Growing Vegetables in Containers

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Article Written By: Greg Eedes
Store manager @ GardenShop Parktown North

Container vegetable gardening allows you to grow fresh vegetables almost anywhere.

Containers have many advantages – they are portable and can be placed in a variety of locations, such as: window ledges, balconies, patios and even on doorsteps, if there is enough sun.

Most fruit bearing vegetables, including the veggies listed below, require full sun.

  • TomatoesVegetables
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Egg plants

 

The leafy vegetables that can tolerate shadier locations, include:

  • Lettuce
  • Cabbage
  • Mustard greens
  • Spinach
  • Parsley

 

The most important factor in container gardening is the size of the container in relation to the vegetables being planted.  Large containers mean more soil volume, retaining more nutrients and water.  However different plants have different needs.  Generally, herbs, greens and lettuces require minimal space – so a shallow window box would be suitable.  For tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers or beans – a larger container would be needed. Whether your container is large or small though, always ensure that your container has drainage holes.

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Herbs can be grown in pots together as long as you remember two vital rules:  avoid mixing those that like plenty of water (such as chivesmintand coriander,) with those that like a well-drained soil (such as rosemary, thymesagebay, and oregano).  The best herbs to grow in containers are Mint, Basil and Thyme.

Below are some combinations of vegetables that grow well together:

  • Beans, Carrots, and Squash
  • Eggplant and Beans
  • Tomatoes, Basil, and Onions
  • Lettuce and Herbs
  • Spinach, Chard, and Onions

Vegetables that are suitable for growing in a window box are:

  • Lettuce
  • Radish
  • Carrots
  • Cherry Tomato
  • Hot Pepper
  • Bell Pepper
  • Onion
  • Spinach
  • Green Onions

 

Image result for Vegetables window box

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