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 Many people think growing in containers is easier than growing in the ground but without large containers and good potting soil and compost, it
can be even more difficult. In climates with lots of hot summer heat, even
large pots can really heat up and the soil can be much warmer than in the
ground. Potting soils are designed to drain well but that can be a problem
in the summer when you want them to hold water a little bit longer.
Fertilizer can wash out with frequent watering and leave your plants wanting
more. Once plants are stressed, bugs attack and even diseases can make
real problems that may never have occurred in the ground. Here are some important ways to prevent these problems:
1. Use large containers. Keep in mind that the more root
space the plant has, the better the roots will grow. This will allow the
top part of the plant to grow large. Tomatoes can grow to over 6-8 feet
tall and 2 feet across, a half whiskey barrel sized pot is just enough to
accommodate the roots for that size plant. Small pots do make smaller
plants but that also means a lot less fruit and many of the
problems mentioned above.
2. Use compost in your pots. You add compost to the
ground when you plant, why not add it to the containers too? Compost is
the best stuff for plants and it helps keep them cooler and moist during the
summertime. Add about 25% or so to your potting soil mix. Mulch on
top of the soil helps keep moisture in pots too.
3. Fertilizing regularly is very important. I love using
worm castings for this purpose because I can add it anytime and never overfeed.
It works like compost and feeds too. As an alternative,we recommend
Organic fertilizer which last about 6
weeks to 2 months before they need to be added again.
4. Never leave plants sitting in water. Trays under pots
are dangerous because they hold water and can actually drown the roots of the
plants by providing too much water. Dump them out frequently after rains.
Good drain holes should be in every pot you plant in.
 5. Make sure your plants get enough sunshine. Balconies
and sun porches are great for growing plants but make sure there is sun at least
6 hours a day for vegetables to produce fruit well. Lettuces & Herbs will
be satisfied with only 3-4 hours a day.
6. Too much heat can be detrimental to tomatoes. They will only set fruits when the temperatures are between 55-85 degrees and containers can heat up quickly in the summertime, especially if they are dark colored. Using pots that are too small, forgetting to water them or not mulching the soil will create a situation where the plants roots are just too hot for them to set tomatoes. They will blossom but the flowers will just fall off.
What you need:
All you need is a sunny, warm place and containers large enough for the plants you want to grow. Sunny decks, patios, and other areas are great for container gardening and do not require the difficult digging that starting a garden usually requires. Most vegetable plants will grow quite large so your containers must be large enough and not too crowded. Container gardening requires diligent watering and regular feeding, but it can be easy and fun for kids and adults. The main things you will need are:
Large Containers approximately 18" or larger in diameter. Watering Can or Hose
Good Potting Soil (enough to fill your pots) Plant fertilizer and compost
For planting vegetables, you will need to allow approximately 18-24" in diameter for each plant. This includes tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, beans, squash, peppers and other large plants. These can be planted first and then you can add smaller vegetable plants such as onions, carrots, lettuces, or herbs around the bottom of the plant to fill in a large container.
First prepare your potting soil by filling the container and adding plant food according to the directions on the package for vegetables. I prefer to use organic plant food or worm castings. Moisten the potting soil by adding water and mixing soil until it feels damp all the way through. Place the pot in the sun and you are ready to plant. Next, dig a hole large enough for the vegetable transplant, turn the plant upside down, tap the bottom, and gently pull the base of the stem until the plant comes out of the container. Place the plant in the hole and fill around the edges pressing gently. Water the plant immediately after planting.
Plants should get at least 6 hours of sunshine per day. They can grow with less, but they will not produce fruit in the shade. It is also very important to keep your plants watered regularly. Put your finger down into the soil approximately 2-3" deep and see if the soil is dry at that level. If it is, then water well until water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
You will need to stake or support plants such as tomatoes, beans, & cucumbers, tomato cages or bamboo stakes work well. Follow the directions on your fertilizer package for feeding vegetables.Check occasionally for bug damage and worms which can do serious damage to tomato plants. There are organic treatments if needed.
Pick tomato fruits when they are almost completely red and finish ripening them on your kitchen counter. Once they are soft and totally colored, slice them immediately on to a sandwich and enjoy. Growing vegetables is easy and fun and the payoff of harvest from your own garden is worth the wait.
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