How to Plant Vegetable Container Gardens

Container gardens are ideal for areas where space is limited or the soil is unsuitable for gardening. However, don't think because you are growing in containers that you are limited to salad greens and radishes. Nearly any vegetable can be grown in containers as long as it provides enough space for the roots.

Choose containers with straight sides and wide bottoms. Traditional pots shaped like inverted cones tip easily in summer storms and may become top heavy if you are growing large plants.

Check the pot for drainage holes. Although most commercial pots have adequate drainage, if you use buckets or bins designed for storage, you will need to drill holes in the bottom of the pot for drainage. Drill several ½-inch holes evenly spaced around the bottom of the container. Without adequate drainage, soil on the surface may feel dry, but soil on the bottom of the pot may become waterlogged. Wet soil prevents roots from getting the oxygen they need and promotes disease.

Choosing the Right Container Size
Plant beets, lettuce, onions, spinach, chard and radishes in pots with a depth of 9 to 12 inches. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, peas and carrots require a depth of 12 to 14 inches, while larger plants like squash, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes require pots with a depth of 16 to 18 inches. Many prefer 5-gallon buckets for large vegetables.

Soil for Vegetable Container Gardens
Fill the containers ¾ full with lightweight potting mixture. Potting soil or garden loam is too heavy for container gardens. Make your own potting medium by combing equal parts potting soil, peat moss, compost and perlite.

Planting in Containers
Transplant seedlings to the containers by positioning the seedling to the original planting depth. Fill in around the roots with soil. Firm down with your hands to secure the plant. Water thoroughly until water runs free of the bottom of the pot.

Arrange the Vegetable Container Garden
Place the containers in an area that receives full sun for 6 to 8 hours a day. Arrange containers to create an attractive garden, allowing space for walking and plant care. Create garden paths with bark mulch or decorative stone, if preferred. Add seating if space allows.

Watering Vegetable Container Gardens
Monitor vegetables in containers closely for any signs of wilting and water immediately. Watering in the early morning is preferred as less moisture is lost to evaporation. Avoid watering during the heat of the day. Late evening watering is fine as long as foliage has time to dry before nightfall.

Water plants when the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface of the soil. Soil in containers dries quickly in the summer heat. Your plants may require daily watering during hot dry weather or during periods of vigorous growth.

Fertilizing Vegetables in Container Gardens
Apply water-soluble fertilizer every 10 to 14 days to promote healthy growth. Vegetables grown in container typically require more fertilizer than those grown in the soil because fertilizer leaches from the soil when the containers are watered.

SOURCES:

AgriLife Extension: Vegetable Gardening in Containers

Arizona Cooperative Extension: Vegetable Garden; Container Garden

Ohio State University Extension: Container Vegetable Gardening