The number one reason for most people choosing container vegetable gardening is to save space.
While this is a fantastic reason to get started, it is by no means the only benefit you will receive from learning how to grow food in containers.
Growing edible crops in a container garden is suitable for those who are renting and may not have access to land for planting.
Container gardening is also a fitting way for beginners to get into gardening, before making the larger commitment to a garden plot.
It can also be a worthy way of trying out new-to-you vegetables on a smaller scale.
Whatever it is that attracts you to container gardening, keep reading for even more reasons to try it this year. You’ll also find out if it can work with growing your favorite plants, or not. In that case, it is back to the garden you go!
Or perhaps all you need is a hybrid solution that encompasses the best of both garden types. It all depends on just how much space you have to devote to growing.
What plants are good for growing in containers?
You will be pleased to know that a varied selection of vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs are all waiting to be planted in containers.
In general, fast growing crops are better suited to container gardening, though there are a few exceptions. It is also important to consider the size of the plant when choosing your seeds. Corn, for example, grows far too tall and has the tendency to fall over in higher winds. That would not be good in a container, nor would vining vegetables be suitable, such as pumpkins or butternut squash.
30 Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs To Grow In Containers
The best candidates for container gardening are:
- basil
- beets
- blueberries
- broccoli
- bush beans
- cabbage
- calendula
- carrots
- chard
- chives
- cucumbers
- eggplants
- garlic
- lemon balm
- marigold
- mint
- nasturtium
- peas
- peppers
- potatoes
- radishes
- rosemary
- sage
- salad greens
- strawberries
- summer squash
- tomatoes
- thyme
- verbena
- zucchini
Within one pot you can have several things going on. For example, you can plant lettuce or radishes around the perimeter, with some cherry tomatoes in the center to maximize space-efficiency even further.
8 benefits of container gardening – besides saving space
Let’s get beyond space and seek out some other important benefits of container gardening, as efficiency can only take us so far.
1. Container gardens are easy to access
As containers are likely to be placed close to your house, even right outside on the deck or patio, planting, weeding and harvesting can all be accomplished with ease within a few steps from home.
This also means no muddy boots! Although you will be weeding by hand, so a pair of gardening gloves is highly recommended.
2. Save water and other resources
Planting in pots means that you need to water only as often, and as much, as the soil in your containers dry out. Naturally this will happen quicker on hot and windy days. It also depends on your planting containers. Metal pots heat up faster, drying the soil out at a quicker rate, as do terracotta pots. Glazed ceramic is the best for holding moisture.
In any case, irrigation will be easy with either a hose or watering can, which ultimately saves water.
Another way that container gardening saves resources, is with fertilizer, compost and other soil amendments. You only need what fits in the pot and nothing more. Though you may need to experiment to find out what your plants appreciate the most.
3. Fewer weeds than in traditional gardens
Forget about breaking your back with a hoe. All you need is your hands, a couple of small hand tools (trowel, shovel, etc.) and you are ready to go. Since there is less soil exposed to the sun, and if you are starting out with a sterile soil substrate, you will have fewer weeds to contend with from the get-go.
This allows you to focus on the growth of your plants instead of the unwanted weeds.
4. Easier to control pests
If you are gardening in containers, it may be the case that you are growing fewer kinds of crops. That in itself means a lowered chance for pests to take over.
Combine that with the fact that the pots are off the ground, and you have already eliminated a slew of grubs and insects that nest, rest and nibble below the soil.
If an unwanted visitor does show up, it is easier to manually control the pest population, than if the plant were out in the garden. It is even possible to isolate the plant by covering it entirely, or moving it to another location.
5. Container gardens are portable
Do your container plants need sun or shade? Or a delicate mixture of both?
Are you expecting an unprecedented rainfall (or hail!) that could damage your container garden crop?
The good news is that you can potentially move your pots out of harm’s way if necessary, when the moment calls for it. Notice, I said “potentially”. If they are too heavy, this will be a difficult task. However, with a little forward thinking, the largest pots could be on wheels or in carts that are simple to move. A plant caddy is the perfect solution for pots that are easy to move in and out of the sun.
6. Instant upgrade to your yard or gardenscape
If your container garden is right outside your back door, you may enjoy the flexibility of moving pots around to redecorate as the season progresses.
Bring forward the plants that are harvestable, or in bloom. Set the others, that are past their prime, but which you still intend to save seeds from, off to the side or to the back.
The beauty of container gardening is that you can continuously add to it. If you feel the need to bring home some more herbs, don’t refrain. They will be happy among your other potted plants!
