Common Questions About Container Gardening

Absolutely. Tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, and even potatoes thrive in containers with proper drainage and at least 5 hours of sunlight daily. A 30cm pot is enough for most veg, and even a 2x2m balcony can produce a decent harvest if you stack vertically or use wall-mounted planters.

For individual herbs like basil, parsley, or coriander, a 15-20cm pot works fine. If you're planting a mixed window box, aim for at least 30cm wide with good depth so roots don't get cramped. Larger pots dry out slower, which is handy during summer.

It depends on the season and pot size. In summer, daily watering is often needed—check soil moisture by poking your finger 2cm down; if it's dry, water it. Spring and autumn need less, and winter watering drops significantly unless it's mild. Container plants can't access ground moisture, so they're thirstier than garden beds.

They genuinely work. A wall-mounted planter or tower system lets you grow 8-12 plants in the footprint of one pot. They're brilliant for herbs, strawberries, and trailing flowers. Just make sure your wall or fence can handle the weight when wet—a soaked vertical planter is surprisingly heavy—and plan your watering carefully since the top plants dry out faster.

Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano are tough as old boots and'll survive most UK winters outdoors. Parsley and chives are also hardy. Tender herbs like basil and coriander won't make it past the first frost unless you bring them inside or treat them as annuals. Moving pots against a sheltered wall or wrapping them helps perennials through harsh spells.

Yes, they're essential. Without drainage, water sits in the pot and roots rot within days. Every container needs holes in the bottom—if your favourite pot doesn't have them, use it as a decorative outer pot and nestle a draining pot inside. Add a saucer or tray underneath to catch water so it doesn't damage your balcony.