Container Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables and Herbs on Your Patio

Raised beds, pedestal planters, hanging planters, wall planters, etc. The possibilities are endless! Of course, it’s important to choose something you love. However, to have a productive container garden all summer long, make sure you choose the right pots for your plants. Here are some important factors to consider: 

• Height:
  • 4"-5": lettuce and other salad greens, radishes, herbs.
  • 6"-7": beans, kohlrabi, onions, peas, mint.
  • 8"-9": carrot, Swiss chard, cucumber, eggplant, leek, bell pepper, hot pepper, spinach.
  • 10"-12": tomato, beet, cabbage (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), potato, squash (opt for small varieties), zucchini, fruit bushes, rhubarb.
• Diameter: 12"+
• Soil drainage: Whatever your choice, make sure your container has a drainage system. If not, you will need to drill holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. A water tray is optional, but highly recommended.
• Material:
  • Plastic: Usually the most affordable option; many patterns and colours available; lightweight; good moisture retention; easy maintenance.
  • Terracotta: Aesthetic appeal; heavier than plastic; porous surface that allows air and water to pass through (good for plant growth); must be stored during winter.
  • Fabric and Natural Fibre: Very light and easy to carry; allows water and air to pass through (good for plant growth); easy maintenance; requires more frequent watering.

In order to have a successful container garden, you must also choose the right plants according to a few factors: 

• Sunlight:
  • Full sun (6 hours of sunlight or more): beans, eggplant, squash, zucchini, bell pepper, hot pepper, tomato, cucumber, strawberry, beet, turnip.
  • Partial sun (4-6 hours of sunlight): cabbage (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), Swiss chard, herbs, lettuce, peas, radish, spinach, potato, carrot, garlic, onion, green onion.
  • Shade (less than 4 hours of sunlight): herbs and leafy greens.
• Form and development:
  • Invasive plants (mint, lemon balm, etc.): it is preferable to plant them alone in a pot, to prevent them from smothering other plants.
  • Plants that spread out a lot (squash, zucchini, eggplant, some varieties of tomatoes): make sure to put any other plants a few inches away to avoid them being covered by leaves and lacking light.
  • Tall and/or climbing plants: Some tall and/or climbing plants (tomatoes, cucumbers, climbing beans, etc.) may need a stake at some point during the season.
• Maintenance requirements: Some plants, such as herbs and greens, are easier to grow, more resistant to disease, and less susceptible to insect pests than others. Here are some vegetables that are perfect for beginners: cherry tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, radish, kale, zucchini, strawberries.
• Pollination: To promote pollination and increase garden productivity, it is a good idea to add a few flowers here and there. Edible flowers, like pansies and nasturtiums, are a nice addition!

For a container garden that thrives all season long, follow these simple steps: 

1. Pour soil into your pot until 2/3 full.
2. Add in some fertilizer.
3. Before planting, prune any broken or wilted leaves away (from the plant or soil).
4. Water the plants thoroughly prior to taking them out of their original pots.
5. Take a moment to loosen up the roots.
6. Place the plants in the new soil, leaving 3"-4" of space between each plant (herbs, lettuce, and radishes can be planted closer together).
7. Add soil if needed.
8. Firmly compact the soil around your plants to secure them in place.
9. Immediately water your plants after planting to help them adjust and reduce any potential shock. 

Click on the arrow to see all steps!