Vegetable planting in large planters

Question

Any suggestions on how to plant vegetables in large planters.  Also, what would be the best vegetables to plant?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

See if this helps you. www.hgtv.ca/outdoor/article/the-easiest-10-vegetables-to-grow/

Patsy · Answer

I planted zucchini and cucumbers in barrels this last summer and they did very well. I mixed in zinnias and the display was beautiful!

Mar · Answer

When we lived in NJ we planted tomatoes, eggplants, onions, lettuce, bell peppers and snap peas in large pots due to having a small backyard.

S N Foster · Answer

Depends on 'large' in what way. Make sure you can reach everything. If needed, leave a space to step or stand between rows; taller things in the back. I recommend checking with your local nursery for advice on what will grow best in your area. If you're not composting start now! It's so much easier than I thought.

Bonny McDaniel · Answer

I have large planters, raised on cinder blocks, because of a bad back. Right now, in winter, I have a great garden of lettuce, spinach, and broccoli. In the summer, I have mini bell peppers, hot peppers, zucchini, string beans (bush), potatoes, lots of tomatoes, egg plant, etc. Some of the varieties have to be the type that like a container and I use those cloth/felt ones for some things although they do dry out very fast. However, I do get very good results. Also, I raise a great variety of herbs and I usually put one or two marigolds into the pot as they help keep some of the invasive bugs away.

Dfm · Answer

just about any veg will grow in a container... if the growing mix has the proper nutrients for the plant. the issue with corn is pollination, i did see a variety bred for containers, but it was a bit expensive for seed. make sure that your container has plenty of room for optimal root spread...'maters and peppers do best in 5 gallon or larger containers.

inexpensive containers include commercial grow bags 2-3-5- gal. bags available from growers supply about 23 cents each, kids plastic pool a about 12-14 $ in my area.. planting in a bag of potting soil 2-3$, cutting 50gal. food grade barrels in half lengthwise 10-20$. 1 gal. self watering pot 6-8 $ each.

if you do a container garden, to keep weeds and grass down, mulch a strip about 4 ft wide- woods chips or place on a concrete patio, or 4 ft wide mulch film. just something to smother grass and weeds. you can group the 'maters w/ 4 bags/pots 2 in back and 2 in front almost touching, and wire the cages together for more support. it helps in high winds/storms...and it's easier to mow- just aim the discharge shoot or bag away from the plants. the 4 ft width lets you reach in from both sides, or all sides if you decide to space the quads 4 ft apart.

Lisa Gage · Answer

Because I am a renter and want to take with if I end up moving anywhere. I use smart pots. They have been the greatest now for 2 seasons! Even got some small ones for my starters in the greenhouse this year! Happy growing! Oh and the big square pallet box for potatoes works so good. Just wire it to keep critters out of it!

Theresa Shearer · Answer

Thanks Lisa. I never thought of potatoes but great idea! On my 'to do' list.

Kathy · Answer

Grow what you like to eat. Find out what grows well in your area.. If you are planting in large planters, make sure there is ample drainage. All dirt has weeds so make sure you pull the weeds when you see them. Good luck!

Victoria Howard · Answer

I like to plant tomatoes, as I don't care for them except green to fry, or red for sauces, e etc. beans, potatoes, squash can trail down the containers. Enjoy!! Casters or some type of wheel would make them easier to move towards the sunniest spots.

Cathy · Answer

Tomatoes do very well in large pots, esp. cherry/grape tomatoes---if you can find a tomatoberry plant, try that---they are shaped like strawberries but are tomatoes and very sweet. Make sure to fertilize potted veggies a bit more than if you planted in the ground.

Bonny McDaniel · Answer

Broccoli is a cool season crop. It will tolerate a light frost of about 30-32 degrees but it will 'bolt' in hot weather. I'm not sure where you live in Canada but you should be able to grow it in the spring, or even in summer, if your weather stays under 90 degrees or so.

Pam Kaiser · Answer

I grow spinach, lettuce, peppers, and cucumbers ( patio kind) in half 'whiskey barrels. Mine are too heavy to move, so I placed them where they would get sun. I can plant really early in them, because they are so easy to cover. I have two clear plastic dome stlye umbrellas that are great to make a greenhouse of the planters, until it warms up.

Rebecca Bender · Answer

I did tomato's, peppers, chives, onions, basil and cilantro this year in pots on my deck.

Theresa Shearer · Answer

Thanks everyone for all of your great ideas.  Come on Spring!!

Three Dogs in a Garden · Answer

I was shocked to see a $8 cauliflower yesterday in the store. The low Canadian dollar is killing us in the produce isle! It's enough to make you want to grow your own veggies this summer. I tend to specialize in flowers, but maybe check out the Savvy Gardening Blog. They are largely Canadian and write about veggies frequently.

Vegetable planting in large planters

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Vegetable planting in large planters

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