Get MORE From Containers

[@k.p.1139]

Suddenly, all of those coffee containers, that I have everywhere, have just become a place to grow short stuff 😆😆

[@francesbatycki404]

I just love how how you encourage growing even the smallest garden. Not everything needs to be lush market garden size. My space isn’t huge and I’m still wondering how I’m going to use or even give away food. You keep it real. Thank you. PS. I’ve read your book from cover to cover and will do so again this winter. 👍🇨🇦❤️

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Frances. That's so lovely to hear, thank you. As you say, garden size needn't matter. :-)

[@canadian-gardening-6A]

I jumped over the fence - stood in front of the subscribe button and it said - I was subscribed. Thank you the inspiring video Ben.

[@GrowVeg]

Haha - briilliant! :-)

[@annmacdonald468]

I am recovering from open heart surgery this summer, so my garden plans were put on hold, but my neighbor potted some tomatoes, basil, and leaf lettuce for me and I have them on my front step. So far I have one tomato and the lettuce is almost ready to start picking.

[@dianeladico1769]

Hope for a complete recovery for you. Happy (container) Gardening!

[@GrowVeg]

Sounds like you're going great Ann. :-)

[@Bgraytful]

Am recovering from hip replacement surgery so I can relate to your situation, however, even on crutches my treat has been to get out to the garden and do a little bit each day. Container gardening has been a help in this situation.

[@freezo244]

Why d’ya think the garlic didn’t do better? You have a lovely garden. Thanks for the encouragement. 🪴

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for that. :-) The garlic didn't thrive because it was in a terracotta pot and I did't water nearly enough. I would grow it in a bigger container next time and water more often.

[@smile30981]

I've been a bit burned out with my garden but your excitement is infectious! I'm now excited to drop some more seed tomorrow morning - thank you!

[@GrowVeg]

Nice one!

[@cherylhowker1792]

I'm gonna go back outside once it's a bit cooler, and gonna plant up some more spring onions, sugar snap peas and other bits. I did lots the other day as got loads of seeds from Wilko at 5p a pack as they have reduced everything to 70% off. May be useful to others that are on chat here.

[@KatySimpsonLive]

Thanks for the Wilko tip! I got mine from the garden centre 50% off today and hardly any had been snapped up already!

[@cherylhowker1792]

@@KatySimpsonLive Yea when I was in Wilko then had 100s of different packets. I've never seen so many seeds. But the thing is they doing it across the garden range in the shop so they can get the next stuff out for summer like pools etc and kids stuff. It won't change online for a while I don't think. But I have had some good deals from gogroopie.....I think it's called. Got 25 packs mixed for £4.99 + £3.99 postage. But in that I did get 8 different types of tomatoes lol so next year we are gonna try different things again. And I'm growing turnips which I would never buy but as they in there we gonna try. My issue is I don't know anyone else who grows food to be able to give some seeds too or swop or sell.not that I'm worried about the money. But there's no way I can use all the seeds,noone can really can they??

[@Grumpah]

I have to say Ben, the information you provide and the manner in which you do deliver it, just make me crave more. Thank you for all the fabulous content 💚

[@GrowVeg]

You're so welcome - really appreciate you watching. :-)

[@alycewarr5332]

I also enjoyed your to the point explanations and quick but thorough examples. So much better than the ramblings of many others from around the world. I live in the US but haven’t found a host as good as yourself. Thanks 😊

[@sharonbownes5170]

Great video again Ben, I’m growing some carrots, dwarf beans and parsnips in containers and found the carrots to be more successful than in the ground.

[@danyoutube7491]

I hadn't considered sowing carrots in a pot, I'd resigned myself to not growing them this year for lack of ground space. Given the numerous plastic pots I have stacked up in my shelf-greenhouse, I think I'll be sowing those tomorrow in a largish pot:)

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, they seem to be pretty trouble free in containers, so long as they are kept watered.

[@yvoennsche]

Containers are a good option for gardeners in normal to wet climates, but they are a challenge in the summer season in hot dry climates like the US southwest. I have tried containers, but I haven't gotten good results in late spring or in summer, because you almost have to water twice a day. So if you are gone a lot over the weekend, it gets challenging. I might try for a fall crop, it is nice to have the lettuces closer to the kitchen.

