No Garden? No Problem. How to Grow Vegetables in Pots

You don't need a sprawling backyard to grow your own food. Some of the most productive vegetable growing happens on decks, balconies, patios and windowsills - in pots, buckets and containers of all shapes and sizes.

What grows well in containers?

More than you might think. Silverbeet, spinach, kale, broccoli, herbs, spring onions, lettuce, and in season tomatoes and even courgettes will all thrive in a pot as long as they have enough depth, drainage and - most importantly - a well-fed growing mix.

The key is the soil:

This is where most container growers run into trouble. Standard potting mix does a reasonable job to begin with, but it loses its vitality quickly. The microbial life that plants depend on - the bacteria, fungi and organisms that break down nutrients and make them available to roots - can deplete fast in a contained environment.

Adding Fodda to your potting mix before you plant and then applying it throughout the season, replenishes that biology. It feeds the living system inside the pot, not just the plant itself. The result is stronger root systems, healthier foliage and better-tasting product.

A few practical tips:

• Choose pots at least 30cm deep for most vegetables

• Make sure every pot has drainage holes

• Water more frequently than you would in-ground as pots dry out faster

• Mix Fodda Natural Soil Enhancer into your potting mix at planting time and top-dress with Fodda Natural General Fertiliser every few weeks through the growing season

Growing in containers is one of the most accessible ways to start producing your own food. With the right soil care, it's every bit as rewarding as a full garden bed.