Container gardens are growing in popularity (pun intended), and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they require far less work than a traditional garden, they also take up less space. So whether your yard is small or you simply don’t want to sacrifice any space for a garden, containers are a great solution.
Another benefit of container gardens is that they can easily be moved to protect the plants from hail, strong wind, or too much sun. You won’t have to cover a whole garden with tarp or fret about the weather forecast like a farmer, but you still get delicious, fresh veggies from home! It’s win-win.
What Grows Well in Container Gardens
A wide variety of vegetables do well in container gardens. In fact, they can even be higher yield than planting the same vegetables in traditional gardens. Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, green beans, peas, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers are just some of your options. For a complete list, click here.
How to Care For a Container Garden
The main rule of thumb for choosing the right size container is the bigger the better (see this article for a detailed list of container sizes to match each plant). Vegetables require plenty of root space and lots of water, so you don’t want to crowd them into tiny spaces. When it comes to material, plastic does a better job than clay at preserving water (clay is porous). If you prefer the look of terra cotta pots, you can slip a plastic container inside and no one will be the wiser.
Put a one-inch layer of coarse gravel in the bottom of the container to allow for drainage. Fill the container with a quick-draining or lightweight soilless mix, and plant your seeds or transplants. Water them regularly, as they will dry out quickly, and feed them a liquid fertilizer once or twice a month for best growth.
Where to Place Your Container Garden
Container gardens can be placed on porches, patios, or balconies. Look for maximum ventilation and sunlight, and go from there. Whether you start with just one container or go for a whole group, your veggies will be happiest where there’s sun and open air.
Enjoy the satisfaction of having your own fresh produce within arm’s reach. Happy gardening, and bon appetite!
Sterling Ranch is located in Douglas County, recently ranked as the healthiest county in the state of Colorado. Explore the gorgeous terrain and forward-thinking technology that make our community an exceptional place to live.