In the garden this week, received some much-needed rain last week. With that, some people received some hail. With it being early in the garden season, I would just replant those annuals and garden plants that got hit. It is early in the season, so they will produce later on.
Don’t let a lack of garden space keep you from growing fresh vegetables. Container gardening is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy homegrown produce on a patio, deck, balcony, or even a sunny driveway.
Container-grown vegetables need more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground. During hot, windy weather, you may need to water daily or even twice a day. Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry. Consistent moisture helps prevent problems such as blossom-end rot on tomatoes and bitter-tasting vegetables.
The first step is choosing the right container. Larger containers hold more soil, which means they dry out more slowly and give plant roots plenty of room to grow. Most vegetables need a container that is at least 12 inches deep, while larger crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers benefit from even bigger pots. Whatever container you choose, make sure it has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Next, fill your containers with a quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mixes are lighter, drain better, and help roots develop properly. Many mixes also contain materials that help retain moisture, which is especially important during the heat of summer.
Location matters. Most vegetables need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach can tolerate a little shade, but tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers perform best in full sun.
Because nutrients wash out of containers over time, regular fertilizing is important. A slow-release fertilizer mixed into the potting soil at planting time works well, and many gardeners supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks throughout the growing season.
Some of the easiest vegetables for container gardening include tomatoes, peppers, bush beans, carrots, and cucumbers. Most herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, and cilantro also thrive in containers and are handy to have close to the kitchen.
Below are the herbs I am growing in 10-inch plastic pots.
