From location to fertilization, 5 tips for growing bountiful vegetables in containers

With many people following the CDC guidelines to stay home, I have seen an increase in questions to the Gardening Hotline on growing vegetables. When the economy turned in 2008, there was an uptake in the purchases of vegetable plants and seeds, as well as fruit plants and trees.

This time around, the interest is focused on growing vegetables in pots or containers, as they are easy to set up and less work. Grow your own vegetables in a container with success by following a few basic tips.

Tip 1: Location

The amount of sunlight in a location determines what types of veggies you can grow successfully. If necessary, this may challenge you to move the container off the patio to find a sunnier spot to grow your favorite crops. Vegetables producing a fruit, like tomatoes, peppers and green beans, require at least six hours of sunlight per day. Leafy green vegetables can get by on less.

Tip 2: Soil

A high-quality potting mix is a must. Potting mixes are made from organic materials like peat moss, shredded pine bark and other materials. They are designed to hold a larger quantity of water while providing oxygen needed for plant growth. Never use dirt or soil from the yard as it is too heavy and will not provide the right balance for healthy roots.

Tips 3: Container

Containers come in all sizes, shapes and materials. All pots must have a drainage hole. If there is no hole, it’s a no go. Plants don’t care about the style of pot; you do. The size of the container will be the determining factor of what you can grow.

The greater the soil mass, the bigger the roots and, hence, the bigger the plant can grow. Since the shape of the pot varies, so will the mass of soil. A soil mass of 1 to 3 gallons is perfect for leafy greens. A pot that holds 3 to 5 gallons will raise green beans, squash and bush type cucumbers. Tomatoes and peppers need 5 to 10 gallons. The spacing between each plant can range from a few inches apart to one per pot.

Tip 4: What to grow

This decision is based on several factors. Most importantly, grow only what your family will eat. Another factor is the location and container size. Breeders are developing varieties of vegetables suited for small spaces. Look for bush or compact varieties of plants that thrive in confined spaces when purchasing plants. Know that compact plants sometimes result in lower yields.

Our favorite varieties of tomatoes are big, slicing types. These varieties will work in a pot but require more soil and, like other vining crops, will need a trellis or support. Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow.

Tip 5: Water and fertilization

Containers dry out rapidly, so keep a hose or watering can handy. The plants will produce best with an even supply of moisture. Keep in mind that bigger containers need to be watered less frequently.

Fertilizing your plant is vital, as nutrients in the soil are used up or leach out with all the watering. Find a regular routine and stick to it. If the plants run out of food, so will you. Any general fertilizers work just be sure to use it.

Need help or more ideas? The Johnson County Extension gardening hotline is open during this pandemic. Call 913-715-7050 or send an email to garden.help@jocogov.org.

This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 2:45 PM.