[@patches1483]

USA SW its either too dry or too much rain too quick.

[@renel7303]

@@patches1483 yeah, watching what happened in Vegas this week. A quarter of the normal annual rainfall in under 2 hours. 😳

[@renel7303]

Central California here, yes to twice per day watering. We're at 23 days straight of 102-108 F/39-42 C. You have to go much bigger on the containers than the sizes you see recommended. Also adding a 40% shade cover is making a huge difference. I'm also going for fall, winter and early spring stuff as they roll up. I've only grown snow peas, once. But this has been a disappointment.

[@yvoennsche]

@@renel7303 I have tried with shade and larger containers, but I kind of don't like the look and fussing with it. I have by garden beds built out by now and mostly everything grows well, but I am lucky to have space. Definitely will try for fall. We have actually not had bad temps here in SoCal sofar other than one heatwave, but I feel for my fellow gardeners up further north. Stay safe, hopefully the monsoon will give some relief soon.

[@yvoennsche]

@@patches1483 Rarely too much rain. Gardening in raised beds is the way to go if you have space.

[@juneshannon8074]

I’m blown away by the amount of produce you grew in pots. They were a good size too. No excuse for anyone not to garden.

[@GrowVeg]

I'm so pleased with my tiny container plot - the area of a table produced quite a bit.

[@markw5779]

Thanks Ben,just what I needed to pop some more seeds in, your enthusiasm is infectious 👍

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Mark - happy gardening!

[@ginamoesser2411]

Great video on container produce gardening Ben! Containers are the perfect solution for small places and weed free vegetables. More people should take advantage of growing their own organic produce this way. Thanks again!

[@GrowVeg]

It is such a great method, definitely Gina. 😀

[@maxibake9323]

My Bush Beans have been brilliant this Year, & also my Bell Peppers, all Lettuces, and Cherry Tomatoes, and they're all still going strong. I do Peas & Radishes as Microgreens indoors, & Plant some in Pots on the Balcony when harvesting them, I always get 3-4 harvests from my Pea Microgreens. TFS GV, & take care too everyone. ❤🙂🐶

[@normalevin5182]

I agree with Francis. Without your encouragement and examples I would have never got started growing my own vegetables. They have given me so much pleasure and many tasty meals that are pesticide free. Thank you. I always enjoy your videos.

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you Norma, that means a lot. Happy gardening to you! :-)

[@catherinelempke8451]

I bought a little flat of beets on a whim because they were cheap and have been worried where on earth I was going to fit them on my patio. So good to know they can be crowded a little!

[@jasenanderson8534]

Just goes to show you can plant pretty much anything into any size. Great tips as usual.

[@MaCodray]

A hint about exactly what soil based compost you use for the carrots and also the variety of carrots would be much appreciated.Thank you, Ben

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Heather. For the carrots you could actually reuse old compost, mixed with a little fresh, as carrots don't need a lot of extra nutrients. I just used a normal multipurpose compost, which had 'added John Innes' in it. This gives a good, free-draining mix that carrots seem to prefer. As for variety, I've just sown 'Early Nantes', which is a finger-sized carrot, ideal for growing in containers.

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

Makes me miss England :) great stuff.

[@AgentJirius]

I planted potatoes in containers this year and it worked out great. I dumped the soil out of the containers and then get all the potatoes out. Nothing gets left in the raised bed that way for next year sprouting on their own all over the place.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that's a smart move!

[@candiwallace6605]

Thanks for sharing Ben 🥰❤🌱💐

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@candiwallace6605]

@@markushubergmailcom Detroit Michigan 🌻🌻🌻thanks for asking 💐💐💐

[@markushubergmailcom]

@@candiwallace6605 Detroit Michigan 🇺🇸 is also a nice place to live, how long have you been living there?

