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.

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How To Take Care Of Your Summer Garden

Image Via: Gardener’s Depot

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A Layer Of Mulch To Protect

Mulch is like that extra layer on the top soil that helps retain the soil’s moisture content. You will need about a two inch thick layer of mulch to keep the harsh sun from throbbing the soil of its goodness. Mulch is basically an organic cover for the soil. It could be shredded wood, grass clippings or even fallen leaves. The idea is to form a shield that lets in air but keeps the sun out.

Don’t Miss Out On Watering

You could miss out watering on other days but not during summers. Plant roots, especially those that haven’t gone deep down in to the ground to touch the water table, depend on external water supply badly. An important point to note is to water the roots and avoid sprinkling water on the leaves. Leaves with water sprayed on them are more prone to burning and water loss.

Image Via: Me And Beauty

Take The Weeds & Wilted Blooms Out

Weeds love summers and are out there in their full blast to rob the soil of all its nutrient value. Weeds also encourage the growth of unwanted pests and insects, the ones that you would definitely want to be around. Take out the weeds as soon as they appear because thanks to their love for the summer heat, they grow in no time, stealing the nutrient content of your soil. It is also a good idea to take off faded blooms and leaves. It will actually leave your plant with more energy to come up with new blooms!

Your Vegetable Garden

Summer is no reason for you to give up your love for your kitchen garden. Summer is an excellent time for seasonal, juicy and high water content veggies like cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and peppers. Once your veggies pop out, harvest them and encourage your plants to come up with a new stock. Harvesting veggies on time sets a cycle running that is very healthy for your vegetable garden.

Image Via: Sharp Stock Images

Prepare For Fall

Summer is also a great time to begin your fall gardening efforts, especially in the vegetable garden area. Now is the time when you can prepare for autumn veggies like carrots, spinach and lettuce. You can prepare the soil and lay the seeds to enjoy home fresh autumn veggies.

Image Via: Build Direct

Summers can be a delight if you choose it to be. Just with a little care and extra planning, your summer garden can easily become your neighbors envy. Love your plants, nurture them and take of them just like babies. Summer can surprise you with the most enchanting blooms and bright colored flowers. Just don’t give up on your gardening efforts!

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