Things You'll Need:
- Planters or containers Hand-held shovel or trowel for planting Watering can Potting mix with fertilizer included Plant labels and a permanent marker Vegetable seeds or seedlings
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Step 1
Decide what type of vegetables you would like to grow in your patio garden. Because patio gardening entails growing food in planters where root growth space can be somewhat limited, you may opt to grow dwarf or determinate varieties. Because these types of vegetable plants will only grow to a certain height and width, they will take up less space and still provide you with a multitude of produce. Examples of dwarf and determinate vegetable varieties include "Tom Thumb" peas, mini corn, "Silver Fir Tree" tomatoes, "Toy Choi" Chinese cabbage and "Baby Bubba" okra. It is also possible to grow loose leaf lettuce, baby spinach, bush beans and bush cucumbers in window boxes on your patio.
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Step 2
Determine if you will be growing your garden from seed or buying vegetable seedlings at your local garden center. Starting a garden from seed is preferable if you want the best selection of dwarf and determinate varieties or would like to try unique, heirloom or hard-to-find vegetables that may not be available locally. However, starting from seed will require that the seeds be started indoors four to eight weeks before they are ready to be planted outside. If you lack the inclination, time or space to start from seed, there are no shortage of vegetable seedlings available at garden centers and home improvement stores. Whenever possible, seek out "container" varieties.
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Step 3
Choose containers for your patio vegetable garden. There are several types that can be used, including self-watering planters and Earthboxes. Both are self-contained growing systems that features reservoirs that can be filled with water so that constant watering is not required. Less intricate growing methods include inexpensive gallon size or larger plastic planters and plastic tubs. As long as there are holes at the bottom of the planter or you place some gravel at the bottom to promote drainage, basic plastic containers will be quite effective for growing vegetables. Clay pots are not recommended, as they tend to dry more quickly and require frequent watering.
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Step 4
Fill all of your containers or planters with good quality potting mix that comes infused with fertilizer. Most commercially available mixes will feed your plants for 90 days, which should be sufficient for your summer vegetable garden. Dig holes with your hand-held shovel or trowel, then gently place the seedlings that you've grown or purchased into the holes and cover the roots with potting mix. Label each variety with plant labels and permanent markers so that you'll know what you planted and where it is. Water the plants with a watering can or, if you are using self-watering containers or Earthboxes, fill the reservoir.
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Step 5
Check on your garden daily, especially during very hot weather. Doing so helps to ensure that your plants do not dry out and that you are keeping them properly hydrated. It is also important to determine early on that your plants may require supports. Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and beans may need to be staked or caged, especially if you notice that the plants are becoming heavy with fruit. Harvest and enjoy your vegetables as they ripen.
