Container Gardening

Gardening is a great way to offset your grocery budget by producing some of your own produce. If your garden plot is large enough, you can can, dry, or freeze the excess to enjoy later. However, not all of us are able to garden on a grand scale. Many do not want to dig up existing lawn or landscaping to provide space for a garden plot. Others are not physically able to keep up with a large garden.

That is where container gardening comes in. It is an ideal solution for those of us who want to grow a few veggies, but do not have space or time for a large scale garden. I am a passionate gardener (a.k.a. farm girl wanna be), but my yard is not large. I have had to get creative with my gardening (but that is a whole nother post). One of the way I increase my garden yield is with container gardening. For me it's ideal to grow things in pots that don't grow well in my soil, freeing up space to grow other things in my garden plot that do.

 I had the opportunity to teach a container gardening class last week for the Lady's organization at Church. I had a fabulous time sharing my passion with my friends and neighbors. I passed out a hand out that explained the basics of starting a container garden. If you are interested in doing a little gardening this summer, and need some help or ideas you can print it out below.

Container Gardening 101

Vegetables that grow well in containers

1)    In 5 gallon buckets

a)     Tomatoes ( use a tomato cage to prevent plant falling over and breaking)

b)    Peppers, all varieties

2)    In large plastic totes at least 24 inches deep       

a)     Carrots

b)    Beets

c)     Onions

d)    Herbs that grow tall (cilantro, dill, lemongrass, etc.)

e)     Green beans, peas, or cucumbers (must be  trellised unless a bush variety)

f)      Zucchini or yellow squash (one seed per bucket a little goes a long way with these squash)

g)     Turnips

3)    In large plastic totes 12 inches deep or  large flower pots

a)     Lettuce, all varieties

b)    Spinach

c)     Herbs that do not grow tall (basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives, etc.)

d)    Strawberries

e)     Cabbage

f)      Broccoli

g)     Radishes

Special needs of plants grown in containers

1)    Plants will need frequent watering to maintain healthy growth

a)     Soil should be moist but not waterlogged (squeeze it with your hand if water drips out it’s too wet).

b)    If your potting soil does not contain fertilizer in it, mixing in additional steer manure is necessary (it’s sold in bags at any store that sells potting soil).

c)     Check soil daily.

d)    A light layer of mulch around your plants will help the moisture to remain in the soil longer.

2)    Trellis plants that climb to prevent disease, breakage, and improve yields

a)     Poles ¾ to 1 inch in diameter and 6 feet long (remember at least a foot of the pole should be in the soil to prevent the plant falling over). Tie plant loosely with string as it grows.

b)    PVC pipe and string trellis (this is good for beans and peas)

c)     Teepee style trellis made with ¾ inch poles and twine

d)    Poles and rabbit fence trellis

3)    Use lighter colored totes. Dark totes can absorb too much heat and burn the plants.

4)    Set containers in an area that is shielded from harsh wind. Next to fences, the house or garage, or decks. High winds can break top heavy plants when they start to produce fruit.

5)    Harvest your garden frequently. Plants will produce a better yield if fruits are picked as soon as they mature.

a)     Pick outer lettuce and spinach leaves leaving inner leaves intact. The plant will produce longer.

b)    Broccoli will produce side shoots after main head is harvested.

c)     Cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes will produce more fruit as mature fruits are harvested.

6)    If your potting soil does not contain fertilizer in it, mixing in additional steer manure is necessary (it’s sold in bags at any store that sells potting soil). Adding additional fertilizer during the growing season is necessary if plants are not thriving. Miracle Grow granules are good.

a)     Soil can be reused each year if properly sterilized and new manure or compost mixed in.

b)    To sterilize soil cover container with clear plastic and allow the soil to heat up (75 to 80 degrees) for several days before planting.

c)     Soil will settle and need to be turned over with a shovel prior to planting.

 

Companion planting

1)    Plant fast growing crops with slow growing crops. The fast growing crops will be harvested by the time the slow growers are maturing and taking up the room in the container.

2)    Fast growing crops produce fruit in a short growing cycle (fruit will be ready for harvest after 4 – 8weeks).

a)     Lettuce

b)    Spinach

c)     Radishes

3)    Slow growing crops produce fruit after a longer growing cycle (fruit will be ready for harvest after 10 – 20 weeks of growth)

a)     Beans, peas

b)    Zucchini, yellow squash

c)     Carrots, beets, onions

d)    Cabbage, broccoli

e)     Dill, cilantro, parsley, basil, etc.

When to plant your vegetable

1)    The last frost date for our area is between May 1 – 31

2)    Plants are classified as very tender, tender, semi hardy, and hardy

3)    Very tender plants should be planted two weeks after last frost

a)     Cucumbers, peppers , zucchini, and yellow squash

4)    Tender plants should be planted on or just after last frost date

a)     Beans, tomatoes, strawberries, most herbs

5)    Semi Hardy and hardy plants can be planted one to two weeks before the last frost date in containers.

a)     Beets, onions, carrots

b)    Spinach, lettuce, kale, and chards

c)     Cabbage, broccoli

d)    Peas, radishes, turnips

Where to place your containers

1)    Different plants like different amounts of heat and sunlight

2)    Plants that like heat and full sun

a)     Tomatoes

b)    Pepper plants

c)     Beans, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, and Swiss chard, and strawberries

d)    Zucchini and yellow squash

3)    Plants that like partial sun/ shade

a)     Beets, carrots, onions, turnips

b)    Radishes, peas, lettuce, and spinach

c)     Most herbs

Prepping your containers

1)    Drill holes in the bottom of your container to improve circulation and moisture evaporation.

a)     Use a large drill bit to create 1 – 11/2 inch holes

b)    Space holes every four to six inches

2)    Place containers on pallets, bricks, or scrap wood to improve circulation

3)    Fill container a third full with of filler.

a)     Gardening rocks, straw, or styro foam pellets will work well.

b)    Filler allows for drainage and decreases the amount of soil needed reducing cost.

4)    Lay a barrier over filler layer

a)     Screen, burlap, or old cotton t shirts work well

b)    Barriers prevent soil from seeping through the rocks

5)    Fill  the container  with soil

a)     I recommend Miracle Grow potting mix

b)    Fill the container to within three to four inches from the top. Soil will settle.

6)    Plant your plants or seeds and water well.

7)    If necessary, protect tender plants from frost by covering them with milk jugs without the lid.