How to Grow Garden Vegetables in Containers
Growing vegetables in containers is ideal for people who have no yard or garden space but still want the benefits of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Growing your own vegetables saves money on grocery bills. Patios, windowsills and balconies are all suitable locations to grow vegetables in containers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide on the crop. Almost any vegetable grown in the garden grows well in containers. Beans, tomatoes, peppers, green onion, herbs, lettuce and squash are just a few vegetables crops that grow in containers.
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Select the containers. There are many different types. They can be made of plastic, clay, wood or another suitable material. The container must be large enough to support the fully grown plant, hold the soil without spilling and have adequate drainage. It should also be new, or should not have previously held a product toxic to the plant, like a cleaning solution. Most plants require a container 6- to 8-inches deep to adequately root.
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Choose a media. A lightweight and porous potting is needed for vegetable gardening. It must be able to provide water, nutrients and drain well to yield a healthy crop. A soilless or synthetic mix may be used and can contain wood chips, peat moss, perlite, sawdust or vermiculite. Garden centers carry these products.
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Plant the vegetables. This occurs through seeding or transplanting. Grow transplants at home or purchase them from a nearby nursery. Use a tray or pot to sow the seeds. Fill the container to the top and plant the seeds. Follow seeding instructions, as they vary by vegetable. Cover the seed flat with clear plastic and place in a warm area with sufficient sunlight. In four to eight weeks, transplant these seedlings into a larger container. Do not injure any young roots during the transplanting process.
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Fertilize the plants. If your media already has a fertilizer, then you do not need more until about eight weeks after planting. Purchase a commercial fertilizer mix and follow the instructions, or make your own. Dissolve 2 cups of 10-20-10, 12-24-12 or 8-16-8 fertilizer in 1 gallon of warm water to make your base mix. Then, mix 2 tablespoons of the base mix with 1 gallon of water to make a nutrient solution. Use the nutrient solution to water and fertilize the plants at the same time. Pour it directly onto the soil until the soil is moist.
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Water the plants. Proper watering is vital to the vegetable's success. Avoid watering the plant's foliage, which can lead to plant disease. It is essential for both the soil and pot to have proper irrigation, or the plant may die from lack of oxygen. Water the plant once or twice a day, although watering needs are subject to change depending on the specific plant needs and climate. Use the nutrient solution on most days, but use straight tap water once a week to help drain excess fertilizer.
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Pick a sunny location for the vegetables. The amount of light or shade needed depends on the vegetable. Leafy vegetable, such as lettuce, spinach and parsley, are more shade tolerant than root vegetables, such as carrots and beets. Fruiting plants, such as tomatoes and eggplant, need the most sun. An advantage of growing vegetables in containers is that they can be relocated assuring the best growing environment.
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Tips & Warnings
Some vegetable plants require training and pruning.
Harvest the vegetables when they are at their peak of maturity.
Vegetables grown in containers are still susceptible to pests and disease. Periodically inspect the plant for any insects and diseases. If any are found, treat it right away.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
