Sasha CampbellContainer gardening is a handy and rewarding way to grow vegetables. It’s perfect for small spaces.
A patio, window sill, or rooftop space is ideal for a bright flower show and growing herbs and vegetables.
Container vegetable gardening allows greater control over pests and poor soil conditions [1]. It is also less labor-intensive than caring for in-ground gardens.
How to Start a Container Garden
Below are some tips to get started with your potted garden.
Container
Barrels, troughs, wooden boxes, crates, or attractive old urns could be used. However, weight restrictions may be a consideration if placing them on a roof or overhanging balcony, so lighter containers are necessary.
Half-barrels are very useful and attractive plastic containers. Plastic pots for growing vegetables are not as pleasing. However, they retain moisture well and are durable, while wood can rot and clay can shatter in frosty weather.
You can grow in containers such as terracotta pots or glazed ceramic pots. Terracotta pots can be good or bad for plants. The material’s porous nature allows water and air to pass through the container [2], causing the soil to dry out quickly.
Conversely, terracotta prevents overwatering, preventing root rot and soil disease. A wooden planter box or DIY container, such as a toy bin or laundry basket, can work, too.
Container Size
The right-sized container for the plant matters. Choose one that is at least 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide.
Compact plants require smaller containers. However, large plants need room for the roots to spread and for the plants to thrive.
In a hot climate or long sunny spells, bigger containers with good drainage will help keep the plants from drying out.
Watering Needs
Container planting requires particular care in watering. The plant roots can dry out quickly, so once or twice a day watering is wise for outdoor containers. Moreover, some plants, like tomatoes, are particularly thirsty.
Another good idea is to double up the containers. Put one inside the other and fill the space with sphagnum moss. Self-watering containers are also well worth considering.
Plants can also suffer from overwatering. Therefore, the right drainage and potting soil are as important as the container material. Pots should have big enough holes in the bottom to release excess water.
Fertilizer Requirements
Unless someone amends it, garden soil is a no-no for containers. It may clog, hold too much moisture, and/or bring in weed seeds, diseases, and pests.
Many garden centers sell a range of fertilizers, especially for containers. A liquid fish and seaweed emulsion applied fortnightly can boost poor-quality soil.
Molasses and liquid kelp are other fertilizer options for your potted vegetable garden.
Drainage
Drainage is a prime consideration in pots and containers to prevent root rot, yellowing, and wilting from excess water.
Make one big hole in the center and several smaller holes at the bottom of the containers. This process will help keep the soil from clogging around the roots.
Therefore, some pebbles should be placed at the bottom of the container to prevent the drainage holes from being blocked. You can also cover the drainage holes with material that allows water to drain freely.
Planting Seeds and Seedlings
You can start from seeds or buy seedlings when growing vegetables in pots. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Planting seeds is cheaper than buying seedlings, especially if you save your seeds.
However, growing from seeds is not for everyone. You cannot let them dry out, and you must ensure that they get the right amount of light and good air circulation.
To avoid all this, purchase seedlings from your local garden center.
Easy Vegetables to Grow in Pots
With care, most vegetables can be grown successfully in pots. These are some of the best vegetables for containers:
- Tomatoes—Any variety of tomatoes can be grown in containers. However, large pots are essential for root development and may need support.
- Potatoes also need large pots, plenty of sunshine, and good drainage to thrive. Pots should be at least 15 inches deep.
- Beans—There are different varieties of beans, but those grown on poles or up trellises are attractive and good growers. Bush varieties do not need support. Wooden boxes, terracotta pots, and barrels are ideal containers for beans.
- Spinach is one of the best and easiest vegetables to grow in pots. Spinach thrives in partial shade but requires nutrient-rich soil.
- Peas are another easy crop to grow in pots with little attention needed. Water frequently and use tall supports.
- Carrots require plenty of space for root development. A sizeable wooden trough might suit well-watered, fluffed-up soil.
- Kale—This fast-growing, very productive vegetable needs well-draining, fertile soil to produce well.
- Onions, especially green onions, do well in planter boxes if appropriately spaced.
Other Vegetables and Herbs
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Chives
- Beets
- Swiss chard
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Turnips
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Eggplant
- Sage
- Scallion
- Parsnips
- Garlic
Pumpkins, black pepper plants, cauliflower, summer squash, asparagus, artichokes, and zucchini are other container-friendly plants. A wooden box or large window box can provide a variety of salad vegetables for the kitchen.
Best Flowers for Containers
We are all used to seeing abundant geraniums, pelargoniums, and petunias in baskets and window boxes. However, there are many other choices:
- Marigolds
- Begonias
- Nasturtiums
- Lobelias
- Flowering tobacco
- Dwarf Dahlias
- Dwarf Cannas
- Day Lilies
- Hostas
- Lavender
Easy Fruit Trees to Grow in Pots
A delightful and easy way to enjoy fresh fruit from the patio or balcony is to garden in a pot. Here are some fruits to start with:
- Strawberries
- Lemon
- Orange
- Nectarines and peaches
- Cherries
- Banana
- Apples
- Melons
- Pomegranates
- Figs
You can grow other berries, like raspberries and blueberries. These look great in colorful tubs or terracotta containers.
Pineapples are also fun to grow and give an exotic zing to the balcony, but they need full sun.
Plant Supports
Trellis, stakes, cages, netting, and balcony railings work well for vines and climbing varieties of plants.
Additionally, some plants can be grown together in a large pot, and a teepee of bamboo sticks can be used as support. Experimentation is the key to success.
Takeaway
You can achieve beautiful displays and a great harvest with container growing. Best of all, everything is close to your house.
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