Further Ideas for Growing Vegetables in Containers

Sunday, March 7, 2010|

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Like the earlier post here are few more ideas for growing vegetables in containers.

Provide Support

You can also give vines such as cucumber, beans, or peas an upright support such as this obelisk. By letting vines grow up, there's space in the container to grow trailing plants such as nasturtium and fillers such as kale, signet marigolds, and eggplant.

Try Succession Planting

Gardeners get more produce from a small space by using a technique called succession planting. It means you replace varieties once they're done bearing with something else. For example, the lettuce in this container will fade in summer, allowing you to grow eggplant, pepper, or another heat-loving variety with lovely lemon verbena.

Keep it Manageable

You may be able to get more plants than you think in a tight space. Here, just four pots provide a plethora of produce: cucumbers, rosemary, Swiss chard, tomatoes, kale, eggplants, basil, peppers, and more. Limit the number of varieties you grow to only what you can use to save time and effort.

Make them Handy

Place your containers where you will be able to access them easily. It might be right outside your kitchen door, next to the grill, or beside to your favorite bench or chair

Play off Plants

Not sure what to plant together? Look for hints in leaf, flower, or foliage color. Note how the purple tones of blue basil play perfectly with the deep, dark leaves of Black Pearl pepper. Purple Ruffles basil, red cabbage, or Kohlibri kohlrabi would also mix wonderfully.

Match Your Style

Create the lush look by growing plants that seem to explode with color, texture, and fragrance. See how nasturtiums, signet marigolds, peppers, tomatoes, basil, and pineapple sage fill this area with cottage garden elegance.

Add Art

Leave a little space in your containers for garden decor. Here, a bentwood trellis adds color and interest to a planting of basil, parsley, and chives.

Add Art, Part 2

If you don't want your container of herbs or vegetables to be a focal point, try tucking it in with garden art. For example, this little container makes a perfect accent to a collection of bee skeps.

Go Upside Down

Raise eyebrows by growing your tomatoes underneath their pot. Whether you choose hanging baskets, a five-gallon bucket with a hole on the bottom, or a device such as this product (called the Patio Garden), it can be an interesting way to cultivate your favorite vegetable.