Problems with vegetables grown in containers are easily rectified if recognised early. The container garden should be inspected regularly, at least daily, so it is worth keeping it in an accessible place.

Common problems in container gardening are:

• Leggy plants - caused by insufficient light or too much nitrogen. Put this right by moving the container to a lighter position, or reducing the amount of nitrogen given.
• Weak plants with yellow lower leaves - caused by too much water or low fertility. Check the drainage, and reduce the amount of watering. Feed the plants.
• Wilting plants even though plenty of water - caused by poor drainage or the soil being too dense and lacking in oxygen. Lighten the soil by adding sand or compost.
• Eaten leaves - look for insects - pick them off, or wash the plants with soapy water.
• Spotty leaves - with a white or brown powdery or dead patch - caused by a fungus - pick the diseased area off and put it in the rubbish bin.
• Stunted, purply plants - too cold, bring the containers in or cover at night.

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Containers growing vegetables need plenty of tender loving care. Problems can be identified early, and corrected, so that the containers are productive giving plenty of fresh, well flavoured vegetables.

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