[@candiwallace6605]

@@markushubergmailcom Born and raised BAYBEE 👍🥰❤

[@markushubergmailcom]

@@candiwallace6605 You must really like it there ☺️

[@lawriefoster5587]

How glorious!! It makes me realize that one can use containers to best advantage. Live in NW Philadelphia so Summer is quite hot here...but starting to cool off now. So on to planting up some Fall veg.

[@GrowVeg]

Glad it’s started to cool off a bit Lawrie.

[@themajesticbeard1497]

Wonderful content (as usual!) but the format has changed. Can't say I'm a fan of the background music, also where have those lovely minimal title animations gone? I LOVED THOSE DARN TRANSITIONS BEN x

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it. It really helps work out what works and what doesn’t. Hope you enjoyed the video anyhow, and thanks for watching.

[@toffeebluenose7331]

I'm a real big fan of cress adds so much flavour to eggs mayo.

[@janeperry4080]

Just love your videos! Always good ideas I hadn't thought of (and I've been gardening for over 30 years!) and always inspirational. I would love to see a video of what you personally struggle with in terms of pests, disease, and not only what works but what didn't work. You make everything look so easy, but surely you also struggle with some setbacks? Thanks for the inspiration!

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Jane. Thanks for the suggestion. Believe me I have my pests/diseases/struggles also! This year most notably birds in general (it's been so dry) and flea beetles. But all part of nature's wonderful tapestry.

[@lenab4753]

Just harvested my latest carrot crop that I grew in containers. They came out well, I will be sowing some more soon. 🥕🥕🥕

[@GrowVeg]

Brill! :-)

[@toniedalton5448]

Good morning Ben ! Just been in my gardening picking tomatoes and checking for cucumbers. I’m going to have to can some tomatoes. But just ate a small heirloom on toast. I need to get sowing on my fall garden soon. And I’m going to use containers for the greens. I did potatoes in containers and they are beautiful. Planted them last month. Waiting on my green beans and corn to be ready. I like the Blue Lake variety. And Silver Queen corn.

[@GrowVeg]

I bet that heirloom tomato was out of this world Tonie - lovely stuff! Well done on getting going with your fall garden - time seems to be flying!

[@rhg3212]

I cut the spring onions off when I harvest them and they regrow. They do grow back skinnier but considering some of them are a year old I’m pretty pleased.

[@GrowVeg]

That's a great result!

[@MamboDogFace]

Nope to the background music please! That said, container gardening is my jam this year. I have way too many tomatoes 🤣 but also basil, squash, potatoes, onions, nasturtiums and a nice wild crop of purslane for our salad. Yours is far superior though, wow!

[@GrowVeg]

You're doing well by the sounds of it. Thanks for the feedback on the music - taken on board for the next one.

[@LuckyNala]

Can't wait to start my balcony garden.

[@balconybounty]

That kale "tree" is incredible. I need to try growing kale in my container garden.

[@GrowVeg]

It's grown so well - really pleased with it.

[@anniemorrison1250]

My container garden is doing well. I have a chicken run with netting on it to keep the bugs out. Bees find their way in, so I have water for them and let them out once a day. It is so much fun to get my garden growing. I enjoy your advice and am adding herbs to my garden this year. Thanks for the tips!

[@wagwanbennydj6003]

Well in Ben! ❤

[@valoriegriego5212]

Good-day Ben! 👋 Your channel is so encouraging.😃 I will be sowing carrot seed later today...already got lettuce and cilantro coming on.🙂 Your pepper plants are looking great!😀 That's a sweet looking pumpkin over your shoulder!👍 We are at 33+ days of 100 to 109 temps; however, I'm still sowing and harvesting.😃

[@renel7303]

Oh Valorie! Where are you? I'm in Central California, zone 9B and we're at 24 straight days of 102-108. Maybe only 100 one day next week, with rain forecast. Whaa! Are you doing containers or in ground? I'm all containers this year. It's been educational and a disaster. Going to try winter veggies this year.

