Know no bounds Great Dixter’s gardener cook, Aaron Bertelsen shows how growing edibles in containers offers endless possibilities

Great Dixter gardener cook, Aaron Bertelsen, shares his knowledge of growing edibles in pots in a courtyard kitchen garden

Much has been said and written of late about the importance of understanding where our food comes from, of shifting the focus of our meals to include more vegetables, and reducing food waste. I believe that growing your own – or at least some of your own – is one of the most effective ways of changing your attitude to what, and how, you cook and eat. Eating seasonally, and making the best use of your ingredients, seems to come more naturally when they are growing right outside your door. I am a great believer, too, in the psychological benefits of gardening.

Far from being limiting, container gardening offers endless possibilities. A sheltered courtyard creates a microclimate, where it is possible to grow crops, such as apricots and peaches, that might struggle in a more open site. Sun-worshippers, such as tomatoes, chillies and aubergines, will thrive on a bright balcony, while shadier spots are ideal for salad crops, potatoes, leafy greens, such as Swiss chard, and fruits, such as blueberries, rhubarb and even currants. Meanwhile, woody Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can cope with the most inhospitable conditions.

One of the great advantages of container growing is that it is easy to extend the growing season. Many plants will benefit from the additional warmth found close to the house or apartment, and it is the work of a few seconds to throw a piece of fleece or hessian over more vulnerable pots.

Another bonus of container gardening is that there is no back-breaking digging, and you are free to create different compost mixes to suit the needs of individual crops – light soil for carrots and parsnips, acidic for blueberries and so on. A container garden also provides opportunities to grow unusual varieties or hard-to-obtain ingredients, such as that obscure herb you need for your favourite curry but can never seem to find in the shops.

The kitchen courtyard at Great Dixter is just a few metres square and sits directly outside the kitchen door. Aaron has turned it into a thriving kitchen garden in its own right. Eating seasonally and making the best use of ingredients comes more naturally when they are growing outside your door