Getting started with vegetable container gardening can seem overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be complicated. It is an easy project with a delicious reward. All you need is plants or seeds, a container, some good potting soil, fertilizer, and plenty of sun and water. Growing vegetables in pots doesn’t need to take a lot of time, but it does require that you pay a certain amount of attention to your plants, usually on a daily basis. There are lots of advantages to growing vegetables in pots. For people with limited outdoor space, growing vegetables in containers may be the only way to go. But even people with a large yard should consider it. There’s no weeding, less chance of soil-borne plant diseases, and critters are less likely to be able to eat your vegetables. Also, many people simply have bad soil for gardening, and you can buy exceptional soil for pots. One of your first decisions will be whether to buy seedlings or start your vegetable plants from seed. Seeds are very inexpensive
16
Spring-Summer 2020
and can be fun if children are helping. Watching the seed sprout every day really teaches about growing your own food. You can sow your seeds indoors, usually in late winter or early spring, depending on where you live and the kinds of seeds you are planting. Buying seedlings are easy and give you a head start on growing your own vegies. You can grow almost any vegetable in a container. Herbs are always a good one, as well as tomatoes, lettuce, and many more. To decide what you are going to grow, think about what you like to eat. Vine vegetables, such as watermelon, pumpkin, and cantaloupe obviously might not be such a good idea. There is nothing better to eat in the world than fresh picked vegetables that you grew yourself. Choose your vegetables, buy supplies, and get started on your very own container garden!
