You don’t need a lot of space to grow crops, so take a look at these containers for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs on your patio or balcony, in your backyard or even outside your backdoor
Made from 100% recycled polyester, this Vigoroot bag has a special structure which enables them to ‘air prune’ the roots of plants. In other words, when the roots make contact with the air entering through the fabric, they are cut short but rather than this being detrimental it encourages more vigorous rooting, enabling the plant to absorb more nutrients. Dimensions: H:25 x D:45cm (H:9¾ x D:18in).
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SARAH RAVEN
www.sarahraven.com
TEL: 0345 092 0283
PRODUCT CODE: 420278-HRB
PRICE: £8.95
KG VERDICT
Sometimes simple is best and you can set this little container up in a minute. All you need to do is open it up, add compost and plant. Ideal for herbs but you can also grow lots of other crops in this bag such as salad leaves, strawberries and carrots. The handles are useful too if you need to move the bag and, overall, this option offers very good value for money.
TOP PICK
CHARLY CHILLI PLANTER
Made from long-lasting, weather-resistant material this chilli pot has an aluminium climbing system to support the plant as it grows. Irrigation wicks are also included which connect to the water tank and draw water automatically up to the plant’s roots. The water tank holds approximately 4.5L.
HARROD HORTICULTURAL
www.harrodhorticultural.com
TEL: 0333 400 1500
PRODUCT CODE: GPL-347
PRICE: £34.95
KG VERDICT
Needs a little setting up but this can be done in a matter of minutes. The instructions weren’t in English but fortunately the diagrams are easy to follow. We only planted one chilli but there is a capacity for two. The uprights will provide a sturdy structure for when the chilli plants mature and starts to bush out. The irrigation wicks are simple to slot in and the easy-to= fill water reservoir will save having to water so frequently, especially in hot weather. Overall, a well-designed kit.
TOP PICK
STRAWBERRY & HERB PATIO PLANTERS
Made of a tough polythene with reinforced drainage holes and handles on each side, these planters have eight planting pockets. When not in use they can be folded flat for ease of storage. Dimensions: W:25 x H:45cm (H:9¾ x D:18in). Pack of two.
HAXNICKS
www.haxnicks.co.uk
TEL: 01179 341795
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £13.99
KG VERDICT
A quick and simple way to create a strawberry or herb tower. Providing you have the plants at hand, you can set it up in a few minutes – simply fill the bag with compost and then manueuvre in the plants – the slots are large enough to get you hand in and make room for the roots. There are openings all round the bag and once it is filled it stands upright and sturdy. With two bags in the pack, this offers good value for money.
