Easy Container Gardening
Almost any vegetable that will grow in a backyard garden will also do well as a container grown plant. There are several general advantages to have a container garden.
They are less costly to install.
They are less difficult and time consuming to maintain.
They can be grown in a window sill, a patio, a balcony, or a doorstep.
Pest management is easier.
Poor soil conditions can be easily overcome.
Soil for a containers typically is available in garden centers. Using soil from your backyard garden is not recommended as you can transfer any diseases, pests, and weed seeds. The soil needs to hold moisture and nutrients but drain well. The soil from a backyard garden tends to be too heavy and can become waterlogged easily.
Vegetable Selection
Almost any vegetable will grow in a container. Vegetables that are best suited for growing in containers are:
Vegetables |
Days To Germinate |
Light Requirements |
Days To Harvest |
| Beans | 5-8 | Sun | 45-65 |
| Tomatoes | 7-10 | Sun | 90-130 |
| Peppers | 10-14 | Sun | 90-120 |
| Radishes | 4-6 | Part Shade | 20-60 |
| Eggplant | 8-12 | Sun | 90-120 |
| Cucumber | 5-8 | Sun | 50-70 |
| Squash | 5-7 | Sun | 50-70 |
| Parsley | 10-12 | Part Shade | 70-90 |
| Onions | 6-8 | Part Shade | 80-100 |
| Lettuce | 6-8 | Part Shade | 45-60 |
Containers
Almost any type of container can be used. The size of the container will vary according to what plant you are selecting however, there needs to be plenty of room for growth. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant need larger containers such as 5 gallon. These tend to get large as they grown. Pole beans and cucumbers will require more space because of their vining growth properties. Trellis may be used in the container for these vegetables. Regardless of the type of container used, good drainage is essential and putting coarse gravel in the bottom of the container will improve the drainage.
Watering
Container gardens tend to dry out quicker than in ground gardens due to lengthening days and rising temperatures. Daily watering will be necessary however, a good way to test the dryness of the soil is to put your index finger into the soil. If the soil is dry below the first joint, watering is needed. In hot dry climates, it may be necessary to water twice a day. As previously discussed, good drainage is needed otherwise plants will get water logged and die from lack of oxygen. When watering avoid wetting the foliage of the plants since wet leaves can encourage diseases.
Sunlight
Most of the the vegetable plants will grow best in full sunlight. There are some however, that will require partial shade. The root vegetables can stand more shade than those which bear fruit, such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. One advantage to container gardening is mobility. The containers can be moved around to the best location where they can receive the best possible growing conditions.
Feed Often
Potting soils offer a medium for container gardening but they do not offer much in the way of nutrition. In order to have a successful container gardening and a good harvest, feeding your plants will be necessary. Add a slow-release fertilizer can be used at the time of planting or give pots a weekly feeding of a diluted liquid food. Just be sure to read the package instructions.
Common Problems in Container Gardening
| Problem | Cause | How To Fix |
| Plants are tall and unproductive |
Insufficient light |
Move container to more light |
| Plants are yellowing from the bottom |
Excessive water | Reduce watering schedule |
| Wilting plants in the face of sufficient water |
Poor drainage | Increase number of holes for drainage |
| Plants stunted in growth and sickly looking |
Low air temps | Move pots to a warmer area |
| Plant leaves with spots; dead, dry areas, or powdery areas |
Plant disease | Remove diseased areas |
| Holes in leaves | Plant pests | Use recommended insecticide |
Container gardening is a sure way for those with limited space, to grow fresh, nutritious, homegrown vegetables. Harvesting the vegetables at their peak of maturity when a vegetable’s full flavor has developed is enjoyable and healthy. You know exactly how they are grown and what is in the soil. There is nothing like a vine-ripened tomato or a crisp head of lettuce.
In case you missed other articles with this series of starting a garden check them out here:
No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. -Thomas Jefferson
