Container gardening might be exactly the answer you’re looking for!
For beginners, a small start offers the opportunity to try fresh products and long for a bigger gardening adventure for the next year.
Container gardens can be found almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. (Photo submitted)
With a few sufficiently large pots, potting soil, fertilizer, seeds or purchased grafts, water, and a sunny spot, you can soon be on your way to a summer of edible delight!
container
Bigger is better when choosing containers so that plant roots have plenty of room to spread out. Larger plants require larger pots. A tomato takes a three to five gallon (10-12 inch) pot, while a two gallon (8.5 inch) pot is big enough for lettuce or spinach. The smaller the pot, the faster they can dry out. Bigger is best.
ground
Potting soil is ideal for growing your vegetables. Don’t use soil as it is usually too heavy to successfully grow potted vegetables. Unless stated on the bag, most potting composts do not contain any additional fertilizer. It’s a good idea to mix a few tablespoons of slow-release fertilizer into the potting soil at the time of planting.
Semen or transplants
Radishes, spinach, lettuce, and spring onions grow easily from seeds. Make sure you dilute them as recommended on the seed package. Tomato and pepper transplants bought in a greenhouse are likely to produce better results for beginners than attempting these types of plants from seeds. For tomatoes, determinant varieties are best for pots because they get smaller than indeterminate varieties. Ask your greenhouse staff for help. Both tomatoes and peppers do best when planting a plant in a pot. Don’t rush. Greenhouse-grown seedlings usually have strong stems and after curing (gradually introducing the seedlings to outdoor conditions) they are eager to grow with little transplant shock. Pinching off early flower buds will give your seedlings time to establish themselves before trying to divert energy into fruit before they can do so healthily.
water
Keep your seeds or grafts well watered after planting. Do not over water, but be aware that as your plants grow, they will need to be watered daily. You can simply test your soil moisture with a handheld moisture meter or simply stick your index finger in the soil. When the soil feels dry past the top two inches, it’s time to water. Water enough to drain the bottom holes. Adding mulch, such as B. herbicide-free grass clippings, to the top of the soil can reduce the need for water so often. You’ll also need to lightly fertilize every few weeks when the plants are growing vigorously and bearing fruit. Plant growth not only uses up the nutrients, but frequent watering also leaches out the nutrients.
sunlight
Vegetables need a lot of sun; at least 6 hours a day. A south or east orientation works very well. The use of pots allows plants to be moved to sunny areas to increase light exposure during the day if necessary.
Vegetables other than those mentioned here can be grown in containers. Numerous sources exist on the Internet and through the University of Minnesota expansion offices. With a little practice and enthusiasm, you can successfully grow vegetables right on your deck or patio. Add a couple of flower pots in bloom too. They create an outdoor living space that is both functional and beautiful!
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