ADVANTAGES OF CONTAINER VEGETABLE GARDENING
- Less risk of soil-borne disease
- Virtually eliminate weed problems
- Versatile, allowing you to grow on a patio, balcony or courtyard
- Mobile plants gives more control over moisture, sunlight & temperature
- Portable gardens are suitable for renters, edible gardens in pots can move with you
- Makes gardening accessible to those with limited mobility
- Helps control space invaders, like mint and rosemary
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTAINER FOR GROWING VEGETABLES
- Any number of things can be used, flower pots, buckets, washtubs, wooden boxes, even plastic bags.
- No matter what kind of container you use, it should have drainage holes at the base or in the bottom.
- Vegetable plants will die if left sitting in wet soil.
- Dark colored containers, outdoors will absorb heat which can damage roots, so try painting them a lighter color or place them accordingly.
- The size of the container is important. For larger vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants, a minimum size should be 5 gallons for each plant.
SOIL
- You can use soil, but potting mixes are much better.
- Peat-based mixes with vermiculite are excellent. They allow the plants to get enough air and water.
- Mixing in one part compost to two parts planting mix will improve fertility.
WATERING
- Pots and containers always require more frequent watering than plants in the ground.
- Don’t wait until you see plants wilting, check your containers daily to judge the need for water.
OCTOBER - Tip of the Month
Take advantage of succession planting to extend the season for fast growing greens like lettuces, Bok Choi, spinach, arugula. Sow new seeds or transplant seedlings every 2 weeks.