Foglia › Growing Italian leaves in pots and containers
Growing Italian leaves in pots and containers
You don't need a garden. A few pots on a balcony, a patio or a bright windowsill can supply a surprising amount of leaf.
Pot sizes recommended by the RHS
| Crop | Container |
|---|---|
| Rocket | Pot, window box or growing bag at least 30cm wide |
| Chicory and radicchio | At least 30cm wide |
| Kale (cavolo nero) | At least 30cm wide and deep, one plant per pot |
| Parsley | At least 25cm wide and deep |
| Basil | At least 20cm wide and deep |
Compost
The RHS pages for all these crops recommend peat-free multi-purpose compost. Make sure every container has drainage holes, because waterlogging kills plants. Recycled tubs and buckets work if you drill holes in the base.
Where to put pots
Basil wants the warmest, most sheltered, sunny spot. Rocket can be moved to a shadier place in hot spells to delay flowering, and parsley also benefits from shade in hot weather. Kale needs sun and regular water, especially in summer.
Watering
Containers dry out quickly in warm weather, so check them often. Push a finger into the compost and water when the top feels dry, until water runs from the base. Water basil in the morning to avoid wet roots overnight.
Feeding
Container plants can run short of nutrients. The RHS suggests an organic, balanced liquid feed every few weeks for parsley, and a balanced feed for basil, avoiding potassium-rich feeds such as tomato feed, which encourage basil to flower.
A pot-by-pot plan
- Rocket trough: small batches every few weeks.
- Basil pot: sunny and sheltered, pinched regularly.
- Parsley pot: by the kitchen door.
- Chicory or radicchio tub: at least 30cm wide.
- One large kale pot: for picking from September onwards.
Slugs in pots
Slugs and snails still find containers, but the RHS notes pots make it harder for them to reach parsley and easier to protect basil. Check under rims in the evening.
Winter care
Bring parsley pots into a greenhouse or coldframe, or cover with cloches, to keep leaves coming. Basil should be brought indoors before frost. Hardy kale can stay outside.
Individual crop pages: rocket, basil, parsley, cavolo nero and radicchio and chicory. Dates are in the sowing calendar.
Choosing the right spot for each pot
Group pots by what they need. Put basil and kale together in the sunniest spot and rocket and parsley where they can be moved into shade in the hottest part of the day. Keep pots within easy reach of a tap or watering can, because you are more likely to water something you pass every day.
Using up space vertically
Window boxes on railings, stacking planters and hanging baskets can add growing space on a small balcony. Rocket, baby chicory leaves and parsley all suit shallow, repeated sowings. Keep heavier pots, such as kale and chicory, at ground level for stability, especially in wind.
Reusing compost
Old compost can be refreshed by mixing in a handful of fresh compost and a balanced feed, but do not reuse it for plants that have had disease. Replace it when you replant parsley or kale to avoid carrying over pests.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pots with no drainage holes.
- Pots that are too small for kale or chicory.
- Leaving containers to dry out on hot days.
- Feeding with a high-potassium feed on basil, which encourages flowering.
Frequently asked questions
How big a pot do I need for rocket?
The RHS suggests a pot, window box or growing bag at least 30cm wide.
How often should I water pots?
Check often in warm weather. Containers dry out quickly.
Which compost should I use?
The RHS recommends peat-free multi-purpose compost for these crops.