7. Less manual labor is required
For starters, there is no need for tilling with container gardening. The biggest energy output you need is for filling the pots the very first time. The rest is simple. If you can manage that, you will be able to harvest herbs all summer long. Hopefully with some tomatoes and lettuce too.
Container gardening also require fewer tools, making it a fantastic way to get started with learning to grow your own food.
8. Containers have the ability to “restrict” herbaceous invasive plants
When you think of edible herbs such as mint and lemon balm, the first thing you remember about them, after their intense flavor, is the fact that they tend to spread out in the garden. So much so, that some people even fear releasing mint in their beloved garden!
That doesn’t mean you should give up on growing mint though! Just give it a container to grow in and the problem is solved. You can even end the day with a mint mojito to celebrate your success!
With the good also comes the bad – or the less good
As heavenly as container gardening may seem at first sight, there are a few drawbacks to gardening in containers that must be presented. When you are well-informed on both sides, you can then make the enlightened choice for yourself.
While there is never any doubt that container gardening is an absolutely wonderful option for small spaces that lack access directly to the soil, it may not be the best option for everyone.
Container gardening also comes with a set of drawbacks, particularly when you are just getting started.
- initial cost of large pots can be much more than you imagined! (You can mitigate these costs by starting a cheaper 5 gallon bucket garden.)
- size of pots can restrict root/plant growth
- potting soil needs to be purchased (though it can be reused)
- it needs to be well-draining
- and it may require additional fertilizer throughout the growing season
- perennial plants need to be safely overwintered
- container gardens also require frequent watering
It goes without saying that you will only be rewarded with the fruits of your labor if you take care of each and every pot in which you have planted seeds or transplants.
On the upside, you only have to invest the amount of time and energy into your container garden based on the number and size of containers that are actively in use. And you get healthy veggies, herbs and greens in return.
With a small learning curve, it is easy to overcome many of the drawbacks of container gardening.
Frequently asked questions about container gardening
As you consider converting part (or all) of your vegetable growing space to container gardening, you will inevitably have more questions.
Does the size and depth of the container affect plant growth?
Yes, it does. For this reason, you need to choose appropriate size containers for each plant you intend to grow. Keep in mind that you can grow more than one plant in each pot – so, be sure to accommodate the roots of the largest one.
What soil is best for growing vegetables in containers?
It is easy to get confused at the garden center, as you stare at bags upon bags of soil mixes. Some are better for flowers, others favor houseplants, while there are some good quality, all-purpose ones that are ideal for containers – and the vegetables that grow in them.
Dig into this article at Get Busy Gardening to discover more about choosing the best potting soil mix for container gardening.
Is a hole on the bottom of the pot necessary?
Again, yes, it is. Most plants need well-draining soil in order to prevent their roots from rotting.
If you end up purchasing a pot without a hole, be sure to safely drill one before planting.
Should I plant seeds or transplants in containers?
In short, both are good. It depends more on what vegetable you are attempting to grow.
Planting seeds directly in the soil is always better for crops such as lettuce, carrots, radish, spinach, etc.
Transplants are a faster way to see results in your container gardening. You can start them from seed yourself, or purchase them from farmers markets in season. This works well for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cabbage, broccoli and the like.
Is this the year you will try container gardening? Not only to save space, but to harvest with ease, in a smaller-scale that suits your modern gardening style?
Be sure to share your container gardening successes with all who appreciate your healthy food growing efforts!
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Container Vegetable Gardening: Benefits and Plant Selection
Container vegetable gardening is a popular choice for many people due to its space-saving nature and the flexibility it offers. While saving space is the primary reason for choosing this method, there are several other benefits to growing food in containers. It is suitable for those who are renting and do not have access to land for planting. Additionally, container gardening is a great way for beginners to get started before committing to a larger garden plot. It also allows you to try out new vegetables on a smaller scale. Whether you are attracted to container gardening for its space-saving benefits or for other reasons, there are numerous advantages to consider.
What plants are good for growing in containers? A wide variety of vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs can be successfully grown in containers. Fast-growing crops are generally better suited for container gardening, although there are exceptions. When choosing seeds, it is important to consider the size of the plant. For example, tall plants like corn are not suitable for containers, and vining vegetables such as pumpkins or butternut squash may also pose challenges. Here is a list of some plants that are well-suited for container gardening:
- Basil
- Beets
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Bush beans
- Cabbage
- Calendula
- Carrots
- Chard
- Chives
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Garlic
- Lemon balm
- Marigold
- Mint
- Nasturtium
- Peas
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Salad greens
- Strawberries
- Summer squash
- Tomatoes
- Thyme
- Verbena
- Zucchini
Within a single pot, you can have multiple plants growing simultaneously. For example, you can plant lettuce or radishes around the perimeter of the pot and place cherry tomatoes in the center to maximize space efficiency.
