The Keys to Growing Vegetables in Containers

 

 
The lack of a traditional garden doesn't mean you can’t grow your own tomatoes, herbs and fresh vegetables. Most crops can be grown successfully in containers on the patio, balcony or deck. The keys to productive container gardening are: deciding what you want to grow, choosing the best container for the crops you chose, selecting a high-quality potting soil mix and a fertilizer designed to get the most out of your crops. When you’re deciding what to grow, plan to plant crops you’re most likely to pick, prepare and eat.  If you don’t like tomatoes, don’t grow them. Light is also an important consideration when choosing plants. Tomatoes, peppers and potatoes six to eight hours of sunlight daily in order to produce. Beans, beets, leafy greens, radishes and most herbs will do fine in six hours or less of sunlight. Once you have growing plan, it’s time to choose a container.  Typical containers include clay, plastic and ceramic. Clay pots "breathe" better than plastic and they look natural. They are still a favorite of gardeners everywhere. Plastic pots are available in different colors and aren't as heavy as terracotta or ceramic. Ceramic pottery is available in many colors and offers a "finished" look. Choose a container that drains. No matter how careful you are, water will build up over time and cause damage to the roots of your plants.  Adding gravel or pot shards to the bottom of the container doesn't help drainage. Match the container size to the tomato or vegetables you want to grow. For tomato plants, peppers, cucumbers, choose a container that's 24" in diameter or larger. 

An 18" diameter container will hold a bush tomato, cauliflower, cabbage or mixed greens. In a 14" diameter container you could plant cabbage, collards, arugula or leaf lettuce. A 10" container will accommodate herbs, lettuce, leafy greens. Not all containers are round and tall. Many are rectangular or bowl-shaped. It's best to talk to us about what you want to grow and then we can show you your options in container size, shape and color. 

Self-watering containers such as an Earth Box™ make it easier to grow tomatoes and other vegetables. An advantage of the Earth Box™ is the optional trellis designed specifically to support tomatoes and climbing vegetables. Smart Pots are soft-sided fabric containers. The benefits of Smart Pots include aeration, water drainage and heat release. Now that you've selected your container, choose a quality potting soil to put in it. High grade potting soils are light and airy, do not contain clay or garden soil or water retention crystals.  We recommend The Flower Bin Potting Soil for growing tomatoes and vegetables in containers. 

Feeding your tomatoes and vegetables will help assure a good crop. Organic products like Fox Farm Tomato and Vegetable will provide nutrients for your plants need in order to produce the best harvest.  A watering wand will help you water your containers and a moisture meter will help you decide when to water. There's nothing like growing your own tomatoes, vegetables and herbs. Whether you're short on gardening space or just want to add to your existing garden area, we're here to help you create a great container garden.