Container Gardening: How to Start a Vegetable Garden

Image via: Agnieszka Bladzik

Choose bigger pots for container gardens

The greatest challenge of growing vegetables in containers is watering as soil tends to dry out faster in pots than in the ground. But as larger volume of soil won’t dry out that fast, it is advised to choose the biggest pot possible. You can mix compatible plants in a single container if you may desire. Also, make it certain that any pot you choose has holes so that excess water can easily drain away from the soil.

We like these helpful container gardening resources to get you started:

Container garden kit

Container gardening tips book

Pots for container gardens

How to grow vegetables in pots

Container garden ideas

Begin with harvesting vegetables that are easy to harvest and takes up little space such as lettuce and other salad greens. The best part? They can grow in containers even when accompanied by flowers or in partly shady areas. Alternatively, you can consider growing tomatoes in hanging baskets or other pots at a spot where they will get lots of sun. But remember they take some work. We recommend beginning with smaller varieties of tomatoes like cherry tomatoes.

We love these 121 container gardening ideas from Southern Living.

Creative ideas for vegetable garden design

No matter which spot you choose to start your vegetable garden, you can boost the style quotient of that area by using colorful, bright pots. Containers in shades like orange, blue, and yellow will help to instantly add interest to your space. You can also get creative by using recycled containers such as wine crates especially for small varieties like lettuce and carrots. To add more visual interest, select containers in different sizes and create a grouping.

How to choose the right area for your vegetable garden

While patios and porches might be the best spots for container gardening, we have some more ideas for you. For instance, you can tuck large containers into your flower or landscaping for an instant mini vegetable garden. Or how about arranging a collection of pot grown herbs by the kitchen door for easy snipping? We even love the idea of planting herbs in glass jars and placing them on sunny windowsill.

Have a look at these tips for creating a small vegetable garden from Country Living.

Apart from the obvious- joy and bounty, one of the biggest advantages of container gardening is that you skip the backbreaking task of weeding and amending soil. So, use the ideas above to set up your own vegetable garden and get off to a good start.

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.

The weather is warming, the sun is out and color is a must for this spring to plant a flower garden.  So starting your own garden would be the perfect addition to your exterior appeal.  When beginning your own garden it can seem to have an all-at-once effect but if you take step by step then it shouldn’t be so bad. Try it out and see how it works out for you!

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Choosing the Right Location

Now you want to keep in mind the climate and humidity within the area you live in and wherever you plan to put the garden make sure that it will obtain at least 5 hours of sunlight each day. The best time to plant is when you are sure that the frost of the year is absolutely done and it is spring. You will need to dig out under the top layer of soil and mix it with decaying leaves, branches and fertile soil. Also remove the weeds while you are in the process of digging.

Purchasing the Plants

Pick the plants that satisfy your taste and wants.  Depending on the type of plants you would like to get will determine the maintenance, spacing and order of the flowers. Lilies, dahlias, heliotrope, petunias, gladiolus, and balsma are great starter plants because they are easier to maintain and they grow back better than before each year.  If you would like to use other plants, which is fine, then go a the plant nursery or plant store and select from there.

Image via: Designing Nature Inc.

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Transitioning from Pot to Ground

Think about the placement, color variation, and sizes of the plants when you are ready to actually plant them.  If the plants that you have chosen are known to get bigger or grow larger as the years go on then leave enough spacing and room so that they plants do not become crowded and begin to fight for sunlight. You want to start by digging the hole for the plant (keeping sizes and colors in mind) that is wider and larger the expected root ball with a trowel.  Once the hole is dug, handle the plants by the root ball versus by their breakable stems.  You want tip the container sideways and gently wiggle/shake the plant until the plant is completely loose from the container.  Next, stand the plant in the hole and cover the root ball with soil, then gently pat down the soil around the plant and water.  Repeat this process for each plant that you want to use. Keep the plant well watered until it is sustained.

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Keeping a Healthy Garden

Water your flower garden early in the day so that the rays from the sun do not create water damage on the leaves.  Put down pebbles, smooth stones or mulch so it will become much more difficult for weeds and insects to grow and habitat within your garden.  After all of this work you will become more of an expert than a beginner in no time.

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.