[nicky d]

Hi all, ive been inspired by a few of the garden diaries and really want to start growing my own salad (thought i would start with something simple),  i dont have the room for a veggie plot but is it ok to grow them in large pots.   Im thinking to start i want to grow some lettuce and some other salad leaves, any suggestions on wots best for a complete beginner,    i carnt even kept flowers alive so im a bit nervous :happy: :happy:,   when can you start to grow them aswell.  Advice very much appreciated.  nickyx

[Springlands]

Hi Nicky - you can grow almost any salads in pots. I would suggest the following - little gem lettuce, scallions, beetroot, rocket. But you must remember to water them regularly particularly at this time of the year - because they are in posts you will be their main source of water. I have grown cut and come again salads very successfully in the half seed trays - in this way you use less compost. Give it a go - you have nothing to loose and plenty to again.

It is too late for this year but next year you could consider outdoor cucumbers and tomatoes.

[Fisherman]

Try using troughs about 6 inches deep filled with multi-purpose compost then you don't need to water them too often. There are all sorts of mixed salad leave seeds that can be bought which are ready to cut in 4 - 6 weeks. I grow baby spinach, pak choi, rocket, various lettuce, water cress and then just cut them when required and mix them up for a salad. Radish and salad onions can be grown in the same way although they take a little longer to mature as does water cress. Don't so too much like I always do as you will end up throwing too much away. Least my chickens eat well and the egg yolks turn out golden yellow!

[DD.]

I never bother with radish at this time of year - they don't like it too warm.

[oldcow]

Lettuce is a good choice, it's quite easy and quick to grow; I started growing it this year and I'm eating fresh salads almost every day. Choose a mix, or grow a few different varieties so you can get an idea of what grows well and what you like the best.
Treat some of the plants as "cut and come again", i.e. harvest the outer leaves when they're ready, the plants will grow some more; if you do this, you can sow them quite closely. If you like, let some of them grow some until they form heads; in this case make sure you read the seed packet to make sure they're properly spaced.
They'll need some good soil, and some sunlight, and lots of water; try to water from the bottom rather than splashing the leaves. You shouldn't get many weeds in pots, but if you do make sure you remove them since lettuce don't like competition...
Most lettuces dislike excessive sun/heat. Too much sun will make some of them to get dry borders on the leaves, and heat will make them bolt (i.e. go to seed, which makes lettuce bitter and unedible). If the weather gets too hot, make sure you water them and possibly give them some protection from the sun in the hottest hours.
For me, they have been fairly pest free, but they are quite palatable for slugs and snails, so keep an eye out for them if they show signs of being nibbled.
After harvesting, wash it thoroughly, dry it using a spinner if you have one, and store in the fridge in a ziploc bag. This will make the lettuce crisper, since being out in the heat can make it "floppy"; it will stay fresh for several days.