Give it a grow

Anyone can grow their own food; even on a small scale all you need is just one pot, some compost (preferably peat free and organic) and some seeds. However, before you start here are some things you might need to think about.

What plant do you want to grow?

Now you've made the pledge, you'll want to start growing. We've suggested some plants below that are simple to grow, delicious to eat, and will grow happily and healthily in your pot. Choose the season you're planning to grow in, pick your favourite from the list and see how you go.

Autumn/Winter Growing

	Salad Onions
	Spicy Winter Salads
	Pak Choi
	Chard

Spring/Summer Growing

	Tomatoes
	Potatoes
	Rocket
	Chilli peppers
	Basil
	Carrots
	Coriander
	Courgettes
	French beans
	Strawberries
	Mixed salad

There are lots more things you can grow in pots, some easier than others. Here are a few of our other favourites. You might want to try these once you've mastered some of the above:

Veg: Tomatoes
Herbs: Mint
Fruit: Gooseberry

Do you want to grow it from seed or seedling?

We want to encourage as many of our 'pledgers' to grow their own from seed. But if you're a bit wary of doing this, or if you've made the One Pot Pledge® a little too late to get sowing then why not try 'plug plants'. These are simply small plants that you can buy, ready to plant into your pots. Simple.

What pot?

We’ve used the term pot rather loosely, to mean anything from a conventional plant pot to an old bath. Whether it's a pot you've bought from the garden centre, a yoghurt pot with holes punched in the bottom, an old bucket, a window box or even a wheelbarrow – the One Pot Pledge® recommended crops should all thrive as long as you give them a bit of care (water) and attention (sunlight). Remember to make lots of drainage holes (0.5 – 1cm across depending on the size of the pot) in the bottom if there aren’t any there already.

All you need to bear in mind is that as the plants in your pot start to grow, so should your pot. The 'Give it a grow' guides give you all the information you need on pots and recommended pot sizes. Remember courgettes might start off small, but they will quickly want a lot more room to breathe, whereas salads are much happier growing close together. Potatoes are great for growing in pots, just make sure the container you've chosen is deep enough so that you can 'earth up' when you need to. If space is really limited we suggest salads, chillies and basil as a good option.

Check out our gallery to help inspire your pots

veg

Why grow organic?

Some people find the word organic confusing but when it comes to gardening and growing food the word simply means free from pesticides and fungicides, using sustainable products and materials, whilst protecting the environment. The environment includes the soil, the waterways and wildlife, through to all of us.

To find out more about organic gardening and food and the work that Garden Organic does to protect the planet, wildlife and people, visit the Garden Organic website: www.gardenorganic.org.uk

One Pot Pledge® concept devised by Food Up Front