'Growing' on a concrete patio - containers/raised beds?

Hi, We are moving into a new house, but it's completely concrete and decking - not ideal.
The whole plan was to move and grow as much fruit and veg as possible, for ourselves. Is this going to seriously hinder us, or is growing in containers/raised beds possible?

Many thanks.

 

That's great! Thanks so much for taking the time to reply - much appreciated.

 

Salad leaves, radishes, certain varieties of carrot, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries, currants, peas, beans, tomatoes, courgettes, plus herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mint) have all been successfully grown in pots, planters and raised beds in my garden - and I'm a 'beginner' (ok, with 2 years of trying/learning ).

I *know* you can do it Charlotte

 

Oh wow! Didn't realise I'd be able to grow quite so much. That is just brilliant, thank you

 

My garden floods very badly, I had the whole area gravelled and the patio extended, and I have all my fruit bushes, herbs ,beans in containers. Along side my flowering tubs it all mixes quite well.

 

And I'm only a beginner! I'm sure other, more experienced members will be able to add to my list (and probably double it! )

But, I do have to say, unless you can find patio equivalents (and I admit, I haven't looked) things like sweetcorn are a nono

Even fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries, plums) can be grown on a patio in a pot


PS: Loving your UserName

 

The only thing wrong with containers is watering them ... frequently!

If starting from scratch I would consider incorporating some irrigation into the designs.

No chance to rip up the concrete? I reckon it is easier to get good results in soil, rather than containers.

 

I always grow veg in containers - they do need regular watering as has been said - this year I got trays for the bottom of the pots to keep them watered longer - especially in this hot weather - rather than just running out the bottom - has worked better since I did this.

For me, peppers and chillies grow well in containers.

S

 

Agree, almost everything can be successfully grown in containers and watering is the catch. Cancel the 2 weeks in Spain

The bigger the container is, the easier life gets. I have/am successfully grown raspberries, blackcurrant, strawberries, sweet peppers, tomatoes of all sizes, carrots, lettuces, radishes, beetroots and of course herbs in containers.

Since the space in a town garden is limited, I am focusing on growing Very Special Things instead of trying to be self sufficient- in the end, I get great potatoes and carrots from my greengrocers all year round.

Miniature variants and unusual shapes are also great in containers, for example the small round early carrots grow happily in an Asda smart price washing up bowl and make a smashing addition to the Midget's lunch box. (= when picked to be part of her lunch. I rarely plant up any containers actively used by a family member )

I also consider any plant as an ornamental plant- if something is ugly and not worth it from edible point of view, I leave it to the professionals. I want my small space to look nice, not utilitarian.