Container Gardening Tips for Beginners

Spring is almost here and many people look forward to spending some time outside in their garden. Not everyone has access to a plot of land that they can use, but they can still garden by using planters, pots and other containers. This creative use of space will allow a gardener to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in very limited space or even inside.

What Can I Grow?

Some vegetables grow very well in containers. It is important to understand how much space the adult plant will require for roots and the plant. A variety of lettuces and spinach can be grown in a long planter box. Peas and beans can also be grown in a planter box. Tomatoes, peppers, carrots and onions can be grown in a deep planter pot. Read the package instructions for ideal spacing and growth of the plant before choosing a specific variety. Herbs are also ideal for growing in planters. Basil, Chives and oregano can be planted in a small, shallow container that can be moved inside during the winter to extend the growing season of the plant.

Vegetables that require a lot of space such as corn are not recommended for container gardening. Other limitation may include the amount of light and shade where the container will be placed. Research the varieties of the desired vegetable and choose one that will grow well in the amount of sunlight available and temperature in the local climate.

When do I plant?

When growing from seeds in a container it is recommended to start growing several weeks before the last day of frost is expected. This will allow the seeds to germinate and sprout before they are placed outside. Some seeds can be grown in special seed pots under grow lights and then replanted as seedlings once the weather is warm enough for them to survive. If this is more work than you want to do simply purchase seedlings in the spring and plant them directly outside. The benefits of growing from seeds are the large number of choices available to grow. When purchasing seedlings you are limited to those varieties that are available at the local nursery store.

How do I plant?

Follow the instructions included with the seed packet or seedling when it was purchased. It is a good idea to use soil that has a timed fertilizer in it already. Water the soil thoroughly after planting and verify the water drains effectively. Plants will not grow well in sitting water. Plants growing in a container will need regular watering, perhaps as often as every day if the weather is hot or dry. Check the soil daily by pressing a pencil into the pot to a depth of three inches. If the pencil does not have any soil attached when it is removed the plant should be watered.

Harvest the vegetables as they ripen from the plant. Once fall arrives cover the plants at night to protect them from frost. This will extend the growing season of the plants.

Container gardening is a fun way to grow your own vegetables and herbs in a limited space. It is also an excellent introduction to gardening for someone who doesn’t have the time to take care of a full garden.