Vegetables growing in containers on patios, balconies, or roof tops require special care when it comes to watering and feeding. Containers have a limited capacity for storing essential nutrients and moisture that ensure plant growth. The gardener must closely monitor container crops to be sure they are growing uninterrupted which, in turn, leads to the […] More
A potting mix is a combination of organic particles and pores or spaces that hold air and water. Organic matter or soil holds nutrients. Air and water in a potting mix are necessary for roots and beneficial micro-organisms in the soil to grow and survive. Plants need air around their roots for nutrients to pass […] 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
Success growing vegetables is all about timing—in the garden or in containers. Temperature has much to do with success growing in containers. Root vegetables are cool-season crops. Leaf and stem crops prefer cool weather. Warm temperatures—and longer days—are needed for fruiting vegetables to grow and mature. Knowing the average last frost date in spring and […] More
Giving a vegetable plant the space it needs to mature is essential. Proper spacing insures that roots do not compete for moisture and nutrients and that above ground growth is not crowded and has needed exposure to light and good air circulation (essential for preventing disease). Leafy and root crops can be started in containers […] More
Soil delivers nutrients and water to plant roots and anchors plants in place. Because the planting medium in containers is limited its composition is very important to plants growing there. A container planting mix must be nutrient rich and hold moisture for several days. It must be soft and friable and resist compaction so that […] 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. Here are basic and important considerations when considering balcony or rooftop […] More
Containers for container gardens can be terracotta, wood, plastic, or metal. Choose the style that best fits your patio, balcony, or roof terrace. The larger the container the less watering and feeding will be needed since larger containers can hold more soil or potting medium, moisture, and nutrients required by plants. Small pots and window […] More
Culinary herbs that grow well in containers include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, common fennel, garlic, lemon balm, mint, oregano and marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, French tarragon, and thyme. Herbs require well-drained soil, so use a good potting mix for container growing. (See the How to Grow instructions below for each herb.) Because culinary herbs are […] 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
Miniature, midget, and dwarf vegetables are good selections for container growing. True dwarf varieties at full maturity have edible parts that are smaller in size than ordinary vegetable varieties and cultivars. Miniatures, midgets, and dwarfs differ from vegetables that are sold as “baby” vegetables–those are generally full-sized cultivars picked before maturity. Baby corn, for example, […] More
Planting a container vegetable garden is not much different than planting your in-ground vegetable or kitchen garden. The same seasonal requirements apply–plant cool-season crops in early spring or late summer; plant warm-season crops in spring and summer. Because your container garden space is limited in size–including the depth of the soil for root growth–first, select […] More
Stephen Albert