How to Plant and Grow a Patio Vegetable Garden

Nothing says summer like a fresh salad, brimming with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes and savory herbs. Gardeners who do not have a garden space can still have fresh vegetables by growing them in containers on a patio, window sill, porch step or deck.

Successful container gardening can be accomplished by careful preparation. It is important to start with the right container, a well-draining soil and the correct plants or seeds. Adequate water and food and a sunny spot will assure the vegetables reach their peak flavor.

Choose the Container and Soil That is Best for Growing Vegetables

A ten-inch pot will be large enough for herbs, parsley, or green onions. Tomatoes will take a larger container, depending on the variety chosen. It is important to choose a container that will fit the mature plant since transplanting could damage the emerging vegetables. The container should have adequate drainage holes.

A well-draining growing medium is necessary for healthy roots. Vermiculite and peat moss can be added to soil that is purchased to aid in drainage. A time-released fertilizer can be mixed in the soil at the time of planting or liquid fertilizer can be used periodically after planting.

Types of Vegetable to Grown in Containers

Salad greens are the easiest and quickest vegetables to grow. Leaf lettuce is ideal for containers and can be picked in about 50 days. Seeds should be planted a week or two apart to prevent waste and assure a steady crop.

Ferry-Morse has a gourmet greens mixture seed packet that includes several leaf lettuces, arugula, endive and other leafs. A mix will give a nice variety and let the family decide which one is the favorite.

Clemson University’s House and Garden Information Center suggests planting vegetables that take up little space – such as carrots, radishes, and lettuce – or crops that bear fruits over a period of time, such as tomatoes and peppers.

Several tomato varieties work well in containers. Burpee’s BushSteak Hybrid grows 20 to 24 inches tall and has 8 to 12 inch fruit that is ready in 45 days. Cherry tomatoes and patio tomatoes yield small fruit in a small space and a short amount of time.

Tomato can be planted with squash or cucumbers so the cages can be used to support the climbing vegetables. Seeds should be planted a month apart to provide a steady supply until fall.

Care of Container Vegetables during Growing Season

Vegetables will need adequate water and food. The amount of water needed will be determined by the climate. Regular feeding is necessary unless a time-released food was added to the soil when planted. Plants should be monitored for any evidence of pests.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National institute of Food and Agriculture provides links to the Cooperative Extension office in each state and U.S. territory. These offices are staffed with individuals who can provide information for growing crops in the individual state.

Growing vegetables in containers is a convenient and economical way to have fresh ingredients for a fresh and healthy salad.