Growing Vegetables in Containers
If
you have limited gardening space, or only have room to garden on your
patio or balcony consider gardening in containers. While you may currently
grow flowers in containers in your limited space, you are missing out
on an opportunity to grow produce too. As long as your gardening space
has a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day, you can produce a bountiful
crop of many fruits and vegetables. Below are 5 tips for successfully
gardening in containers:
Tip #1 Select The Right Container
When gardening in containers to produce fruit and vegetables you need to ensure that the container is not made from toxic materials that can seep into your soil and produce. If you are unsure of the materials your containers are made, of invest in new containers. Also select containers that have adequate drainage holes. If you find suitable containers that do not have drainage holes, simply drill a few holes in the bottom.
Tip #2 Invest In Quality Soil
Once you have selected your containers it is time to select your soil. Even if you have an area outdoors in which you are able to transfer soil from, you will be more successful if you purchase high quality soil from your local home and garden store. This way you will ensure that your soil is insect free, and store-bought soil compacts less easily, which provides the most ideal environment for your produce—and is of particular importance when gardening in containers.
Tip #3 Fertilize
If the soil you have selected does not contain fertilizer, you want to add a quality fertilizer to your soil prior to planting your seeds, sprouts, or plants. This will help to ensure that your produce has the nutrients it needs to flourish. You can purchase your fertilizer, or make it yourself via a compost pit or compost bin.
Tip #4 Select The Right Produce
When gardening in containers it is imperative to select the appropriate type of produce whose roots are best suited for the size of your container. Some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that can be grown in containers are tomatoes, strawberries, green beans, lettuce, potatoes, and herbs.
Tip #5 Plant To Perfection
Whether you are planting from seed, preexisting plants, or sprouts it is important to plant to perfection. You want to ensure that spring or summer is in full swing, to eliminate the concern of frost. Ensure that your seeds are properly spaced when planting so that they are not crowded in your container. If you are planting from plants, gently separate the roots, without causing too much disruption to any attached soil, or the natural direction they prefer to grow in.
Once you cover your seeds, or firmly cover your plants or sprouts, water them to give them the hydration they need to begin to grow. For the first few days keep newly planted plants out of sunlight that is particularly direct, but after a week or so transfer them to an area where they will receive their minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
These methods can be used when gardening in containers on your patio, balcony, or even indoor in an area with adequate sunlight.
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