Growing root crops in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce even if you have limited space. Whether you have a balcony, patio, deck, or even a windowsill, container gardening can provide you with a bountiful harvest. Root crops such as carrots, turnips, beets, parsnips, potatoes, onions, radishes, rutabagas, and turnips are perfect […] More
You can grow just about any vegetable in grow bags that you can grow in a regular garden—even melons and winter squash if the bag is large enough. There are only a few vegetables, such as asparagus, that aren’t really suited for grow bag gardening. Even though grow bags are more limited in space than […] More
Many useful culinary herbs grow well in containers. Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, common and Florence fennel, garlic, lemon balm, mint, oregano and marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, French tarragon, and thyme are excellent choices for container growing. Grow these culinary herbs in pots near the kitchen door or on a windowsill so they are readily at […] More
Microgreens are leafy vegetables that are harvested very young—after the cotyledon or seed leaves have developed with one set of small true leaves. Leafy vegetables grown as microgreens include arugula, beets, cabbage, chard, cress, kale, mustard, and radish. Microgreens are grown for the flavor, texture, and nutrition they can add to salads, soups, sandwiches, and […] More
Container gardening makes gardening portable. A container garden can be anywhere there is a bit of sunlight—on the front step of a cottage or on the balcony of a high rise. Any plant can be grown in a container, and nearly any combination of plants can be grown in containers. No matter what your budget, […] More
Plants in containers need the same attention and care you give plants in the garden. Container garden plants need regular watering and feeding, perhaps a bit more than garden plants since the room they have for root growth is limited. Here are container garden care basics: Watering container plantings Fertilizing plants in containers Combatting pests […] More
Almost any plant can grow in a container, but some plants grow better than others. Annual flowers are a good choice for container growing. They bloom quickly and for months at a time. Annuals are smaller than most perennials and shrubs; they require smaller containers that are easily moved from place to place for the […] More
Planting a container is easy if you follow a few simple tips. Once you’ve planted a few containers, the process will become second nature. Here are tips to get you started. How to plant a container step-by-step Double potting Potting mixes Commercial potting mixes Commercial potting mixes usually have no compost or soil in them; […] More
To grow vegetables and fruits on a windy balcony or roof terrace choose low-lying crops. Choose a large container but keep the soil level fairly low so that the container provides some protection to the plant. Add a thick layer of mulch—compost, planting mix, or straw—to protect the soil against the drying effects of wind. […] More
A balcony or rooftop garden has advantages and challenges. Enough sun is commonly not a problem for rooftops but might be for balconies. Snails and slugs and many other creeping insects or pests are usually not a problem. But wind and accessible water can pose challenges. Balcony and rooftop garden planning tips Here are basic and important […] More
Small vegetables–many leaf crops and even compact and miniature varieties of fruiting crops such as tomatoes and peppers–can be grown indoors on a sunny, bright windowsill year-round. Vegetable gardening indoors has most of the same requirements as an outdoor garden: bright light, water, nutrients, and protection from pests and diseases. Since space is likely to […] More
Annuals with their consistent flower colors and uniform growth habit make an eye-catching feature for containers and window boxes. Most modern hybrid annuals are bred to provide reliable, long-lasting displays. When selecting annuals for pots and windowboxes, choose compact and intermediate-sized cultivars that need little training and support and that easily withstand breezes. The choice […] More
Stephen Albert