Outdoor Container Gardening

April 29, 2020
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Outdoor container vegetable and herb gardening is growing in popularity. There are several reasons for this trend.

BENEFITS OF CONTAINER GARDENING

Cucumbers growing up a trellis in a big tub at The Herb Cottage
  • You can raise the planting area so it’s easier to reach- less bending and reaching to the ground
  • It’s handy– you can grow herbs and vegetables where they are easily accessible from the house
  • Tender perennial herbs can be protected in the Winter
  • If your soil is unsuited to in-ground growing, containers can save work- no need to dig in compost or other soil amendments

CULTIVATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Situate the containers where the plants will do the best
    • Proper light levels are important
    • In very hot weather climates, afternoon shade will help your plants stay looking good
    • Vegetables and herbs will do well with around 6 hours of sun
    • Preferably, morning to early afternoon sun. Afternoon shade or dappled light will help keep the soil temperature down
  • Nutritious, well-draining soil will keep your plants healthy
    • Feeding the plants on a regular basis, especially vegetables, is vital for a good crop
    • There are lots of choices for soil for containers. Use a mix designated for containers rather than garden soil
  • Keeps invasive varieties in check– mints, for instance, and some of the other herbs that tend to take over can have their own pots
  • No need to worry about noxious and invasive weeds
  •  Even vegetables can add a decorative touch to a yard or patio
    • You can practice companion planting by mixing herbs and vegetables in large containers. Or, move some herb pots close to the vegetables
    • Grow flowers with your vegetables or herbs.
  • Removing spent plants and adding new ones for a different season is easy in containers.

TYPES OF CONTAINERS

  • All containers for outdoor growing must have drain holes
  • Individual terra cotta pots
    • Attractive
    • Allows for air exchange through the soil
    • Large ones can be heavy and difficult to move
  • Plastic
    • Lightweight
    • Holds moisture
    • Many different styles available
    • Large pots can be used for combination gardens
      • Hard to move, use plant dollies
      • Large soil volume can mean less frequent watering
  • Window boxes
    • Attractive
    • Suitable for both upright and hanging types of herbs
    • Not suitable for large vegetable plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant
  • Whiskey barrels
    • Synthetic ones are lightweight and long lasting
    • Difficult to move when planted.
  • Hanging Baskets
    • Nice for porches and even in trees. Attractive with cascading plants.
    • Need frequent watering in hot weather
Zucchini growing in a big tub at The Herb Cottage

WHAT TO PLANT

  • Anything that grows outside in ground will do well in a container.
  • Large plants need large containers. Take into account the mature size of the plants. Add annuals around a small plant that will eventually grow large. The annuals will fade and can be removed as the main plant gains size.

MORE TIPS

New herb garden getting started in a whiskey barrel
  • Group plants with like requirements together
    • Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender all need very good drainage.
    • Chives, parsley and mints need a bit more water. These grow well together
  • Hanging baskets
    • Mints, thyme, oregano and even parsley, look good in hanging containers
    • Just remember to water them frequently
  • Bay Laurel does very well permanently in large pot or tub
    • If you live where it’s very cold in the winter, container growing Bay Laurel, rosemary and other perennial herbs will allow to keep them over the winter
  • Fertilizers
    • I like organic products: Sea Tea or Fish Emulsion applied as a foliar spray or soil drench.
      • No salt buildup.
      • Feeds the soil so the soil feeds the plant
      • Plants can take up nutrients as they need them
    • Non-organics are OK, but will build up salts over time
    • Time release fertilizers are handy. Mix with the soil and forget about it for several months.
      • Even with time release fertilizers, vegetables might still need extra boost
This tomato plant got a little pushed over by a recent storm. It will straighten up in a couple of days. At The Herb Cottage

FINAL THOUGHTS

Try unconventional containers: bathtubs, old enamel coffee pots, saucepans, colanders…… even old boots or shoes. Anything that strikes your fancy. If you live on farm or like to go to thrift stores and garage sales, look around and see what you might use for a container.

  • Drill holes if there are none
  • Careful not to over water or leave smaller containers in really hot sun 
  • Have fun and move pots around to suit your area and use

If you’re looking for herbs or succulent plants for your containers or garden, I have a good selection here at the webpage. If you’re local, give me a shout and make plans to stop by. If you place an order on-line and you’re local, I’ll deliver for free.

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (21 Apr 1838-1914)