Container gardening

[tbs727]

Where do I start? I have a nice little back porch with plenty of sun that I would like to grow some basic veggies. I don't even have a clue how to start. Any suggestions?

[kaye620]

Find you some cheap containers (rubbermaids with holes in them, make your own out of scrap wood, or check out a store like Dollar Gen or Freds). Make sure your containers have several small holes in the bottom.

Put some gravel (rocks, broken containers, broken stones or plates) into the bottom of the container.

Fill with potting soil. Water.

Now you are ready to plant your plants or seeds. (find out when your last frost date is before starting these outside)

Plant only what you eat. Don't waste your limited space on things just cause they look nice. Things that will climb on porch rail: beans, cucumbers (need support), peas... Tomatos, peppers, eggplants, and squash can do great in containers.

Look into square foot gardening. You can find some great combinations of plants to get the most from your space. Like putting a tall plant, short plant, and root plant together.

Good luck!

[Ceashels]

Most of my container gardening has been hit or miss. They do dry out much quicker. I have also used crushed soda cans instead of stone to make the pots lighter for me to move.

And someone showed me a trick of using an empty soda bottle buried in the soil as a way of slowly letting water leak into the root system. You poke some pin size holes in the bottom of the bottle, bury it when you fill the container with soil, then fill it with water and leave the cap loose. The water should slowly leak out of the bottom and air will get sucked in thru the top. When I did it the first time I used a nail and the water ran thru too quickly. Enjoy your gardening.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/e...container.html

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8105.html

[StaceyS]

Crushed soda cans is a great idea! I wouldn't have ever thought of that. Thanks for the tip!