Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners (2024)

Growing vegetables in containers can bring you both joy and bounty. There's a simple pleasure in biting into a tomato still warm from the sun—picked and eaten on the spot. You can grow just about any vegetable in a container, a practice that can save you lots of money buying produce at the grocery store. However, vegetable container gardening can be a frustrating endeavor if your plants don't thrive and produce. It helps to know that for larger plants to flourish, you may need a deeper container to hold about 12 inches of soil. For example, a 5-gallon container would work for tomatoes and squash but a smaller container is better for plants like lettuce, which has shallow roots. Following are more tips for growing vegetables in containers to help you and your plants get off to a good start.

Tip

Want to know the best vegetables to grow in a container if you're just starting out? Go with peas and lettuce—they're both fast growers.

10 Container Garden Tips for Beginners

Providing the Right Light and Temperature

Most fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, need full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. But some gardeners might overestimate how much sun an area really gets. For your veggies to thrive, you'll need an accurate assessment. Check the location every 30 minutes throughout the day to confirm how long the sun directly hits the spot where you want to put your vegetable container garden. You can also use a sun calculator to get an accurate assessment.

If you live in a hot climate, you might need to shade your plants during the heat of the afternoon, so they don't overheat. Also, it's best not to use metal or dark-colored containers because they can become very hot and cook your plant's roots.

On the flip side, many vegetables don’t like cold soil. So if you live in a cool climate, avoid putting your containers outside full time until you know the temperature will be reliably warm. For many plants, the soil needs to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a thermometer to find out the temperature of your soil. In addition, always make sure to harden off your seedlings (gradually acclimate them to the outdoor conditions) before you put them outside permanently.

Watering Your Container Garden

Many vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, need lots of water. However, you don't want to drown your plants. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soaking wet.

To figure out whether your plants need water, stick your finger down into the soil about an inch. If the soil feels dry, add water; if you're not sure, wait and check later in the day. At the height of summer, you'll probably need to water at least once or sometimes twice a day. This is often the most high-maintenance and critical aspect of vegetable container gardening.

Using Quality Potting Soil

High-quality potting soil is important for vegetables. Don't use soil from your garden, because it will compact in the containers and won't drain water properly. Also, one of the reasons to garden in containers is largely to avoid dealing with weeds and soil-borne diseases. But if you use garden soil, you might be importing problems into your containers.

Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners (1)

Feeding Your Plants

Plants need nutrition to thrive, and their food is fertilizer. If your soil doesn’t have fertilizer already mixed in, add some several times throughout the growing season, according to the directions on the label. Many gardeners mix organic, granular fertilizer into the containers before planting. Then, every couple of weeks, add diluted liquid fish emulsion or liquid seaweed to give the plants the nutrition they need. Another way to add nutrients is to make or buy compost, which helps feed the plants.

Creating Optimal Drainage

Drainage is key to keep plants from drowning. Your container should let excess water out of the bottom, so your plants won't sit in overly soggy soil and succumb to root rot. There should be one large hole or several smaller holes located at the base of your container.

You can usually drill holes in the pot if the drainage is insufficient, and you can cover a large hole before adding soil with a coffee filter or plastic screening to keep the dirt from coming out the bottom. If your container sits on a hard surface, the hole might plug up. Elevating your container with pot feet or a pot cart will help your plants drain with ease.

Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners (2)

Selecting the Perfect Container

Choosing a container can be daunting. You can use almost anything for a garden planter as long as it's big enough, has good drainage, and is made of food-safe material. But keep in mind that the larger your container is, the easier it will be to maintain. The more soil a container can hold, the more moisture it will retain. In general, don’t bother with containers that are smaller than 12 inches across. Bigger really is better when it comes to growing vegetables in containers.

Wooden Containers

Wooden containers look lovely when growing vegetables, and you can typically find optimal-size containers that aren’t too expensive. Or you can make your own wooden planter box. Just remember that after a few seasons, wooden containers may begin to rot.

Self-watering Containers

Growing vegetables in self-watering containers works well, too. They are large, easy to use, and incredibly durable. And they make watering plants a cinch because all you have to do is keep the water reservoir full.

Ceramic Containers

You also can use food-grade plastic or glazed ceramic containers. You can even use terra cotta pots, but it's harder to keep your plants moist in them, because the clay allows the water to evaporate out of the soil more easily. To help solve this problem, you can line a terra cotta pot with plastic, use a plastic pot as a liner, or seal the pot with a stone sealing product. Remember, though, that because ceramic and terra cotta pots draw moisture into their materials, they can shatter if left outside in freezing weather. Make sure to store them inside during the winter.

DIY Containers

For an inexpensive container, use a 5-gallon plastic bucket from the hardware store and drill holes in the bottom. Another alternative is to make an unusual container from something you have around your house, such as an old laundry basket or toy bin. As long as it’s big enough and has good drainage, you can really use anything.

Choosing Seeds or Seedlings

You can start your veggies from seed or buy seedlings. There are some significant advantages and disadvantages to each. Planting your own seeds is much less expensive than buying seedlings. Plus, you can organically grow hard-to-find varieties.

However, starting seeds isn't for everyone. They need 12 to 16 hours of light per day and good air circulation to grow up strong. Plus, you absolutely cannot let the seeds dry out, or they're toast. Conversely, if you give them too much water, they’ll keel over dead. To avoid this, you can make a self-watering seed starter.

