Spiniach and rocket in containers

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by AndyW72, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. AndyW72

    AndyW72 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi All,

    My space is limited so wanted to grow these in containers. Would like to know what size containers are best?

    Thanks

    Andy
     
  2. Ariadae

    Ariadae Super Gardener

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    I have used all sorts for rocket-morrisons flower buckets, fat-ball buckets, etc. it grows like mad! Haven't tried to grow spinach in containers though
     
  3. Cinnamon

    Cinnamon Super Gardener

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    I grow wild rocket (vs. salad rocket) in a double depth bed. When I tried growing it in shallow containers it went to seed rapidly because, like other umbels, it has a deep tap root so needs to grow down deep or else it flowers due to stress. Not rocket, but I have great success potting on plain leaved parsley into old supermarket flower buckets, which allow a 30cm deep root system and give happy plants.
     
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    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      The only time I've grown rocket, it had gone to seed within about 6 weeks of sowing. Not necessarily a bad thing, if you want young leaves fast, but mine was in an open mixed bed so it kind of got mixed up with everything else.
       
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      • "M"

        "M" Total Gardener

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        Last year I planted a strip of "Perpetual Spinach" in a piece of guttering which I attached to my fence in the shadiest part of my garden (no direct sunlight, at all!)
        Here is a photo taken 25 June 2015 when it was just beginning to show signs of life (please ignore the bunch of coriander at the end :redface:)

        CIMG0009 (1024x768).jpg

        This one was taken almost 3 weeks later (14 July 2015)

        CIMG0096 (600x800).jpg

        A few gaps (thank you, Slugites!) but, it continued to grow and fill out and grow some more.

        In the Autumn, it was still growing but I needed to clear out that piece of guttering. Hating to throw everything away, I put what was left in a trough and left it alone. It continued to grow! Every week I would grab a handful and throw to my hens to some fresh greenery.
        It is still growing strong!
        No wonder it is called "perpetual" spinach :doh: :heehee:
         
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