were deep enough, but doubt if the crop would be big. Never done it myself, but if you were desperate to get a few - well...... yes.

[wellie]

I'm not talking of me Alice, I'm thinking that if anyone wanted to try growing Parsnips in containers, they possibly could try. Personally, I wouldn't advocate it. Where possible, I'd grow Parsnips in the ground, full stop, as that's the very best place for them if you're growing to actually eat them for your dinner.
it's another thing to grow them for a show, and I'm not into that at all. I like my vegetables young and sweet and fit for the table.

[Hazel at the Hill]

From what I learn on the Vine, I think that the girls are right, Dutch - but it depends how big the container is..........?

Anything salady like lettuce/toms/radish/leaf beet/french beans/strawbs/courgettes etc etc, will be great in containers; some roots may be ok...like stumpy carrots, beetroot etc but as longer roots like parsnips want a good deep run, and anything brassica which wants solid soil would do better in the ground, I think.

Mind you, there are 'baby parsnip' seeds for sale now which are suitable for containers too, I believe.

[Snadger]

I've never seen a swede grown in a pot? Turnips yes, but swede no!

[rustylady]

Sweetcorn and Brussel Sprouts are not really deep-rooted but they are quite big plants, so you would not be able to grow many per container. Tap-rooted veggies such as carrots and parsnips can be grown successfully in deep pots - you won't get a high yield, but the roots should be nice and clean.

[dexterdoglancashire]

My boss gave me his old office desk - the bits of wood used elsewhere but the table legs I was thinking of using as pots for growing large (says she!) carrots or parsnips. Fill the things with compost and put in 3 or 4 seeds of each. Thin out at the appropriate time then look after the healthy ones.....daft I know, but worth a go, coz it wont cost anything! You never know I may even grow a mammoth carrot or parnsip!!! LOL Bernie aka Dexterdog

[Dutch]

thanks all

I was thinking of those pop up garden bins you can get (£1.99 at morries at the mo!)

I may try sweetcorn just to see what happens

[Doggler]

I grew parsnips in pots last year. Admittedly they never really reached anything larger than "baby" size but they were delicious.

Other than that I grew: carrots (Mokum are OK for pots), courgettes, cucumbers, cabbage (dwarf variety), chillies, potatoes, turnips, onions, swede, and a load of different herbs. Also grew tomatoes in hanging baskets! The only one that didn't work was the swede but I think I planted quite late and was getting a bit ambitious!

You could grow baby sweetcorn in a pot, would look quite attractive too.

[Doggler]

Oh, also grew Dwarf French Beans and they were delicious! Thought they weren't working until I noticed the OH picking them off and eating them raw each time he was in the garden. Still, nice to know the hard work was appreciated

[Eternal Sunshine]

I may try sweetcorn just to see what happens

A friend of mine grew a fantastic sweetcorn plant in a grow bag in her back yard 2 years ago. You've inspired me to try it this year.

[Grandpadragon]

Medwyn Williams he who won gold for Veggies 10 years on the trot at Chelsea grew his parsnips in 6' lengths of drain pipe! Horses for courses