[@valoriegriego5212]

@@renel7303 Hello Rene! I'm zone 8a Central Texas. We are used too 100s throughout out summer; however, they are usually spaced out and we might get some rain. Our rainy spring wasn't very rainy this year. I have one in ground bed. Mostly, I grow in totes and pots.🙂 I'm using shade cloth which has made a huge difference...the reason I'm still getting peppers and leafy greens in this heat. I've done some winter gardening; however, this year I want a break. We have 173 frost free days...we start growing early and grow on into December usually. I hope your winter garden is super successful!😃 I'm learning a lot with heatwave too.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much Valorie. Good job on sowing more carrots - hope you get a fantastic crop from them. :-)

[@Bgraytful]

If you can get them in your area try the Egyptian walking onions. They never grow bigger than scallion size but are prolific and easy to keep a perpetual supply going. They propegate by creating small onion bulbs (not seed) at the top of a stalk which, if allowed to droop to the ground, will root. I help them along by scattering the baby bulbs throughout the garden and have a perpetual supply of green onion stalks and bulbs. Much easier than the usual growing cycle of seeded large bulb onion.

[@GrowVeg]

What a superb tip, thanks for sharing that. :-)

[@frozentwiddlelump]

I'll echo your suggestion! I have them in areas all over the garden - both in the front and the back. I've also given away hundreds of them, and all this comes from a single clump of bulbs someone gave me over 20 years ago. They're incredibly hardy, too. They've lasted throughout our hot summers (+40C) and cold winters (-40C) and that's with me pretty much neglecting them. :) They also help keep the deer away, which is another bonus.

[@wporter3963]

I love Ben's videos. His enthusiasm for all he does in the garden is infectious. The container grown veg is of particular interest because, although I'm fortunate enough to have a large garden, I tend to grow a lot of veg in raised beds, tubs and troughs. This has allowed me to concentrate water and nutrients to my plants when and where it's needed without waste. My only criticism for this week's video is that dreadful music being played in the background. I found it difficult to hear what Ben was saying at times and it detracted from my usual enjoyment of his videos. As Wendy H

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Wendy. Thanks for the feedback on the music. We were trying something different, but will tone it down for the next video. :)

[@hannahedwards5542]

I just discovered your channel this spring and I love your videos! They are always entertaining, enjoyable, inspiring and informative 😋. I had some disappointing results of my first attempt at growing veggies in containers 2 years ago, that put me off trying again. But I love plants and continued to buy seeds and watch garden videos. I didn’t get any spring vegetables planted, but I have a cherry tomato growing in a big pot that’s doing wonderfully!!! I live in Virginia, USA. It’s quite hot here now and I looked up a planting date table for my area after watching your video on things to plant in June. Here, you can sow cool season crops until the first week of May, then start sowing them again in mid July. So I’m going to put it on the calendar and really do it this year! I have seeds for beets, kale, lettuce, carrots and radishes. I have lots of houseplants and a lovely outdoor container garden of herbs and flowers (perennials and self-seeding annuals) but they are mostly from gifted starts and bought plants. Sowing seeds has been intimidating for me because it’s seemed like everything needed to be perfect and there were too many questions in my mind about how, why and what to do when! You have answered a lot of those questions and given me the tools and courage to try again! Just a thought- the music during the patio segment was a bit too distracting in quality and volume. I’d love to see a video tour of your greenhouse, size, materials, how you use it etc. I’m also very interested in your “sun patio” can you show the whole area and tell us which sides have walls (north? east?) and which sides face the sun? Thank you!! Happy gardening!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for your lovely comment - you're growing and going to be growing lots. Great job! I am hoping to do a full tour of my garden very soon - in another month or so. I'll include the greenhouse for sure. My sunny patio is a real suntrap - it faces south, so gets good sunshine most of the day.

[@mariawelchsantos4612]

Nice ... sounds very interesting 🤔 thank you ... still watching from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you so much. Happy gardening! 😀

[@brotherrob.5999]

This is a fantastic video thank you Ben for awesome ideas. God bless you 🙏 Rob from Wales.

