No space in garden to plant veggies? It’s no problem if you learn container tricks

Do you think vegetables belong only in long rows or raised beds? If so, it may be time to rethink your idea of vegetable gardening. Everyone probably has space to grow a few for fresh eating. Vegetables are perfectly at home in containers if provided the proper care. Follow these tips for your very own container vegetable garden.

▪ Location: The amount of sunlight in a location determines what types of veggies you can grow successfully. This may challenge you to move the container off the patio to find a sunnier spot to grow your favorite crops. Vegetables that produce fruit — like tomatoes, peppers and green beans — require at least six hours of sunlight daily. Leafy green vegetables can get by on less.

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

▪ 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 the pot — you do. The size of the container will be the determining factor in what you can grow best.

The greater the soil mass, the bigger the roots and the bigger the plant can grow. Consider how much soil your container can hold. A soil mass of 1 to 3 gallons is perfect for leafy greens. With a pot holding 3 to 5 gallons, you can 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.

▪ What to grow: Breeders are developing varieties of vegetables suited for small spaces. Most importantly, grow only what your family will eat. Look for bush or compact types of plants that will thrive in confined spaces when you purchase your plants. 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 for support. Cherry tomatoes are a fun snack and easy to grow.

▪ Water and fertilization: Containers dry out rapidly. 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 are used or leach out when you water. Find a 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.

Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org. The Kansas Garden Guide, your one-stop vegetable resource, has just been updated. Find your copy by going to ksre.k-state.edu and searching Kansas Garden Guide.

This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 6:00 AM.