Container Gardening

Growing vegetables in containers

If you’re limited on space, containers are the way to go

You can grow a variety of vegetables in them. One reason is containers come in any size and shape you could imagine. When choosing one keep in mind the room needed for the type of vegetable. Example; if a pepper plant calls for 12” spacing in the garden, use a container at least 12′ in diameter, even bigger is better, & 12” deep. The depth is important for strong roots and plants.

The shape is not so important unless you need to support the plant, make sure the container has the room for the support.

Another option is to put the container near a fence or attach a trellis. You can use just about any material for the container, wood, metal or plastic etc. If it is for vegetables make sure it won’t leach any toxins. Other than that be creative, recycle old furniture or house hold goods. They are attractive and help the environment by keeping the stuff out of landfills.

When choosing your containers keep in mind what you plan on growing.

Tomatoes for example come in determinate and indeterminate varieties. Determinate are bush type and better suited for smaller containers. Indeterminate are the sprawling type but produce lots and lots of fruit, would be better in large ones like tubs or troughs. They need a lot of room and support. Both varieties should be topped when they reach the height of the supports.

Fill the containers with good potting soil to start.

Drainage is also very important. Be sure to drill holes in the bottom all the way around about 1” apart and don’t block the holes. Raise off the ground so the water can drain well. I find the bottoms that come with many pots don’t allow enough drainage and the roots end up sitting in water. Putting rocks in the bottom also help.

How To Build A Self-Watering Bucket System

Click here to watch a video on how to build a self watering bucket system. This makes gardening in 5 gallon buckets even better! 

GrowTowers are also a great way to grow a lot of food in a little space.  

You can grow 20 plants in a 2’x2′ space!

GrowTower

 For more on GrowTowers click here