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Rob - very much appreciated. And to you. :-)

[@bobbydelcavallo7181]

Absolutely Brilliant 🥳🥳🥳

[@trapped7534]

Thanks Ben!!! I have rarely planted a second crop,because the weather here is unpredictable. But,why not? Hopefully I can get a few things harvested before the first freeze. Happy Gardening,God Bless you and your family 🌺

[@cherylhowker1792]

Same thoughts here,got loads of seeds in the week at Wilko and they are reduced to 70% off so some packs were only 5p and up to 30p most It was such a good shop. And I thought why wait till next year. Let's try and see if we get a small crop of stuff it's better then not using the seeds. I do think it's funny when they do packs of 500+ seeds and they need using within 2 years. Most people won't use them all lol. Be better to do smaller packs for less and sell more I would have thought,but I'm not selling em I guess.

[@GrowVeg]

Hope you manage to get something tasty before it freezes. Cheryl - well done on hunting down such bargains!

[@patriotic_salt]

"Growing Bag" potatos work great .... Plastic storage boxes work great with lots of drainage holes

[@GrowVeg]

Both great containers, definitely.

[@jwrightgardening]

Perfect timing! I was thinking of starting some more crops in containers. It was such a cold long spring for us that I knew I'd need to be able to bring some things inside in the fall if I wanted to get fruit. So currently I have several varieties of eggplants, peppers and tomatoes growing in pots. I plan to overwinter them and grow them as perennials, well at least the peppers and eggplants. The tomatoes might be too big to move. I'm planning on starting some herbs, basil and lemon grass, and overwinter them as well. Now I'm thinking of doing some peas and beans, inspired by your video.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased the video's inspired you to sow some more. :-)

[@deandavis2803]

Thanks for your tips, its Jan 9th and I'm still harvesting tomato's, my Phoenix area is a challenge to grow, yet I've overcame the heat with shade and even ice, I like ice water and so do my plants, but its winter now, I dragged the jalapeno plants into the garage as there is some light frost, I'm ready for the big plant out as the temp will be 70' in 10 days

[@GrowVeg]

Wow - winter sounds like it's been very short for you! :-)

[@sietskeluytema2667]

Nice harvest at 2:27. But what dish can you make from two beets, three carrots, some kale and some onions? 😅

[@GrowVeg]

How about some lovely roasted roots and onions - roasted with olive oil, a little honey, thyme and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Then the kale added in shortly before the end of roasting to finish it all off?

[@sietskeluytema2667]

@@GrowVeg I will try someday, but the kale seems to me a bit "off" in this dish. And where do the carrots and lettuce go?

[@gailthornbury291]

I reuse the compost from large 30 litre potato pots to grow carrots. I sieve it and don’t add any fertilizer. I put a fleece tent over it to keep carrot fly out and it works well. I put new potting soil at the top few inches to stop weeds growing. Next year I add home made compost or leafmould and sometimes an organic fertilizer and plant potatoes. I use the same method to grow leeks dwarf French beans and onions in similar sized pots. This year I put a batch of unfinished compost ina very large pot just to have somewhere to keep it. But I had an extra kuri pumpkin plant so I just planted it and it’s going nuts. I have a large garden but still find container growing useful.

[@GrowVeg]

That's brilliant Gail - sounds like you're doing fab there. Yes, container gardening is still great to do even with a full-sized garden.

[@islandgirl8963]

I noticed in Morrisons they sell 10 bucket containers for £1. A bargain. Also I bought peat free vegetable growing compost for my veggies; I hope I've done right. Going to start using it today Thanks Ben for all your suggestions

[@GrowVeg]

That does sound like a real bargain!

[@bryanna72891]

I love your videos. Always encouraging to do more!

[@stephaniecreech1541]

Thanks Ben! My summer garden was a flop. It’s been extremely hot and dry here in South Texas. Your videos keep me excited about gardening!

[@GrowVeg]

Sorry to hear that Stephanie. I bet you're looking forward to the relative cool of the fall!

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Love your enthusiasm Ben. Thanks for the valuable planting tips!

[@melanieallen8980]

love the pea shoot idea! I grow thing for my family, my guinea pigs, mice & chickens! thankyou.😊

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

I just love container gardening. Can't afford all the stuff required to get started. With Container gardening one can move the garden to the Sun light as well.

[@renel7303]

Or as I've learned, AWAY from the sunlight. I'm in a hot dry climate and discovered that the normal "rules" of container growing don't apply here.

