Are you getting spring fever and daydreaming about growing your own vegetables but don’t have a large backyard? Well, where there’s a will there’s a way! You CAN enjoy the satisfaction of having your own garden by using containers in small spaces. Read on to learn about the ideal containers, the best soil and location, and the combinations of vegetables that grow well together so you can maximize your harvest in limited space.
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Table of Contents
It All Starts With Your Containers
When you’re choosing your containers, here are a few things to look for:
- Good drainage to avoid root rot.
- Containers that are at least 12″ deep to accommodate the root systems of most vegetables.
- The mobility of your container is important. A lightweight container that is easy to move around if necessary. You can also put your container on a base with wheels in case you want to rotate it around.
This Planter box has a built-in trellis to hold up a tomato plant or other climbing plants. It also has a Self-Watering System. This self-watering reservoir can keep the soil moist and protect the plants. The Self-watering reservoir irrigates the planter for several days. There is a plug on each side of the planter for draining or retaining excess water keeping your plants breathing well.
Lightweight, breathable nonwoven bags like this come in many sizes and are perfect for growing tomatoes, peppers, or herbs. They provide great drainage and allow roots to breathe.
This planter has a trellis, two wheels, and a handle, making it easy to move in and out of the sun as needed. It also has an extra-large 3-gallon water storage zone with a self-watering pot to make growing plants even easier.
These galvanized steel raised garden planters are ideal for a small vegetable garden. They’re available in lots of different sizes and several colors.
This wooden planter is 2′ x 8′ and comes with a liner to keep the soil away from the wood. It gives you lots of room to plant several different plants in a small area.
Stackable planters are perfect for smaller plants and small spaces. They’re ideal lettuce, herbs, and strawberries! Water flows through so you’ll never have root rot. All this in one square foot of space!
Best Soil For Growing Vegetables In A Container
When adding soil to your containers, it’s best to avoid using garden soil alone, because it tends to be heavy and probably won’t produce the best conditions for your container garden. The ideal soil would be a high-quality, lightweight, nutrient-rich, potting mix that drains well. These mixtures usually contain coir which is made from coconut husks, coir absorbs and retains water very well. Slow-releasing fertilizer and compost add nutrients and the compost also promotes drainage. If your containers are really large you can add packing peanuts or pine combs in the bottom before you add the dirt to keep it a little lighter in case you need to move it around.
Let's Talk About The Plants
Warm Weather Plants
There are quite a few veggies that thrive in very similar conditions:
- full sun (6 to 8 hours a day)
- watering is needed once or twice a day when they are seedlings and only every few days when they mature.
- Fertilize these plants with a balanced fertilizer like Miracle Gro Plant Food, Espoma Organic Tomato-Tone or Dr. Earth Home Grown Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
- Most of these will need trellises or cages to hold them up as they grow.
Cool Weather Plants
These plants include lettuce, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens,
Here are the growing conditions for this type of plant:
- Late winter or early spring is the best time of year to plant them.
- They grow best when the temperature is 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit and when temperatures get above 80 degrees they may begin to get tough and bitter as they begin to produce seeds.
- usually full sun 6 to 8 hours a day for most however, lettuce needs 5 to 6 with afternoon shade if temperatures get warm.
- These plants need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not excessively wet.
- Consider using fertilizer like Liquid Seaweed or Fish Fertilizer for your cool-season vegetables every three weeks.
These are general guidelines and the exact timing for planting can vary based on your local climate and weather conditions. You check with a garden center in your area for the most accurate planting times in your area.
Plant Combinations That Work Well Together
Container gardening gives you the chance to mix and match different vegetables that will thrive together. Some of these combinations include flowers that serve as natural pest repellants. Here are a few combos you might like to try.
- Lettuce, Carrots, and Radishes: Lettuce grows quickly and provides shade to the slower-growing carrots and radishes. Combining these three will maximize your space and produce a continuous harvest.
- Tomatoes, Basil, and Marigolds: Tomatoes and basil are known to enhance each other’s flavor and marigolds repel insects.
- Peppers, Onions, and Spinach: Peppers and onions make a good combination. One underground and one above and spinach grows above keeping the soil cool and moist.
Tips for Successful Container Gardening
Here are some additional tips to ensure successful vegetable gardening in containers:
- Proper Watering: Containers tend to dry out more quickly than traditional garden beds, so watering your vegetables regularly is important. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. To keep the soil moist longer, add a layer of pine straw or wood chips.
- Fertilization: Container-grown vegetables benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or incorporate slow-release granules into the soil at the time of planting.
- Pruning: Pruning and training your plants will encourage their growth by directing their energy to produce more and better veggies. It’s the best way to get rid of damaged or diseased parts and improve air circulation and sun exposure.
- Harvesting: When your vegetables start to ripen and are ready, pick them regularly to encourage more production.
- Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to protect your vegetables.
With a little creativity and an afternoon of work, you’ll be growing your vegetables in containers and enjoying the fruits of your labor!