You should start growing vegetables at home for several reasons. Some people love the idea of having fresh produce year-round. Others enjoy learning new skills or even saving money. Whatever your reason, starting a vegetable garden is easier than you think.
Those containers are perfect for growing vegetables indoors and outdoors whenever you want. So, dig into and learn more about those containers and make your home a garden.
Table of Contents
Here are some of the best containers and pots for growing
Plastic
One of the most popular choices for container gardening is plastic pots, which come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. The cheapest option is also plastic pots. Their lightweight design, excellent moisture retention, and easy cleaning and reusability make them perfect for many gardening seasons. To prevent chemicals from leaching into the soil, use food-grade plastic pots when growing edibles.
Wooden
Another great option for container gardening is wooden planters. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and can be used indoors and outside. Wooden planters are available in different designs and styles to fit any space. They’re also very affordable, making them one of the best beginner options.
Metal
If you prefer metal, choose galvanized steel pots. These pots have a rust-resistant coating that makes them ideal for indoor gardening. Metal pots are durable and attractive. However, they require regular maintenance like other types of pots.
Ceramic
If you prefer ceramic pots, look for glazed clay pots. Ceramic pots are beautiful and functional. They’re made from natural materials, such as clay, and are non-toxic. They’re dishwasher safe, but if you do wash them by hand, it’s recommended to rinse them thoroughly before using them again.
Glass
If you prefer glass pots, choose clear ones. Glass pots are durable and versatile. They suit various plants, including herbs, flowers, fruits, veggies, and trees. They’re not only beautiful, but they’re also easy to clean.
Fabric
In recent years, fabric pots have become more popular due to their lightweight nature and breathability. Furthermore, many have handles, making moving them around much easier. Furthermore, they are easily washable and reusable.
Plant roots become more fibrous due to the fabric’s ability to allow water and air to pass through it easily, improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients. It is important to water fabric pots consistently because they tend to dry out quickly.
How should I determine the size of a pot?
Container gardening requires a lot of patience, especially when choosing the perfect pot for your needs. When selecting a container, consider how much room you want to give your plants, what plant you’re growing, and whether you’ll be moving it around frequently.
The best pots allow plenty of root space because it’s important for healthy growth. If you don’t provide enough space for your roots, they won’t receive nutrients properly. Some plants, like tomatoes, need about 12 inches of soil depth; others, like lettuces, need less. Larger plants will take up more space and require bigger pots.
When picking a pot, choose one deep enough to hold water without overflowing. This way, you won’t lose precious moisture during watering. Also, avoid plastic pots since they can leach chemicals into your growing food. Instead, opt for clay pots, wood planters, terracotta pots, terra cotta flowerpots, or even concrete blocks.
| Container Type | Size | Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta Pots | Various sizes | Clay | – Good drainage | – Can dry out quickly |
| – Aesthetic appeal | – Heavy and breakable | |||
| Plastic Containers | Various sizes | Plastic | – Lightweight and durable | – May not breathe well |
| – Inexpensive | – Can become brittle over time | |||
| Wooden Planters | Various sizes | Wood (Cedar, Redwood) | – Natural appearance | – May rot if not treated |
| – Good insulation | – May require regular sealing | |||
| Fabric Grow Bags | Various sizes | Fabric (Polypropylene) | – Excellent drainage | – May degrade over time |
| – Portable and space-saving | – Can be less aesthetically pleasing | |||
| Raised Beds | Various dimensions | Wood, Metal, or Plastic | – Good for root growth | – Initial setup can be expensive |
| – Easier on the back | – May require more soil than other options | |||
| Hanging Baskets | Various sizes | Wire or Plastic | – Saves space | – Limited soil capacity |
| – Aesthetic appeal | – Frequent watering required | |||
| Grow Boxes | Various sizes | Composite or Plastic | – Self-watering options available | – May require added nutrients |
| – Suitable for small spaces | – Limited design variety | |||
| Recycled Containers | Variable sizes | Repurposed items | – Eco-friendly | – May not provide ideal growing conditions |
| (e.g., buckets, barrels) | – Cost-effective | – Limited aesthetic appeal |
What should the size of drainage holes be?
The most important thing to remember about drainage holes is that they must allow excess water to drain away from the pot. Too much water sitting in the bottom of the pot could cause the roots to rot. You don’t want to use too small holes because they won’t let enough water drain away. On the other hand, you don’t want to use big holes either because they might allow too much soil to fall out of the pot.
You’ll need to know how large your drainage holes should be. Ideally, the holes should be no bigger than one-quarter of an inch. Too big of a hole allows excess water to drain away too easily. However, smaller holes mean soil won’t drain as fast, causing roots to rot.
The drainage holes should be one-fourth of an inch if you have a container measuring 4 to 6 inches wide. Larger containers need six to eight holes, and the size would measure one-fourth of an inch. Too much soil can escape when holes are larger than a fourth inch.
What soil should I put into the container?
Healthy soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Aeration, nutrients, and drainage are essential for plants in containers to grow well and produce a good harvest.
It is not a good idea to use garden soil! Waterlogged and compacted soils, as well as insects and diseases, are common problems with garden soils. Use a container-specific “soilless” potting mix instead.
There should be no diseases or pests, and it should drain quickly. There are many types of soliloquy potting mixes, including peat, perlite, and vermiculite, besides additives such as ground limestone and granulated fertilizers.
What do you need to know about watering containers?
Rain and wind are kept away from containers, requiring less water than traditional gardening methods. However, it’s important to remember that containers dry out faster than traditional gardens or raised bed gardens. This is especially true during the hot months of summer.
Because containers are usually placed closer to the ground, they receive more sunlight than traditional or raised-bed gardens. As a result, they grow much faster. Some containers, such as hanging baskets, can even double in size within just one month!
How to use fertilizing on the containers?
Slow-release fertilizer should be added to your potting mix at the beginning of the gardening season. Alternatively, you can sprinkle fertilizer on your potting mix right after planting or mix it into the potting mix at planting. Plants will grow more quickly if you do this.
According to the label directions, feed container plants at least twice a month with liquid fertilizer while actively growing, flowering, and fruiting. Testing your soil first is a good idea, if possible, to see if you need additional fertilizer. Compost or fish emulsion can also be added occasionally to container soil to add trace elements.
Feed vegetable plants organic soil amendments, such as liquid seaweed, fish emulsion, or manure tea, to keep them growing.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Are clay or plastic pots better?
Due to its non-porous nature, plastic retains less moisture and oxygen than clay. Clay planters retain moisture for a much shorter period than plastic planters. In other words, if you are one of those people who tend to forget to water your plants, plastic is probably better than clay.
2. How often should I water my container plant?
Container plants need to be watered regularly, but how often depends on the type of plant. Some plants, like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers, need daily watering; others, like lettuce, spinach, and herbs, only need weekly watering. You can check the labels on your plant’s tag to determine how often you need water.
3. Can I put a tree in a container?
Yes, you can. Just ensure that the tree’s roots are not touching the sides of the pot. If they are, the tree may rot. Also, ensure the pot has enough room for the tree’s root ball.
4. Do I need to buy special soil for my containers?
No. All you need is a bag of regular potting soil. Just make sure that it has enough drainage holes. If you don’t want to purchase a bag of soil, you can always mix two bags of potting soil and one bag of peat moss.
5. Can I use gravel in my pots?
Yes, you can use gravel in your pots. Gravel helps prevent root rot and increases airflow around your plants.
Conclusion
We hope our article helped you understand what kind of container to choose for your garden. We have discussed different types of containers available in the market today. So, don’t waste more time running to the store and buying the perfect container; start planting your desired vegetable.