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you Mr Ben : )

[@callumbithell]

Love your work! What is best fruit and veg to plant on a balcony with limited room but bags of sunlight throughout the day? Maybe this could be a video idea?

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, great idea for a video Callum. For a position like that I'd recommend climbing beans, tomatoes, peppers and salad leaves of all types.

[@stephenhope7319]

Thanks Ben, great vid. Some years ago I discovered a variant of Thyme called lemon thyme. Absolutely flavourful with hints of lemon. A great herb. I grow it along with thyme but I get lots of requests for cuttings which I give away for free. A very tasty version of thyme that I would recommend.

[@GrowVeg]

It's a stunning variety of thyme, for sure Stephen.

[@marionbolwell9276]

Your brill. Best gardening program.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much Marion, appreciate that. :-)

[@lindacharron9689]

Great video. I've never planted after July! I think I'll try it this year. Someone gave me some lettuce seeds. I think I'll plant them! Linda

[@GrowVeg]

That's great to hear Linda.

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@MR.GRIMM760]

Sauteed beet leaves and stems in butter and garlic is amazing. Better than spinach I say🤙🏼

[@GrowVeg]

Sounds totally yum! :-)

[@davidcarden7587]

I potted big boy tomatoes this year. Last week I got end rot so I planted them in the ground and there looking great. Harvested my planter potatoes this morning. Low yield but still tasty looking

[@GrowVeg]

Glad you got some tasty potatoes from your planters. My in-ground ones had a bit of scab on them as it's been so dry.

[@pattielliott1378]

You make me want to run out now and get supplies and get going. Excellent video. So inspiring. I actually think I can do a lot of this. I have a small vegetable garden now but I can do a lot more in my back yard.

[@ngrisel95]

Hi Ben, another great video! I’m excited to see if I can squeeze in a second set of crops as we had a spotty spring/summer due to some late cold snaps. Also, we’re building a greenhouse (!) so looking forward to learning all about that. Thanks for your continuing hard work and inspiration!

[@GrowVeg]

I'm sure you'll be able to squeeze in a second round of crops Nancy - good on you. :-)

[@ngrisel95]

@@GrowVeg I've planted some broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower indoors and am about to plant more summer squash, beets, carrots and bush beans. 🙂 Oh, and I've got some Swiss Chard seeds I'd like to try. Thanks for your vote of support!

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@barbiec4312]

So encouraging. Thank you.

[@jadarianharris4873]

One year later and your helping me out so much love your videos cheers!

[@Dawn_Grows_Veg]

Your containers are looking good. I have a spare trough so going to try salad onions and peashoots

[@GrowVeg]

That sounds like a great combination of crops to try Dawn.

[@4toes1nose]

Thank you

[@shemeyncooke7619]

I love everything you do

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Shemeyn. :-)

[@Olly-grows]

Looks like a good video can’t wait to watch it

[@jackieo8693]

I'm so jealous of your garden! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@susanjordan2130]

Thank you.i love your enthusiasm.

[@donaldauguston9740]

Very impressive video. Thank you so much for posting. DA

[@katedijkers7827]

A great video showing how much scope there is in a small space. Do you not net your cavelo nero kale? I net mine but still got caught unawares by a white cabbage butterfly. The caterpilars had chewed nearly one whole plant before I spied them!

[@GrowVeg]

I haven't netted them and now have caterpillars on them. I should really have done so!

[@petersdumpson]

Thank you!

[@stuartmccloud307]

Nice work Ben, i've had great success in containers this year , just high maintenance on the watering :)

[@GrowVeg]

I'm feeling your pain Stuart!

[@debradevine3949]

Your garden looks healthy and amazing!

[@Firevine]

That dinosaur kale is DELICIOUS, but man, it is _not_ enjoying the heat where I live.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, it is more of a cool season crop.

