Container Gardening Vegetables

Container gardening vegetables is an excellent choice for the home gardener who doesn't have large single area to grow in. Just about any vegetable will grow well in a pot. You can use any kind of container as long as it is the right size for the plant inside it.

In many ways, container gardening is easier than traditional outdoor growing. Potted plants don't have to compete for space as long as the pot is big enough for the plant. It is easier to apply fertilizer to the plant. Weeding is not necessary 99% of the time. Pruning and harvesting your plants is easier too.

All you have to do is follow these simple guidelines, and your vegetables will be very happy in their little pot.

Choosing the Container

The good news about container s is you can literally use any type of container that will hold dirt and water as long as it is big enough for the requirements of the plant. If you spend a few minutes looking around your house, you probably have 2 or 3 items that will work. Some ideas are 2 liter bottles, milk jugs, orange juice cartons, and even empty water bottles for small plants. Any of these can work, use your imagination.

Mainly you want to make sure that whatever type of pot or container you are using has drain holes in the bottom. Drainage is super important for potted plants. It helps prevent over watering and provides a source of oxygen the roots.

Avoid dark-colored pots if you can. They absorb more heat and that is normally a bad thing. Unless, you want your plants cooked before you pick them that is.

Dirt and Food

Okay so we have our container and now we need to prep it. Potting mix is number one on my list of soil choices for several reasons. Excellent drainage and aeration. Low compaction. Moisture retention. I want air and loose dirt for the roots. I also don't want the water to evaporate every day. Potting mix will satisfy these needs. Be sure to use "potting mix", not "potting soil". There is a big difference.

Feed the plants by adding a slow-release fertilizer that has the right mix of nutrients for the type of vegetable you are growing in the pot. Slow-release fertilizers will continue to add nutrients to the soil the life of the plant without the worry of remember to add more throughout the season. One less thing to worry about is a good thing.

Watering

Watering is the one area that many neglect, but you won't if you just remember that container plants need water more often. Check them everyday using the finger test. The finger test is when you stick your finger in the soil to about 3 inches deep. If the soil isn't moist 2 or 3 inches down, then add some water. Don't go crazy with it. A little each time works best for containers.

Another option is to use self-watering containers. For container gardening vegetables, self-watering is the way to go. It makes up the bulk of my garden. The main reason I prefer them is they don't need daily watering and it is impossible to over water my plants using this method.

You can make your own and many do. However, I think purchasing a well constructed container is the better choice for indoors because they are generally more attractive and that is important when your gardening indoors.

Follow these simple tips and your container vegetable garden is going to turn out great. Anyone can start one and have great results. I am sure yours will be one to envy.