Container Vegetable Gardening

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.

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