[@renel7303]

Grow in containers they said. It'll be fun they said. Look at what you can grow in these little pots they said. Turns out it's not that simple. I'm in Central California, zone 9B. Yesterday was day 23 in a row of Temps from 102-108 F/39-42 C.. I followed pot size recommendations from reputable sources. Rubbish. I'm now watering twice a day with little to no yield from anything. I added a 40% shade cover two weeks ago and it's helping though a little late. I moved a pot with dry soil and almost burned my hands. So I got an instant read thermometer out and checked things. Air temperature was 100F/38C. In two gallon pots, one filled with dry soil was 120F/49C, one with moist soil was 110F/43C and a bigger pot, likely 8-10 gallon, moist soil was 100F/38C. My poor plants were cooking. That's when I added the shade cover. They're looking better. I'm switching to bigger containers for next year, nothing smaller than 4 gallon, shade from the first day around 100F. I think winter and early spring veggies will work in these pots smaller pots. I've only ever grown snow peas in the winter, once, so that will likely be a more successful experiment.

[@dianeladico1769]

So sorry. Are your pots dark? That makes a huge difference in soil temperature. Most pots are dark so it's hard to avoid. You can cover them with something to reflect the light or temper the effect (white plastic or burlap) since they're already planted. Or depending on the configuration you can take the top and bottom flaps off a cardboard box and place the pots inside. It'll keep the sun off the pots and add the air inside as an insulator. For watering you may be better off setting the pots in a tray or basin and just keep that topped off. It will reduce the chance of them drying out completely and the evaporation from the tray may help cool the area a bit. Adding mulch on top of the soil also helps regulate soil temp and reduces evaporation. Even the cheap shredded bark in the bags is fine, just not the dyed. Any other mulch helps too-straw, newspaper, cardboard, anything food safe is fine. I set up misters for the birds when it gets really hot (OK, really hot for Z6-you truly have my respect, I'd just lie down and die at 102) and it cools the area just watch for mildew. Lastly, my raised beds are surrounded by pavers to radiate heat and extend the season but that may work against you. If you're able, having the pots away from stone surfaces may help a little. The upside to your location is when the rest of us are under 6" of snow and have to content ourselves with seed catalogs you can still have fresh veg. Best of luck.

[@sharonkduford2381]

I am in spokane wa. Terrible spring with weeks and weeks of rain, now blistering heat! Every plant has suffered to some degree. Pot, raised beds or in ground. I am trying to provide shade, but it is difficult. And I have to use over head sprinkler. What a bother! YET, things are still growing! Spaghetti squash, tomatoes- even with curled leaves, zucchini, garlic, onions. Hoping to have a better water system next year. Love all the suggestions here, even if they don’t work in my area. Wish I had a green house …. Keep your chin up and don’t quit!

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Rene. Sounds like you're doing the right thing now - shade cloth and transitioning to bigger containers. That will certainly help next growing season. Wishing you cooler temps and plenty of rain soon!

[@partidaportet27]

Great video, very useful information too. Thanks

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@FHRider-o1m]

I’m inspired by the mushroom crate and pea shoots, I happen to have one, and a bag full of old pea seeds, I’ll give it a go, delicious, thanks!

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Great update Ben as always very informative 👍

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Jim, appreciate that.

[@stjohnjohnno5542]

Well done Ben loving the tips and your simply no nonsense approach to food production

[@amyenever]

Great vids! Great tips & advice + well presented.

[@charlesbritton8369]

It’s been so hot and dry hear in south west City Missouri my garden did not do good at all a few tomatoes left but that’s all Don’t think I’ll try a fall garden supposed to be hot and dry till at lest September maybe next year will be better love your Channel 🥕🥦🌽🌶🥒🥬👍👍

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching Charles. I hope things cool off and moisten up for you soon.

