Spiniach and rocket in containers

Hi All,

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

Thanks

Andy

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 )



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



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