STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

Container Gardening

Suasoria · Chanel

When are you moving? You can totally grow a lot in containers, but most veggies are annuals (only one growing season), so unless you're moving this summer coming up, you can still plant stuff right in the ground.

Things that do well in containers:

Perennial herbs (thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary)
Annual herbs (parsley, basil)
Cherry tomatoes - usually very easy
Hot peppers - these do best for me in containers, actually
Small varieties of cucumbers and summer squash
Lettuce and arugula
Beans and peas - you'll want to use a trellis or teepee of some sort because they want to climb

I don't know where you live so not all these suggestions may work in your climate. This site looks helpful:
http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/vegetable-varieties-for-containers.html
My favorite gardening site:
http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-65-67-716,00.html

nightshade · Nine West

I usually grow herbs in a big washtub on the back deck every summer. It is handy, next to the BBQ. I grow basil, italian parsley, rosemary, tarragon, and chives. I buy a potting soil mix with fertilizer mixed in. You just need to have a nice big container or you will be watering morning, noon and night.

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

Thanks gals...keep them coming!

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

you could also check out books from the library to help you decide what to plant or order some from amazon. here's a couple suggestions:

i have this book, i really like it

-- Edited by clothes_horse on Monday 30th of March 2009 03:07:32 PM

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Just be aware that your containers will dry out really quickly. I have given up on it because we have a REALLY sunny yard and I can't keep up with the watering. My folks place is more shady, and my mom has great luck. She is also better about watering though. So, just keep watering and the amount of sun on your property in mind.

Elle · Hermes

For the watering problem, we tried using some potting soil that has those little water-holder crystals already mixed in. They hold water and only release it when the soil is dry, which is great for things like tomatoes who can sometimes be a bit picky about soil moisture. They sell the crystals separately as well, if you wanted to mix them in yourself.

We did beans in containers a couple years ago and they did fantastically, so I highly recommend that. Then went so well for us that we did them from seed last year and they were super easy - I bet your son would enjoy planting seeds and watching them sprout up!