When growing vegetables in containers it is wise to group plants which grow well together and have the same water requirements.

The amount of light required by different vegetables varies.

• sun loving vegetables include beans, cucumbers, aubergines, pepper, courgettes, squash and tomatoes.
• partial shade is tolerated by lettuce, salad leaves, onions, parsley and radish. But this group will do better in full sun.

Container size:

• small containers - onions, parsley, radish
• medium - beans, lettuce, salad leaves
• large - cucumbers, aubergines, pepper, courgettes, squash, tomatoes

Minimum days from seed to harvest:

• radish - 20
• beans - 45
• lettuce - 45
• salad leave - 45
• courgettes - 50
• squash - 50
• cucumbers - 50
• parsley - 70
• onions - 80
• aubergine - 90
• pepper - 90
• tomato - 90

Tender green beans, crisp lettuce and freshly picked parsley will give great satisfaction. A simple container-garden enables the whole family to enjoy the true flavour of home grown vegetables.

Click the link for information on square foot gardening.