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.
Another good thing about container gardening is you can move them around. If it is going to freeze they can be moved inside. If they are getting too much or not enough sun, they can be moved.
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. 5 gallon buckets with holes drilled in the bottom work well for tomatoes and other large vegetables.
Fill the containers with good potting soil to start.
Drainage is also very important. That is why you must use potting soil when growing in a container. It has the consistency needed for potted plants. Make sure there are holes in the bottom and don’t block the holes. Raise off the ground so the water can drain well. I find that some with bottoms that they come may not allow enough drainage and the roots end up sitting in water.