Benefits of Container Gardening
In addition to saving space, container gardening offers several other advantages:
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Easy access: Container gardens are conveniently located close to your house, such as on your deck or patio, making planting, weeding, and harvesting easily accessible. You can accomplish these tasks within a few steps from home, eliminating the need for muddy boots. It is recommended to use gardening gloves while weeding by hand [[7]].
-
Water and resource conservation: Container gardening allows you to water your plants as often and as much as the soil in the containers requires. This can help save water, especially on hot and windy days. The type of containers you use can also affect water retention, with glazed ceramic pots being the best for holding moisture. Additionally, container gardening requires only the amount of fertilizer, compost, and soil amendments that fit in the pot, reducing resource consumption [[8]].
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Fewer weeds: Container gardens typically have fewer weeds compared to traditional gardens. The limited exposed soil and the use of sterile soil substrate at the beginning help minimize weed growth. This allows you to focus more on the growth of your plants rather than dealing with unwanted weeds [[9]].
-
Better pest control: Container gardening often involves growing fewer types of crops, which reduces the chances of pests taking over. Additionally, the elevated position of pots helps eliminate grubs and insects that nest, rest, and nibble below the soil. If pests do appear, it is easier to manually control them by covering or moving the affected plants. This level of control is more challenging in traditional gardens [[10]].
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Portability: Container gardens offer the advantage of portability. If your plants require specific sunlight or shade conditions or if you need to protect them from adverse weather, you can easily move the pots to a suitable location. Consider using plant caddies or placing larger pots on wheels for easier mobility [[11]].
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Flexibility and aesthetics: Container gardening allows you to easily rearrange and redecorate your garden as the season progresses. You can move pots around to showcase harvestable or blooming plants, creating an instant upgrade to your yard or gardenscape. It also provides the opportunity to continuously add new plants, such as herbs, to your container garden [[12]].
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Reduced manual labor: Container gardening eliminates the need for tilling, making it less physically demanding compared to traditional gardening. The initial effort required is mainly for filling the pots, and the ongoing maintenance is relatively simple. With fewer tools required, container gardening is an excellent way to start learning how to grow your own food [[13]].
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Control of invasive plants: Container gardening can help control the spread of invasive plants. By confining herbs like mint and lemon balm to containers, you can prevent them from taking over your garden. This allows you to enjoy their flavors without the worry of them spreading uncontrollably [[14]].
Drawbacks of Container Gardening
While container gardening offers numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of its drawbacks:
- The initial cost of large pots can be higher than expected. However, starting with cheaper alternatives like 5-gallon buckets can help mitigate this cost.
- The size of pots can restrict root and plant growth, so it is crucial to choose appropriate-sized containers for each plant.
- Potting soil needs to be purchased, although it can be reused. It should be well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Additional fertilizer may be required throughout the growing season.
- Perennial plants need to be safely overwintered.
- Container gardens require frequent watering to ensure the plants receive adequate moisture [[15]].
It is important to note that the rewards of container gardening are directly related to the care and attention you give to each pot. With a small learning curve, many of the drawbacks can be overcome, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of container gardening.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the size and depth of the container affect plant growth? Yes, the size and depth of the container can impact plant growth. It is important to choose containers that can accommodate the roots of the plants you intend to grow. Keep in mind that you can grow multiple plants in a single pot, but ensure that the largest plant has enough space for its roots [[16]].
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What soil is best for growing vegetables in containers? When selecting potting soil for vegetables, look for all-purpose mixes that are specifically designed for container gardening. These mixes provide the necessary nutrients and drainage for healthy plant growth. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not provide adequate drainage [[17]].
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Is a hole on the bottom of the pot necessary? Yes, having a hole on the bottom of the pot is essential for proper drainage. Most plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If you purchase a pot without a hole, it is recommended to safely drill one before planting [[18]].
-
Should I plant seeds or transplants in containers? Both seeds and transplants can be successfully grown in containers. Planting seeds directly in the soil is preferable for certain crops like lettuce, carrots, radishes, and spinach. Transplants, on the other hand, provide faster results and are suitable for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cabbage, and broccoli [[19]].
Container gardening offers a versatile and rewarding way to grow your own food, even in limited spaces. By considering the benefits, plant selection, and proper care, you can enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of container gardening. Happy gardening!
