There are many reasons why you might choose container gardening over more traditional methods. Maybe you’re short on space, have trouble bending over, or are just really, really lazy (like me). Regardless of why you settle on container gardening, I’m here to tell you that it’s an absolute delight and has the potential to be incredibly productive.
After a few years of gardening, I’ve found a slew of vegetables that grow effortlessly in containers.
Bell Peppers
Container Type: 2 gallons or larger, 1416 inches deep, 24 inch diameter with multiple drainage holes. Ensure there is room for stakes.
Sun: 6 8 hours daily
Peppers like consistently moist — but not soggy — soil. Water them whenever the top of the soil is dry, and be careful to never let the soil dry out completely. You can help them avoid drying
out by covering the top of the potting soil with mulch. Bell peppers are sweetest when they’ve ripened fully on the plant in full sunshine.
Carrots
Container Type: M ore than 12 inches deep to give carrots room to develop. Make sure there are multiple drainage holes.
Sun: At least 68 hours daily, more is better.
Carrots require little skill, minimal care, and minimal effort — perfect for beginning gardeners. Grow carrots in soil that is loose, lightweight, and well drained. They’ll need regular moisture, but not too much as root crops may rot if left in soggy soil.
Cucumbers
Container Type: M inimum 12 inches deep, 24 inch diameter with multiple drainage holes. Ensure there is room for a cage or trellis. When in doubt, go with a larger container rather than a smaller one.
Sun: 6 8 hours daily
Cucumbers absolutely depend on water, so you want to make sure they get a consistent level — you must ensure the soil never dries out completely. Add a trellis or tomato cage as the plant grows to maximize floor space and allow the plant’s leaves to get more sun.
Tomatoes
Container Type: 1 5 gallon minimum, 18 inch diameter (determinate), 24 inch diameter (indeterminate). Ensure there is room for a cage. When in doubt, go with a larger container rather than a smaller one.
Sun: 6 8 hours daily
Tomatoes have extensive root systems, and once they become root bound, their fruit production tanks. They need large containers, plenty of room, and lots of water once they start producing..
Zucchini
Container Type: B road and deep, at least 24 inch diameter.
Sun: A t least 68 hours daily, more is better.
Zucchini plants have high yields, even when grown in containers. They sprawl, naturally
reaching diameters of three plus feet, so take that into consideration when choosing a container.
Tips
The most important thing to remember about container gardening is that containers lose moisture quickly, especially when they’re in full sun. In the spring, you’ll water everyday, and in the heat of summer, when plants are producing, you may need to water two or three times daily, depending on the temperature.
I’ve spent the last few evenings dutifully watering my tomatoes and cucumbers, checking the leaves for damage, and looking closely for any signs of insects. The time I devote to my container garden is some of the happiest and most peaceful I have each day. I’m looking forward to seeing what my plants produce this season.
**Liz Greene is a dog loving, history studying, pop culture geek from the beautiful City of Trees, Boise, Idaho. You can catch her latest misadventures on her blog, Instant Lo.
Why stop at 5?! Here are my top 10! http://bit.ly/1rn7Qkt