How to Grow Vegetable Plants in Pots
Not everyone has room to place vegetable gardens in the backyard. Fortunately, that doesn't have to stop them from growing vegetables. A variety of vegetables will grow in containers and can be placed practically anywhere, including patios, balconies and decks. Along with saving space, vegetable container gardening has other advantages, such as reducing the need to weed as much as for a traditional garden. Growing vegetables in pots is simple and effective, and it enhances the beauty of the surrounding environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Quality potting mix that drains well
- Shovel
- Watering can or garden hose
- Fertilizer
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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Purchase containers that have drainage holes in the bottom and are large enough to house growing vegetable plants. Typically, 5-gallon terracotta or clay containers work well.
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Fill the containers with quality potting mix that drains well. Appropriate choices include those that are composed of peat moss, vermiculite or perlite.
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Plant the vegetable plants. Dig a hole that is about twice as big as the root system of your transplant in each container's soil. Place one vegetable plant in each container, and cover its roots with the soil. Water each plant until the liquid comes out of the container's drainage holes.
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Place the containers in a location that is appropriate to the vegetables. For instance, most vegetables need full sun in order to grow.
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Water the plants daily or as needed, when their soil is dry.
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Fertilize your plants every one or two weeks, depending upon the variety. Most vegetable plants come with their own requirements as to which and how much fertilizer to use. The plant's seed packet or original container may provide fertilization information.
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Remove weeds from each container.
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Prune each vegetable plant whenever dead growth occurs or if you want to reduce growth. Cut or pick the dead growth with your fingers, or use a pair of pruning shears.
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Inspect your plants daily for pests.
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Harvest the vegetables when they are ripe.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are starting your vegetable from seed, do so indoors about four to six weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors. Read your seed packet for specific instructions. Separate your vegetable seedlings after they have grown a few true leaves and plant them in individual containers. Take them outdoors for a few hours each day about a week before you intend to plant them outside to get them used to the new temperatures. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots and place them in their intended outdoor spots.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
