How to Grow Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers in Containers

Have limited or no garden space. Then container gardening may be right for you.

Things You'll Need

• Containers
• Stakes
• Soil Mix

Instructions

1. Plants: Seeds packet will give information on whether plants are suitable for container gardening. Most tomatoes and peppers are.

2. Container: Use a container of at least 12" in diameter and same height as diameter. This is important because this will prevent container from becoming top heavy. Plastic pots offer your best choice. You can also use half barrels and bushel baskets. Make sure you have drainage hole in bottom then add a sheet of fiberglass screen in bottom to prevent soil from washing out and the entry of pest.

3. Soil: I do not recommend the use of garden soil as it can be infested with pest. Use a mix of one part potting soil, perlite, sphagnum peat moss and compost. Add a slow release fertilizer, bone meal etc. Later after plants have been set use compost tea or Miracle-Grow. Read my article on compost tea on how to make and use it.

4. Adding soil to container: Fill container 3/4 full. Depending on what you are planting put in stakes or wire forms. Place plants close to stakes or in inside of wire forms. Water, if soil settles add soil til it comes to 3/4" of top of container. Place container were it will receive at least 8 hours of sun each day. Avoid moving so that roots will not be disturbed.