Tips for Growing Vegetables
in Small Spaces
Growing vegetables in small spaces can be a fun and easy way to save money and eat healthy food at the same time. Living in the city is not a reason for you not to enjoy the fruits of your labor and the bounty of the earth. It’s actually easy to start a small vegetable container or potted garden. First, you’ll have to find a sunny spot to place the containers.Design Your Own Vegetable Garden Layout Using our Free "Vegetable Garden Planner" Software! The patio, windowsills, decks, porch, rooftop and perhaps even the fire escape (if it's not against the rules in your building!) are great places for growing vegetables in container gardens, just so long as the area chosen receives plenty of direct sunlight. Next, you’ll need to decide which vegetables you want to grow, and learn how to plant a garden. Planning a vegetable garden is quite easy, and lots of fun even if you are a beginner. It is best to start your garden small and let it grow from there! Also, plant what you love to eat because then you’ll have more motivation to care for your plants! Plastic, Clay or Ceramic Pots?Depending on your preferences, you can choose from many types of containers for growing vegetables in a small area. First, there are cheap and colorful plastic containers that can easily be replaced after each planting season if needed. Or you can choose terra cotta pots which are more eco-friendly, traditional and recyclable. (Also, they are definitely stronger than cheaper pots.) Third, you can choose glazed ceramic pots that are decorative as well as fully functional for an herb or vegetable garden that will be displayed in windowsills and kitchen tables. However, be sure to choose pots with drainage holes in the bottom! Download Free Garden Planning Worksheets, Garden Diary, Zone Chart, Or Planting Guide What Size Containers Work Best?Whatever type of containers you choose to use, keep in mind that vegetables need some room to grow. You can follow these recommended container sizes when growing vegetables in the home. For peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, and eggplants, five-gallon containers will do. For smaller plants like lettuce, beets, green onions and carrots, three-gallon containers are fine. And for herbs, even a small flower pot will suffice. Types of Soil to UseYou can use a good potting soil in your container garden. Choose a potting soil with a high nutrient content, sterile composition and added fertilizer. You’ll likely end up with better crops without having to add fertilizer later. You will want to replace your potting soil each year, as your growing vegetables will deplete the nutrients in the soil. Try putting a layer of mulch on the top of your potting soil to help keep your garden from drying too quickly. How to PlantWhen planting seeds, follow the directions on the seed packets. Small vegetable plants and herbs can also be purchased at your local garden center. Handle them carefully when transplanting, as the roots are fragile, and can be easily damaged. Most garden vegetables will not tolerate freezing weather, do don't put your container garden outdoors until all danger of frost is past! WateringIt is important to provide adequate water for your container garden, but do not over-water your plants. The soil should be damp; not soaking wet. Do not let the soil in your garden completely dry out, especially when your plants are small and have a small root system. It is helpful if you locate your garden where there is a nearby source of water. Tip:If this is not possible, save some one-gallon plastic milk containers which can be filled and stored somewhere nearby to fill your watering can. Tip: Add a few brightly colored flowers to your container vegetable garden. This will improve the look of your garden, and you can pick a few flowers to enjoy also! As you can see, growing vegetables in potted or container gardens is really quite easy. Planning and planting a container garden is a quick and simple project. It is lots of fun to watch your plants grow, and it is quite rewarding when you eat them for dinner! Nothing tastes quite so good as fresh produce hand-picked from your own garden. Back To Top
Growing Vegetables to Vegetable Gardening
Ground Vegetables to Planting a Vegetable Garden
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"Where to begin with my own vegetable garden? I need some help!" Should I just try planting some seeds in the ground? Is there more to vegetable gardening than meets the eye? How about a container garden?
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