Selecting The Right-Sized Containers For Growing Vegetables

There are few things more rewarding than planting and growing your own vegetables. And you don't need a lot of space. Just about any crop that can be grown in the ground can also be grown in containers. Here is a handy guide to selecting the right-sized containers for growing vegetables.

Which Crops to Grow?

When selecting seeds or bedding plants, the easiest way to get started is to choose varieties that have been bred for small spaces. Look for seeds or bedding plants labeled "bush," "dwarf," "patio," or "mini." Nurseries and seed catalogs now offer numerous varieties of vegetables and fruits especially designed for small spaces, but don't let that stop you from trying to grow "full-sized" varieties. Just experiment!

Less challenging crops: carrots, onions, eggplant, radishes, peppers, beans, peas, Swiss chard, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbages, herbs, and salad greens. Don't forget to provide supports for vine crops like peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash.

More challenging crops: corn, melons, and potatoes. These crops need a larger volume of everything: food, water, and space. They can all be grown in containers, but if you're limited by space, they may not be the most cost efficient choices.

What Size Pot?

When selecting a suitable container for your vegetables, it's important to consider the growing habits of both the top growth and the root system of each vegetable. Large plants take up more nutrients and require a greater volume of growing media in order to maximize production. And while certain houseplants may appreciate crowded roots, your vegetables will not. Cramming them into too small of a space and crowding their roots will only result in disappointing growth.

Here is a range of minimum container sizes and suggestions for plant spacing. This is a general list. You may find you need more or less space depending on the varieties you choose.

Container Tips:

Containers come in all shapes and sizes. Use pots, pails, window boxes, washtubs, coffee cans, cinder blocks, rolled up chicken wire, and other found items. Just make sure they provide adequate drainage.

Wood containers are subject to rot. This can be minimized by lining the insides with plastic or wax, and sealing the outside with a non-toxic water-sealant designed for decks. Avoid containers made from treated wood. They can leach toxic chemicals into the soil that may harm plant roots, or even worse, end up on your dinner table.

Container vegetables need to be watered frequently-sometimes daily. Containers made from terra-cotta (clay), or wood will wick water away from the plant's roots much faster than those made from plastic, so pay even closer attention to watering your veggies when using them.

If in doubt about the container size you should use, bigger is better. Don't forget, small containers will need to be watered and fertilized more frequently because they hold less soil.

Dark colored containers (especially made from plastic) absorb sunlight. This can create a hostile environment for your plant's tender roots. Paint the outside of dark containers a light color so they will reflect heat rather than absorb it.

Water draining from containers can leave marks and stains on concrete and wood. Make sure to catch excess water by placing a saucer or reservoir underneath them.

Large containers filled with moist dirt and growing plants are heavy! Save your back and use a plant caddy to move them from place to place.