Consider growing your own edibles this spring, not only will it benefit the environment but it will also save you money on your fresh produce bill.

Look at these awesome varieties of vegetables and herbs that are easy to grow and maintain throughout spring and summer.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are probably one of the most commonly grown edible plants that people have on their balconies or patios. There are many smaller varieties that do well in pots. There are many varieties of tomatoes, including yellow ones.

GardenShop will recommend the best tomatoes for container growing. When selecting a tomato plant, pick one that is shorter, with a thick stem, rather than a tall lanky one. Tomatoes are pretty easy to grow, provide sun, regular watering, but do take care to keep their leaves dry.

Lettuce

Instead of planting one plant per pot, I instead I suggest getting a long container and growing a row of lettuce, window boxes work excellent for this purpose. Buy a mixed pack of lettuce seeds or mixed seedlings in a tray, rather than only growing only one type of lettuce, the variety of lettuce means a more interesting looking container, as well as a more diverse salad.

Strawberries

There are special pots for people who may wish to grow strawberries on their patio or balcony, or you can use any container, as they have rather shallow roots. Strawberries will grow bigger fruit when watered more, but most people find the bigger ones have less taste. For best results have at least three plants.

Marigold and Nasturtium flowers

Yes, they are edible. The flowers can be used as decorations on cakes, or in salads.

Braver people might add them to sauces, but most often they are a cheerful garnish. One thing about growing them on your balcony or patio is marigolds have a mosquito deterrent quality about them.

You will need a few plants to get the full effect of this, but the fact is they are bright, cheerful, easy to grow, and have multiple uses, so are an excellent plant to grow on your limited space.

Beetroot

Beetroot one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Like many others this is another plant that we are told to sow after the risk of the last frost has gone. However, it can also be grown in a window box or containers all year round. Buy a smaller variety of beetroot if you plan to grow them in a container.

This information is from www.gardenshop.co.za