Growing Vegetables In Containers - The Compact Solution
By Judy Williams, Fri Dec 9th
Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for thosethat don't have access to backyards. There can be a range ofreasons to grow your vegetables in containers...easy access tothe kitchen, safer environments for children and the handicappedor just lack of a yard to use for gardening.
Vegetable gardens in containers can also be extremely attractiveand serve the dual purpose of style and function around yourpatio.
The no dig vegetable garden can be just as successful incontainers provided similar guidelines are followed.
Drainage is vital so ensure your containers have appropriatedrainage holes to allow water to escape. If they don't, theplants will literally 'drown' and will be susceptible todiseases. They also need a sunny space. The advantage withvegetables grown in containers is that you can move thecontainers around to follow the sun if no one spot in your patioor garden is suitable.
Vegetables grown in containers will need some additionalattention. Their root system is restricted to the pot so makesure you keep them well watered. Containers are far more likelyto dry out in hot conditions which will kill your plants or havethem 'fruit' poorly.
It is also very important that a mulch is put on top of thecontainer. This will slow evaporation and keep the surfacetemperature of the soil cooler. Plants like tomatoes have small,fiberous roots which will dry and die in hot soil.
Container vegetables may need some additional fertilising due tothe extra watering. Nutrients
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