Container Vegetable Gardening
Vegetable gardening in containers is great for those who do not have the space for a large size garden. For those living in apartments, condominiums, and homes with small yards, container vegetable gardening is the best or perhaps the only way to grow vegetables. Containers makes it easier to reach plants for care and maintenance. It is better to grow vegetables in containers than in soil such as sand, stone, or clay. Growing container vegetables is easy and very practical.
Choosing The Right Container For Gardening
Choose planters that will have a good appearance in the area you will be placing them. Use your imagination and creativity, for containers can be ornamental and attractive.
Select the largest size container as possible. Small containers require more watering because they will dry out faster. For the most success when doing container vegetable gardening, it is recomended to use large containers with good depth. This is important for plants with deep root systems. If the planter is too small deep rooted plants will be stunted and grow to be unhealthy, if they do not have enough space to grow properly. When using a stake or trellis make sure the pot is heavy enough to keep it from falling over from strong wind.
Location Of A Container Vegetable Garden
Choose location that gets lots of sunlight, most vegetables need six hours of sun per day. Tomatoes, peppers, and beans want as much sun as they can get. You can place pots on “Caddies” or add “Casters” to them, so they can be moved to sunny areas as the angle of sun changes during the day.
Areas good for a container vegetable garden are along fences, walks, drives, and along sides and corners of buildings. Fences and buildings are good protection from wind damage. Patios, porches, balconies, and even rooftops, are popular locations to place container vegetables. Place planters together to help raise the humidity level which produces better plants. Make sure they are not crammed together for plants need good air circulation.
Soil And Fertilizer For Container Vegetable Gardening
Use soil that is a good “Container Mix” or “Potting Mix” for they are not too compact. A good mix made of rich organic materials is great for strong and vigorous plant development, plus for proper drainage. A good quality soil is the base for successful vegetables.
To achieve the best results with container vegetable gardening it is important to apply fertilizer with the proper nutrients. Once the plants are established begin treatment using a balanced “Water-Soluble” fertilizer formulated for vegetables.
Follow directions on the label for how often and the amount needed. Watering tends to wash out nutrients in the soil so they need to get the food they require from proper fertilization.
Watering Tips For Container Vegetable Gardening
Vegetables require a consistent amount of water to do their best. Incosistent watering can cause problems such as poor root development and leaf curling. Let the soil dry to the touch between watering. Good drainage is important for too much water and if plants constantly sit in water, they will have problems from ” Root Rot”.
Conclusion
Growing vegetables in containers is an excellent way to have healthy food on the dinner table for everyone to enjoy. A container vegetable garden is easy to grow and maintain. With the right container, proper care, you can be successful and find satisfaction in container vegetable gardening. Container gardening is fun and rewarding for everyone of all ages. After watching vegetables grow and receiving your reward you will be happy knowing you can say, ” I did it myself “.
To your container vegetable gardening success!
Kurt Kmetz
Planting A Vegetable Garden
To have a successful vegetable garden the first priority is to prepare the soil, before planting a vegetable garden. A soil that is rich with organic material is the base for a good foundation, so you will achieve the best results. Choose an area that receives direct sunlight most of the day for healthy vegetables. Here are some helpful vegetable planting tips for preparation, which ensures growing healthy successful fresh vegetable garden plants.
Preparing The Area Before Planting A Vegetable Garden
Begin by clearing out your garden area by removing any debris, such as rocks. Remove with a shovel and a garden rake the grass and weeds in the area you plan on planting a vegetable garden. After removing grass and weeds, turn the soil over 6 inches by digging using as shovel. Use a garden rake to finish cleaning out beds and level the ground for proper grading. Some weeds can come back so wait 10-day’s before planting. Weeds that pop-up can be treated by spot weeding with a weed killer, or by pulling them out by hand.
Mix in the ground organic material so the plants will receive the proper nutrients needed to be healthy. Use Cow Manure, Compost, or Organic Peat. Do Not apply just compost alone for it can stunt the plants. If you are using compost, mix it with cow manure or organic peat ( One Part Compost, One Part Cow Manure Or One Part Organic Peat).
I recommend to Mix 1-Part Cow Manure or Organic Peat to 2-Part Top Soil. These materials can be purchased at your local garden centers in bags. You can use a wheel barrel to mix the materials before putting it on the ground. Churn your mix in the soil to a depth of 6 inches. This will give a rich soil with the proper nutrients for planting a vegetable garden.
Depending on the size of your garden will determine how much you need. Use at least 25 Pounds Per 100 Square Feet.
Apply Fertilizer for healthy growing plants. You can mix it in the soil with the organic material used. A fertilizer with the numbers 5-10-10 can be put down. Check the label on the bag’s or boxes and make sure it’s for “Vegetable Gardens”. Read the label to know how much to apply. Always follow directions on label.
Tips For Planting A Vegetable Garden
Vegetables such as onions, lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Beets, and Spinach need to be planted in the fall because they love cooler weather. After a chance of a frost or freeze has passed in the spring, plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Squash, Eggplant, and Cucumbers. Different vegetables should be planted at different times of the year depending upon what season it is. You can contact your local county extension service for what vegetables to plant before planting a vegetable garden. Also garden centers will carry ” Starter Plants” or have seed packets, during each planting season, that can be planted at that time of the year. By using “Starter Plants”, your garden will establish quicker.
Using Seeds For Planting A Vegetable Garden
Vegetable Seeds are usually sold in packets which should have a picture and information about the vegetable. Before you buy seeds, Always Check The Expiration Date to make sure they are New and not old ones left on the shelf collecting dust. Seed companies should replace them when each new season starts.
With the proper preparation prior to planting a vegetable garden, and good quality plants , you should have healthy vegetables for everyone to enjoy. Use the information and tips given in this article as a guide to having a successful vegetable garden.
Keep On Growing!
Kurt Kmetz