Vegetables for Container Gardens

When choosing vegetables to plant in containers, look for bush or small varieties (often referred to as dwarf or compact), and ensure that your climate has enough growing days for the required time to mature.

Plants that typically grow well in containers include:

  • Peas: Put tall supports in the container when planting seedlings. Water frequently, and keep them fertilized.
  • Potatoes: Some potatoes need a 120-day growing season, so look for varieties that mature early.
  • Tomatoes: Like peas, tomatoes need a support system. Use a rod or tomato cage to keep your plants upright.
  • Carrots: Use a container that's double the depth your variety will grow.
  • Radishes: Containers don't have to be that large for this spring and fall vegetable.
  • Eggplant: When planning which variety to buy, know that many eggplants are fairly sensitive to cool temperatures (lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Summer or zucchini squash and cucumbers: Choose bush varieties rather than the sprawling vine varieties. One plant can fill a 24-inch pot quickly, so don't crowd your seeds or seedlings. A trellis in the pot will supply support for the fruit and allow air to flow around the plant.
  • Leafy greens: Spinach and leaf lettuce are among the many greens that you can snip to eat one day and then snip again a few days later. Grow the cool-season crops in spring or fall. They also tolerate partial shade.
  • Peppers: Try traditional bell peppers, or spice it up with hot peppers that are perfect for homemade salsa.

Plants that don't usually work well in containers include:

  • Large melons
  • Corn
  • Large pumpkins or squash

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Growing vegetables in containers can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh produce. However, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. Here are some tips for successful vegetable container gardening:

Providing the Right Light and Temperature

  • Most fruiting vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  • It's essential to accurately assess the amount of sunlight your chosen location receives. You can check the spot every 30 minutes throughout the day or use a sun calculator for a more precise assessment.
  • In hot climates, it may be necessary to shade your plants during the afternoon to prevent overheating.
  • Avoid using metal or dark-colored containers as they can become excessively hot and harm your plant's roots.
  • Cold soil can be detrimental to many vegetables, so if you live in a cool climate, wait until the temperature is reliably warm before placing your containers outside. The soil should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off before permanently placing them outside.

Watering Your Container Garden

  • Many vegetable plants, like tomatoes, require regular watering. However, it's crucial not to overwater and drown your plants.
  • The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soaking wet. To determine if your plants need water, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
  • During the peak of summer, you may need to water your containers at least once, and sometimes twice, a day.
  • Proper watering is a critical aspect of vegetable container gardening and requires attention and monitoring.

Using Quality Potting Soil

  • High-quality potting soil is essential for growing vegetables in containers. Avoid using soil from your garden, as it can compact in containers and hinder proper water drainage.
  • Garden soil may also introduce weeds and soil-borne diseases into your containers.
  • The purpose of container gardening is to minimize these issues, so it's best to use a good-quality potting soil specifically formulated for container gardening.

Feeding Your Plants

  • Plants need nutrients to thrive, and fertilizer provides them with essential nutrition.
  • If your soil doesn't already contain fertilizer, add it several times throughout the growing season according to the instructions on the label.
  • Many gardeners mix organic, granular fertilizer into the containers before planting. Additionally, every couple of weeks, you can supplement with diluted liquid fish emulsion or liquid seaweed to provide additional nutrition.
  • Compost is another excellent source of nutrients for your plants and can be made or purchased to help feed them.

Creating Optimal Drainage

  • Proper drainage is crucial to prevent plants from drowning in overly soggy soil and developing root rot.
  • Ensure that your containers have one large hole or several smaller holes at the base to allow excess water to drain out.
  • If your container lacks sufficient drainage, you can drill holes in the pot. To prevent soil from escaping through the holes, you can cover them with a coffee filter or plastic screening.
  • If your container sits on a hard surface, elevating it with pot feet or a pot cart can help improve drainage.

Selecting the Perfect Container

  • When choosing a container, ensure it is large enough, has good drainage, and is made of food-safe material.
  • Larger containers are generally easier to maintain as they retain more moisture.
  • Containers smaller than 12 inches across are generally not recommended for growing vegetables.
  • Wooden containers can be a visually appealing option, but they may begin to rot after a few seasons.
  • Self-watering containers are another popular choice as they are large, easy to use, and durable.
  • Food-grade plastic, glazed ceramic, and terra cotta pots can also be used, but they have specific considerations. For example, terra cotta pots may require additional measures to retain moisture.
  • You can also get creative and repurpose items like plastic buckets or old laundry baskets as containers.

Choosing Seeds or Seedlings

  • You have the option to start your vegetables from seeds or purchase seedlings.
  • Starting seeds is more cost-effective and allows you to grow unique varieties. However, it requires proper lighting, air circulation, and careful watering.
  • Seedlings are convenient and save time, but they can be more expensive.
  • Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choose the one that suits your preferences and gardening capabilities.

Vegetables for Container Gardens

  • When selecting vegetables for container gardening, look for bush or small varieties that are well-suited for containers.
  • Consider the growing days required for maturity and ensure your climate provides enough time.
  • Some vegetables that typically grow well in containers include peas, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, eggplant, summer squash, cucumbers, leafy greens, and peppers.
  • On the other hand, large melons, corn, and large pumpkins or squash are generally not suitable for container gardening.

These tips should help you get started with successful vegetable container gardening. Remember to adapt them to your specific climate and growing conditions. Happy gardening!

Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6044

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.