photo courtesy of Flickr and Thomas Pix
If you haven’t tried to grow vegetables in containers you may want to rethink that after reading this article. There are many reasons why container gardening is becoming so popular. Thos with little to no yard, who were once left out in the cold as far as vegetable gardening, can now grow a few fresh veggies right on their patio. You may also want to grow vegetables in containers if you live in an area cursed with heavy, clay soil or if you get early and long winters and want the option for bringing a few veggies and herbs inside when it gets cold.
Getting Started
Your first step is to get some containers. These can be large, built-in, wooden planters, or various sized plant pots. Just keep in mind that if you want the option to bring your vegetables or herbs inside for the winter the pot can’t be so big and heavy that, when filled with soil, it becomes immobile.
Next you need to buy your vegetables or herbs. Look for smaller versions of your favorite vegetables so they’ll fit into these containers—many of the standard vegetables have been “bred down” in size for this very purpose. Also, just about every kind of herb will grow well in a container or pot. Simply ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate your plant at maturity and give enough room for it to develop a healthy root system.
Planting Vegetables in Containers
Now that you’ve got your pot and your plants you need to fill said pots with a good quality top soil, compost or a mixture of the two. Add any necessary fertilizers your vegetables or herbs may need and plant according to that plant’s specific directions (which should be included with your young plant or seeds).
All that’s left is to plant your vegetables or herbs and water them well. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to water more frequently than you would with a traditional garden, as there’s less soil to hold the moisture. Just be sure not to over water your plants. You want most vegetables’ soil to remain moist, but not soggy and you should let your herb’s soil dry out completely between watering to encourage the production of their essential oils, which is responsible for the taste and flavor of the herb.
By now you can probably see why container gardening is such a hit. You can use containers exclusively, or as a supplemental system in conjunction with your traditional gardening. I like to keep my herbs in containers so I can bring them in when it gets cold and enjoy their flavor all year round.
Join us next time when we’ll discuss your fall garden chore checklist. How to prepare your garden, in the fall, for the upcoming winter months.
Until then—go plant something tasty!
