How can I get started with container vegetable gardening? After choosing the vegetable(s) you want to grow, you can decide on container size and material. After that, you need to learn how to treat your plants properly and soon you can enjoy your own fresh vegetables!
I have done multiple hours of research from reputable sources and have successfully grown numerous vegetables in containers. If you want the quick start guide to growing vegetables in containers, you have come to the right spot!
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Container vs soil-based gardening
Best vegetables to grow in containers
Container vs soil-based gardening
There are numerous benefits to container vegetable gardening compared with regular soil based vegetable gardening. If you do not have your own garden patch, this is any easy way to get started. If you do have a garden patch, but are unsure about the soil quality, container gardening can also be a good choice. This is because you can choose high quality soil to use in the containers. In addition, containers can also be very portable. I have two pepper plants in pots that I move to different locations of my balcony to maximize direct sunlight during the day.
Best vegetables to grow in containers
If you are thinking about getting started with container vegetable gardening, there are numerous plants that are great for growing in containers. Some of the best include beans, beets, chard, chili peppers, kale, lettuce and onions. Read my growing vegetables in pots blog post to learn more!
Once you have chosen the plants you want to grow, you can choose the container material and size. Most materials work well as containers. Wood looks nice, has a nice design, but may rot after a while. Plastic does not rot, but also does not look nice design wise. Plastic is good at keeping moisture in the soil, so may be good for beginner gardeners. Depending on what vegetable you want to grow, you’ll need to choose the size accordingly. Buy a container that will let the vegetable grow into it. Also consider whether you want the container to be portable. If so, you don’t want to choose something too heavy. Also choose a food safe pot.
Growing tips
Once you have chosen the vegetables and containers, you need to learn how to treat your plants properly. Buy a high quality potting mix that provides the plants with all of the essential nutrients. To learn more about essential plant nutrients, read my guide on that.
Optimal growing conditions will lead to more tasty vegetables. Watering the vegetables often is key. To test whether your vegetables need more soil, put a finger in the soil. If the top few centimeters of the soil are dry, it’s time to water. Make sure to choose vegetables that get enough sunlight from the location you want to grow them. There is no point buying tomatoes which love the sun if you only get a few hours of direct sunlight. Temperature wise, make sure the vegetable you want to grow can tolerate the temperature in your region. Last, but not least, it can be a good idea to add some fertilizer a few times each growing season to add extra nutrients. Read the instructions on the fertilizer you choose. Do not overfertilize, as it can do more harm than good!
If you want to learn more about the basics of container gardening, feel free to read that post!