[@DeanaThai]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@mariegardengardenstockholm5069]

Great!!! Love these inspiring video’s ☺️🌸🐾

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Marie. :-)

[@jodalry]

Hi Ben. I just came across your channel recently and I’m working my way through all your excellent videos. I don’t have a vast garden but do have plenty room for well placed containers and I’m planning out quite a number of crops for next year at the moment. Being fairly new to veg gardening, I’m finding your channel invaluable so many thanks. The two things I could do with some advice on though is watering and feeding schedules. Knowing what to feed and when as well as how much to water and when. Any chance of a video or two on these subjects? Anyway, thanks again and will be a subscriber as long as the channel’s around. 👍🏻🙂

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Jon. So pleased you’ve discovered the channel - welcome! Thank you for your suggestion, which I ask adding to the list of video topic ideas. Re watering, generally most pot-grown plants will appreciate watering when the potting mix begins to dry out, or just before that. Fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers etc will appreciate feeding with a high potassium feed as they come into flower and then fruit. But I appreciate a fuller video would help demystify all of this!

[@jodalry]

@@GrowVeg Thanks for the advice Ben. I just found your video on Newbie watering mistakes after writing my comment - typical. Will be watching regularly. All the best, J. 😀

[@lindacooper4893]

Awesome thank you

[@carm787]

Great video! I'll remember next time i go on vacation to give ya a call lol

[@GrowVeg]

Haha! ;-)

[@primateriawiberg2998]

Really love your videos 💐🪇❤

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you so much! :-)

[@Ronay00]

Great work! 👏😁

[@Kitchenlabofficial]

Very good cute garden

[@wporter3963]

Hello Ben, I really must apologise for being rude about the background music on your latest video. I suppose it took me a bit by surprise and I did find it a little difficult to concentrate on what you were saying. I really enjoy your weekly videos and always learn something new. Thank you.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated. We'll take this on board for future videos.

[@elizabethhayes5723]

@@GrowVeg for what it's worth, I also found the music distracting and unnecessary. your words are enough! :)

[@tesstess3371]

Another great video...

[@miles9431]

I‘m a new subscriber :-). Thank you

[@GrowVeg]

Welcome! Thanks for subscribing. 😀

[@judyparker9530]

Your garden is great and ideas are good for your area. What about south Florida! I need more information for my area and vegetable gardening in my raised beds.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Judy. It's always tricky knowing where to pitch the videos in terms of climate. I film according to my location, but hopefully many of the principles shown can be adapted to your area.

[@markushubergmailcom]

👋 I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 💞❤️🕊️🕊️ all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida☀️☀️and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@adelineparinduri]

I grow almost everything (veggies and herbs, and even some flowers) in containers. Easier for me to keep up with my small space, microclimate, soil health and even pests. Btw, I've been meaning to ask. Where are you located? UK or USA? For some reason, I always thought you garden in the US 😁 Love your contents. Thanks for sharing.

[@GrowVeg]

Hi there, and thanks for watching. :-) I'm in the south of England, in The Cotswolds.

[@bluecurlygirl]

Great video Ben. Thanks for sharing.

[@woodsmama319]

Wow, what a great tutorial on some container varieties! Did you say it’s just a bit above freezing there? What zone are you in?

[@GrowVeg]

Our first frost is around early November, with the last one sometime in late April. I'm in zone 8.

[@woodsmama319]

@@GrowVeg I don't suppose you could recommend any gardeners or websites for growers in the lower zones? I'm gardening somewhere between a 5A and a 4B so we have quite a bit shorter season and more limitations on crops.

[@josiedarst8968]

Hi…Love your videos. I’m inspired to get out there and plant a few more things for the end of summer. Will put greens in the beds where I have just harvested garlic. Speaking of which, do you know why about half of my soft neck garlic has grown “extra” bulbs up the stems? The little bulblets are very cute, and they taste good, but I can’t really braid the stalks with the bulblets there. My hard necks don’t do that. I cut off the scapes on those. But the soft necks don’t make scapes. Thanks for your informative and entertaining videos.

[@GrowVeg]

This happened to mine as well! They do sometimes form. Ideally you should pick these off as you see them, to concentrate all of the energy into swelling the bulb. But the little bulbs can actually be replanted in the autumn (when you plant new garlic). They'll then grow on next growing season.

[@annette681]

Such an inspirational video. Thanks!

[@Satscape]

I noticed on the seed packet that you can sow beetroot as late as July...so I have (on the last day). Might have to bring them indoors or harvest early I guess. I got in the habit of sowing everything in spring and then stopping

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, many roots can be sown right up until July or even August.