Just because you're limited in garden space doesn't mean you're out of the vegetable gardening game. Patios, front porches, and balconies can be ideal locations to grow vegetable container gardens. All you need are a little space, a few pots, plants, and some sunshine.
Choosing Pots for a Container Garden
Although bigger is almost always better when it comes to choosing a size for your container garden, not all of us have the space. It's true that the bigger the container the bigger the yield, but vegetables can be grown in almost any size pot or vessel.
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Ideally, you want to grow vegetables in a container that complements the type of vegetables you'll be growing. For instance, if you want to grow carrots, you will need a pot that's at least 18 inches deep to allow for proper root development. If you plan on growing beans, a container that is 6 inches deep will work just fine. When in doubt, check the back of your seed packet or planting tags for depth requirements.
Tip
To encourage good drainage and prevent root rot, choose pots with holes in the bottom.
Choosing Soil for a Container Garden
When shopping for potting soil for your vegetable garden, look for a mix designed especially for container gardens, such as a light and airy three-way potting mix containing compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. This will allow your vegetable roots to stretch out and grow nice and long, the same as they would if you were growing your vegetables in a traditional garden bed.
Choosing Plants for a Container Garden
A good rule of thumb is to plant what you love to eat. Why plant broccoli if you don't like broccoli, right? To get the most out of your limited garden space, look into companion planting. See what vegetables grow well together and get a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to garden space.
Tip
One of my favorite container combinations is tomatoes, onions, and basil. Tomato plants can reach 2-4 feet in height while the onions grow below, and the basil is semishaded beneath the tomato plant. Maximize the space!
The Best and Easiest Vegetables to Grow
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Onions
- Herbs
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Radishes
Caring for the Vegetables in Your Container Garden
Just as vegetables need a little TLC in traditional garden beds, they'll need a little love while growing in containers as well. Keep your container vegetable garden watered regularly and give the plants a boost of fertilizer every four to six weeks. There generally isn't too much pruning that goes into growing vegetables, but if you are growing something like tomatoes or squash, you may want to give them a trim from time to time so they don't take over your patio or balcony.
Keep calm and garden on!