Keeping it simple!

[vikicats]

Hi
This year I want to grow a range of veggies in my garden, mostly in containers. As I am a novice and also not too good at remembering to look after things, I really need to keep it simple. I have some seeds - carrot, mange tout, spring onion, radish and courgette (most of which are past their date) and the promise of some pepper and chilli plants from a more experienced grower than myself. I also have a range of containers including a number of plastic buckets about 2 foot deep and one foot across.
Would really appreciate any suggestions of what other things I might grow, how to look after anything that may sprout and generally hold my hand and give words of encouragement!
Thanks

[Matt94]

you could try outdoor cucumbers, toms, runner beans, potatos - just to name a few.
all of the seeds that you have can be sown direct in around a month. if there is anything specific you need to knwo just ask away!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Viki the date on the seed packet really does not matter that much some of my lettuce seed is 3 years old and has still germinated.

Carrots will be fine in your buckets, sow quite thickly and then thin out as they grow or you will end up needing a crow bar to get them out. You eat the thinnings by the way.

I grow my radish in containers 9" across and about 8" deep I get around 35 radish per container.

Spring onion yet again no problem in your buckets treat as for carrots.

Courgettes I plant per bucket will be plenty but courgettes are usually very prolific so you won't need that many plants.

Mange tout you have plenty of depth but would need several buckets to get a decent crop.

Things to remember your growing medium will begin to run out of nutrients at about 6 weeks so you will have to feed. Also you you will have to keep on top of the watering especially with the courgettes.

Finally if your not sure about anything just ask someone on the forum will know the answer.

Colin

[Creemteez]

Hi Vikkicat, welcome to the vine.
If your seeds are out of date they will still be worth having a go with, though germination rates may not be so good.
I would try chitting your peas before planting - that is lining a shallow plastic tray or tub (Ice Cream, Margarine?) with damp kitchen paper and scattering your peas on top. Put the lid on and leave somewhere warmish (kitchen) for a couple of days' Keep the kitchen roll damp and you'll notice the peas start to swell and then produce a root. Then is the time to get them into the ground or pot. You can use garden soil mixed with potting compost - or just potting compost. Provide them with some twiggy supports.
Choose a warm sunny sheltered sight for you veg pots -Just follow the seed packet instructions for every thing else. You may not be self sufficient in veg but you'll get something. Good luck!

[vikicats]

Thanks for your advice and tips - will definitely have a go. Like the idea of outdoor cucumbers. Will keep you posted on progress.

[Bigmallly]

These are nice outdoor cucumbers.

Cucumber Marketmore Organically sourced - Detailed item view - moreveg.co.uk, vegetable seed company, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, flower seeds

[Sarico]

hi vikicats i'm also new to grow veg and people in this forum they are very helpfull. i also will grow veg in container so will be nice to see our progress and help each other... i will grow a large variety of veg (maybe for the expert will be just a small list) and plus if you have some extra space try to grow somthing different as an experiment... the only veg that i really want to try in container as experiment is sweetcorn.. i know will be difficult but is like a challenge for me...
have a nice growing season