Plant a Container Vegetable Garden

Many people enjoy having a traditional vegetable garden, but sometimes it’s just not possible. For someone who has no yard to call their own, or who just doesn’t enjoy the weeding and maintenance of a large garden, a container garden may be a great option. Many vegetables can be grown in pots, but there are five that are usually very successful.

Grow Tomatoes in a Large Container

Tomatoes are a favorite summer-time treat for many people, and the convenience of picking them straight from your own garden can’t be beat. Choose a smaller variety of tomato with compact roots that are designed for patio plants. Look for plants that have the word tiny, small, pixie, or patio in their name. Cherry or Grape Tomatoes are also successful in pots.

Tomatoes do need a larger pot, so choose one that is at least 16 inches deep, and 12 inches across. Half barrels are a great choice for tomatoes.

Peppers Grow Well in a Pot

Peppers have compact root systems and do well in smaller containers. A 12 inch deep container will be fine for peppers, and they like hot weather, so offer them plenty of sun.

Peppers come in many varieties, and they’ll provide a lot of color to your patio garden. Look for pepper plants or seeds in green, red, yellow, and orange choices.

Pick Leaf Lettuce from your Garden

Leaf lettuce is a garden staple, and simple to grow. It will probably be the first vegetable ready in the garden, as it grows quickly and can be enjoyed when still quite small and tender. Plant several pots at different times so that you’ll always have some ready when you need it.

A smaller pot, even 9 inches deep will grow excellent leaf lettuce perfect for a garden fresh salad.

Cucumbers Need Room to Grow

While it seems like cucumbers would have more compact roots, they, like tomatoes need a little more room. Choose a larger pot that is at least 16 inches deep for cucumbers, and they will do very well on your patio or porch.

Radishes from a Patio Garden Add Color to a Salad

While not one of the more popular vegetables, radishes are often chosen by container gardeners because they don’t take up much room on a patio, and are easy to grow. They add some nice color and taste to a summer salad.

Radishes do fine in a smaller, nine inch pot.

Container Gardening Tips

Once you have chosen your containers, make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom. If not, they can easily be drilled in the bottom of the pots. Place them in a part of your porch or patio that will get at least six hours of sunlight each day. Remember to check them often for watering needs, because even those containers who get rainwater will dry out faster than plants in the ground normally would.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, peppers, and leaf lettuce are all typically successful container plants. These plants, along with some simple herbs in pots can make a porch or patio into a wonderful garden.

Source:

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Gardening in Containers, (accessed March 2010).