Growing vegetables and herbs in containers is a way for those of us with little space to supply ourselves with good tasting, nutrient-rich food. A few basic guidelines need to be followed to be successful.

1. Vegetables and herbs are sun lovers and need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season.

2. Be sure to choose a container large enough to support the growth of the plants of your choice. Remember, plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil grow quite large and need a large volume of soil to provide enough room for their root systems. To get maximum yield from them only grow 1 plant per pot. Putting multiple plants in a pot only creates competition among them so none can take maximum advantage of the limited supply of nutrients and water available to them. You can grow multiples of smaller growing plants like carrots and lettuce. Just follow the spacing recommended on the seed packets.

3. Vegetables and herbs require a consistent supply of nutrients to produce well. Most potting soils have little or no nutrients present in them. We recommend a 50% mix of Mr. NATURAL Complete Landscape Mix(CLM) and professional potting soil. The CLM is comprised of a mix of compost, worm castings, granite sand and permatil providing good drainage, moisture retention and soil micro-organisms which are necessary to help plant roots take up nutrients and to keep nutrients from leaching out of the soil. We use Espoma Plantone organic fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 3" of pot diameter (a 12" pot would get 4 teaspoons) when planting. We supplement that with applications of Neptune's Harvest Liquid Fish and Seaweed fertilizer once a week . The goal is to keep your plants' leaves green from the top of the plant to the bottom. If the lower leaves start to turn yellow over time it is an indication that the plant in not getting enough fertilizer. If so increase the amount of fish/ seaweed fertilizer or topdress with another application of Espoma Plantone.

4. Vegetables and herbs differ somewhat in their water requirements. Vegetables need to be consistently moist to grow well. Never let them get dry. Doing so will cause blossom end rot on tomatoes, carrots that are woody etc. Some studies have shown that after a certain degree of dryness plants will stop producing new growth altogether.
Most herbs originated in drier climates and like to be kept drier. Rosemary, sage, and thyme can quickly succumb to root rot if the soil is kept sodden by over-watering or poor drainage. The use of CLM will help to prevent those conditions. Basil is an exception and should be watered like a vegetable.

VEGETABLES COMMONLY GROWN IN CONTAINERS

Tomatoes - use determinate or dwarf varieties. A 16" or larger pot is necessary for 1 tomato.

Peppers - all varieties. These are highly ornamental as well as tasty. 1 plant in a 12" pot.

Bush cucumber - A 16" pot per plant.

Eggplant - all varieties. 14" pot. Also very ornamental. Susceptible to flea beetles. Use preventative measures such as Garlic Barrier or Hot Pepper Wax.

Carrots - shorter varieties. A 16" pot will hold about 9 carrots. Could be grown in combination with upright plants like eggplant or basil in a larger pot.

Lettuce - grow leafy mixes in fall (October) and Late winter (Valentines Day). A 16" bowl will support enough lettuce for a couple of salads. Plant several bowls 2 weeks apart to keep a continuous supply.

Okra - There is a red stemmed variety that is very beautiful. The flowers of all varieties are very pretty as well. Grow in an 18" or larger pot ( they will get 5-6' tall) and harvest frequently.

Radishes - in a 12" bowl you can grow about 6 radishes. They grow fast so are good choices for kids to grow.

HERBS

Rosemary - 16" pot. Could grow creeping time under to hang over the side of the pot. Harvest regularly.

Basil - Basil gets really large so it needs a large pot. 16". Harvest regularly and keep the flowers pinched off. Basil is a warm season annual so plant after April 15. Needs to be re-planted each spring. Harvest in fall before frost and dry or freeze the leaves.

Chives - Chives have pretty purple flowers and the narrow leaves contrast well with other plants. A 12" pot or several in a 24" window box will work. Aphids like them so spray with neem oil as needed.

Culinary sage - 12" pot. Don't over-water.

Spilanthes - A low- growing, spreading herb with flowers that look like yellow and red eyeballs. Has a slightly sour taste that stimulates saliva production. Grow under basil.

Don't be afraid to experiment with other choices. The seed producers are always coming up with new varieties to try. There are dwarf peas and leeks, and bush melons. If you like really a particular vegetable give it a try. Just keep in mind the basic principles outlined above.

RESOURCES

Square Foot Gardening by: Mel Bartholomew.
Rodale Press
(every vegetable gardener should have this book)

www.johnnyseeds.com (good source of seeds and does a good email newsletter)

www.seedsofchange.com (organic seed producers)

© The Urban Gardener, Inc. 2005

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