Around 20 million Americans picked up gardening as a hobby during the pandemic in 2020 with more following their lead in 2021. Gardening was a huge comfort to many during the times when they couldn’t leave their homes, and it’s a hobby that still offers tons of benefits. But what if you don’t have a garden and you want to start gardening?
What if you only have a balcony or a small terrace? That’s where vegetable garden containers come in. They are ideal for urban gardening in small spaces and will make your outdoor area look beautiful, too. Never had any success growing vegetables and you’re not sure where to begin?
This step-by-step guide to container gardening is all you need, so read on!
Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables and Containers
When you only have a finite amount of space, deciding what types of pots and planters you want should be straightforward. If you only have vertical space, you either want climbing vegetables or rows of little pots that you can hang. Tomatoes, beans, peas, and other vine veggies are ideal.
Or, you can plant radishes, chilies, spinach, and herbs in tiny pots. Carrots need very deep pots and you can grow root vegetables like zucchini in medium-depth pots if you can offer a little bit of vertical support. If you have space to hang vegetables, lettuce is a great hanging plant. Potatoes aren’t the best for vegetable garden containers because they need lots of space. You can use pots, metal cans, wooden crates, or whatever you like.
As long as the size and depth of the container match the plant’s needs, that’s all that matters.
Step 2: Buy the Other Essentials
Next, invest in the other essential items you need to grow your plant babies. Plants need soil, drainage, sunlight, water, fertilizer, and bug repellent. Here are some suggestions of products you should use:
- https://invatechitalia.com/products/mosquito-fogger-backpack-mist-duster-blower-atomizer
- https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Water-Soluble-Purpose-Plant/dp/B000OWF7YI/
- https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Earth-749688008136-813-Premium/dp/B01LN0T2K4/
Don’t use soil from your garden. Potted plants need different soil conditions, so use a special mix for pots. Though container gardens are less prone to insect infestations, it is still a possibility. Therefore, you need to protect them. If you have deep pots, consider filling the bottom quarter with paperweight-sized rocks so the water will drain and not grow mold.
Step 3: Label and Care For Your Veggies
Once you’ve planted your vegetables, label them so you don’t forget what they are! Carving the names on popsicle sticks adds a cute, rustic look. Every plant is different but, in general, plants in vegetable garden containers get more water than garden plants.
You will need to fertilize your plants more often so watering doesn’t dilute the nutrients they need. And, it’s a good idea to have containers on wheels so you can move them into the sun as needed.
Building Vegetable Garden Containers in Three Simple Steps
You might think that only having a small outdoor space means you cannot have a garden, or you might think they are too hard to make. But now that you know you can create vegetable garden containers in three simple steps, you can get started on yours today!
Do you need more improvement and garden tips, or are you interested in picking up new hobbies? Check out our lifestyle and home articles for inspiration.