Urban Gardening
Latest stories
More stories
-
Growing Lettuce In Containers
Lettuce is one of the best vegetables to grow in containers, indoors or out. It is easy to grow. It does not require a large container. You can grow lettuce to maturity in a pot just 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) across. Grow lettuce outdoors in pots or boxes on doorsteps, porches, patios, balconies, […] More
-
Water-Wise Crops for Container Gardening
Crops that are relatively drought tolerant are best for containers or gardens where water is not easily accessible. Water-wise crops are a good choice for balconies, rooftops, and patios. All crops need water to grow—especially when first planted and until they are well-established. The best course is to keep the soil just moist—not too wet […] More
-
Shade-Tolerant Crops for Container Gardens
Vegetables and herbs generally prefer sun, but some crops can tolerate shade and are good choices for balcony or patio container gardens that fall in shade most of the day. Leafy crops are commonly the best choice for shade gardens; they crops have large surfaces for photosynthesis. Fruiting crops such as tomatoes and peppers demand […] More
-
Care and Feeding Vegetables in Containers
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
-
Potting Mix Ingredients
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
-
Crops for a Windy Balcony or Roof
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
-
Best Times to Grow Vegetables in Containers
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
-
Vegetable Plant Spacing in a Container
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 and Planting Mediums for Containers
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
-
Balcony and Rooftop Vegetable Garden Basics
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
-
Pot and Container Sizes for Growing Vegetable Crops
Pots and containers for growing vegetables and herbs on patios, balconies and roof tops must be large enough for the crop to mature. A container must hold the soil and moisture that deliver nutrients to growing plants allowing them to leaf, flower, and fruit. The pot must be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. […] More
-
Container and Pot Sizes: How Much Soil Do I Need?
Container and growing pots come in a variety of sizes. In the United States nursery and garden centers sell pots by the size in inches and gallons. In the United Kingdom, Europe, and most of the rest of the world containers are sold by the size in centimeters and liters. There are few standards when […] More
Stephen Albert
