Crops in Pots: 50 Great Container Projects Using Vegetables, Fruit and Herbs - Bob Purnell

...and shows just how many crops you can grow in containers whilst still maintaining an attractive garden.

The first section of the book is the obligatory one covering the basics. Here you will find advice on choosing containers and compost, sowing seeds and other methods of plant propagation, feeding, weeding and general care.

The book then moves on to the 50 container planting 'recipes', divided into sections entitled ...
...for what to plant, each one with a lovely colour photograph as illustration. Each one also comes with a real recipe based on the produce in the container.

My favourites in the 'Starters' section is the tumbling tomato hanging basket and the container of dwarf beans and sunflowers. Each planting arrangement comes with advice about specific plant varieties that will work.

In 'Main Courses' there's some good ideas for winter ... more

Bob Purcell and Hamlyn have produced a beautiful book in 'Crops in Pots'. With the recent upturn in people wanting to grow their own healthy fruit and vegetables, the book is aimed at people who don't have a lot of space, and shows just how many crops you can grow in containers whilst still maintaining an attractive garden.

The first section of the book is the obligatory one covering the basics. Here you will find advice on choosing containers and compost, sowing seeds and other methods of plant propagation, feeding, weeding and general care.

The book then moves on to the 50 container planting 'recipes', divided into sections entitled 'Starters', 'Main courses' and 'Desserts'. There are 50 attractive ideas for what to plant, each one with a lovely colour photograph as illustration. Each one also comes with a real recipe based on the produce in the container.

My favourites in the 'Starters' section is the tumbling tomato hanging basket and the container of dwarf beans and sunflowers. Each planting arrangement comes with advice about specific plant varieties that will work.

In 'Main Courses' there's some good ideas for winter containers and some very attractive ideas involving peppers.

What makes the book unique is the 'Desserts' section, with 12 container arrangements involving fruit. 'Currant affair' is particularly stunning.

The book rounds off with a detailed list of which fruits, herbs, edible flowers and vegetables (and specific varieties) grow well in containers. If you want an attractive, but edible, container garden then this book has everything you need. 

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