For those who love gardening and the idea of growing their own vegetables but live in the city or a small space, here are six easy steps to grow vegetables in containers, from Bucks County horticulturist Tina Sottolano-Cain.
Think of container gardens as an accessory to enhance a traditional garden.
“If you don’t have space for a traditional garden, look at your container garden as a way to dress up your outdoor space with some greenery,” said Sottolano-Cain, owner of Gardens On The Go and a container gardening consultant.
With a few easy tips and a couple of pots anyone can grow anything, whether its fruits, vegetables or even a mini-flower garden, she said.
“People are amazed when they realize that with just a few ingredients, they can make something so beautiful and lasting,” Sottolano-Cain said. “If you have a spot for a pot you always have room for a garden.”
1.) Know what you and your family like to eat. Growing those vegetables will keep everyone happy and your meals more enjoyable.
2.) Choose the best location for your specific vegetable plants. Some plants thrive in direct sun while others need shade. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash are just some of the plants that grow in full sun. If you have a partially shaded location, plants such as spinach and beans grow well in that type of light.
3.) Choose your container. Clay, ceramic, plastic or fabric, they all work well. Some can be quite ornate as well to decorate your space with nice design. Keep in mind, that size does matter. Container size can start at 12 inches and up. One thing to keep in mind is scale. You don’t want them too big so they overpower your space.
4.) Using the correct soil for the planting job is key. Specially formulated organic soil for pots, like Master’s Nursery Bumper Crop, Gardeners Gold makes growing in containers easy. It should feature all of the nutrition and fertilizer needed for your containers.
5.) Use starter plants, not seeds in your containers. Starter plants can be easily found at a local garden center and are easier to grow. Designing a mini-garden of vegetables in a container can also be planted with companion herbs and flowers to increase pollination and attract beneficial insects. Basil, lavender, marigolds and petunias add color to the vegetable plantings.
6.) Check them daily. Water as needed. Watch as your garden grows. Harvest when ready.
Sottolano-Cain, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture from Temple University, has served as a consultant in the garden center industry for more than 20 years. Her Gardens on the Go business specializes in indoor and outdoor container gardens for homes and commercial buildings. More at www.gardensonthego.com.
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