Container Gardening for Veggies

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Container gardening is an easy way to garden, especially when you lack yard space.

In addition to providing 5 hours or more of full sun, you must give attention to choosing the proper container, using a good soil mix, observing planting and space requirements, fertilizing, watering, and selecting appropriate varieties. 

Here are our recommendations on which vegetable varieties are container-friendly—and which container types are most suitable for each veggie.

Beans, snap
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: Bush 'Blue Lake', Bush 'Romano', 'Tender Crop'

Broccoli
Container: 1 plant/5 gallon pot, 3 plants/15-gallon tub
Varieties: 'DeCicco', 'Green Comet'

Carrots
Container: 5-gallon window box at least 12 inches deep
Varieties: 'Danvers Half Long', 'Short 'n Sweet', 'Tiny Sweet'

Cucumbers
Container: 1 plant/1-gallon pot
Varieties: 'Patio Pik', 'Pot Luck', 'Spacemaster'

Eggplant
Container: 5-gallon pot
Varieties: 'Black Beauty', 'Ichiban', 'Slim Jim'

Lettuce
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'Ruby', 'Salad Bowl'

Onions
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'White Sweet Spanish', 'Yellow Sweet Spanish'

Peppers
Container: 1 plant/2-gallon pot, 5 plants/15-gallon tub
Varieties: 'Cayenne', 'Long Red', 'Sweet Banana', 'Wonder', 'Yolo'

Radishes
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'Cherry Belle', 'Icicle'

Tomatoes
Container: Bushel basket
Varieties: 'Early Girl', 'Patio', 'Small Fry', 'Sweet 100', 'Tiny Tim'

Tips for Growing in Containers

• Clay pots are usually more attractive than plastic ones, but plastic pots retain moisture better. To get the best of both, slip a plastic pot into a slightly larger clay pot.
• Avoid small containers. They often can't store enough water to get through hot days.
• Add about 1 inch of course gravel in the bottom of the container to improve drainage.
• Vegetables that can be easily transplanted are best suited for containers. Transplants can be purchased from local nurseries or started at home.
• Feed container plants at least twice a month with liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the label.
• An occasional application of fish emulsion or compost will add trace elements to container soil.
• Place containers where they will receive maximum sunlight and good ventilation. Watch for and control insect pests.

Get more advice for growing in containers in The Old Farmer's Almanac All-Seasons Garden Guide.

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