Choosing the right pot for your crop
Your Guide to Veggies & Herbs in Pots
Nothing beats the taste of home‑grown produce — and the good news is you don’t need a big backyard to enjoy it. With the right pots and a quality potting mix, you can grow delicious vegetables and herbs on balconies, courtyards, and even sunny windowsills.
Potted food gardens are portable, space‑savvy and easy to position close to your kitchen so you can snip fresh ingredients whenever you need them.
Here’s everything you need to get growing:
- Choosing the right pot
- Tips for growing in container
- A simple step‑by‑step guide to potting up
Choosing the Right Pot
Plastic pots
Lightweight, durable and available in loads of colours. They hold moisture well, making them a great low‑maintenance option.
Terracotta (clay) pots
Classic and stylish, but they dry out quickly. You’ll need to water more often — or seal the inside with a pot sealant to help the potting mix stay moist longer.
Glazed or ceramic pots
Beautiful and moisture‑retentive. Just remember they can be heavy, especially once planted.
Planter bags
Perfect for crops like potatoes and strawberries. Because they’re still containers, they’ll need more frequent watering than in‑ground plantings.
Pot Size
For single plants:
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the one your plant is already in. Gradually increasing pot size helps keep the mix fresh and prevents over‑potting.
Pot Size
For larger troughs or groupings:
Grow plants that enjoy similar conditions together — think rosemary + oregano, or basil + coriander.
Watch the video to see how to plant easy herbs in pots!
Pot Shape
Winter Daphne
When plants need repotting, you’ll want a pot that makes removal easy.
Look for straight-sided or gently tapered pots — avoid styles that curve inward at the top. As gorgeous as they are, they can trap roots and sometimes require breaking the pot to free the plant.
Special Features
Self‑watering pots
Great for thirsty plants — and busy people. They stay moist longer, but make sure you still check water and fertiliser levels regularly, especially in hot weather.
Special Features
Strawberry pots
Multiple pockets make them ideal for growing lots of small plants in one compact container.
Growing Veggies & Herbs in Pots
Once you’ve chosen your pot, set yourself up for success with:
Premium potting mix
Always choose the best mix you can. A specialised blend like Scotts Osmocote® Premium Plus Superior Potting Mix or if you prefer an organic alternative use Scotts Organic Potting Mix For All Plants. These will give your plants the nutrients and structure they need from day one.
Sunlight
Most herbs and vegetables still need around six hours of sun a day — even in pots. Choose a bright, sheltered spot close to your kitchen for easy harvesting.
Watering
Pots dry out faster than garden beds. Check soil moisture daily.
Fertiliser
Even premium mixes eventually need a boost. Regular feeds with Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed All Purpose All Plant Types will keep your plants growing strong.
Plant choice
Most herbs and veggies thrive in pots, but a few prefer garden beds. When in doubt, your local nursery can point you in the right direction.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Pot Up
Follow these six simple steps for healthy, thriving plants:
- Water your plant before removing it from its existing pot.
- Check for drainage holes. If your pot doesn’t have any, add a few. Cover large holes with shade cloth or pebbles so the mix doesn’t escape.
- Fill the pot with Scotts Osmocote® Planting Mix Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Potting Mix or Scotts Organic Potting Mix For All Plants.
- Remove the plant by gently squeezing the sides of the pot and tipping it into your hand, supporting the foliage.
- Plant and firm in, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as before. Top up with mix if needed.
- Water well — then enjoy watching your new potted food garden thrive!
