Organic Container Gardening

Organic container gardening is great because you can do it just about anywhere. The only thing you really need to get started with organic gardening in containers is a bit of outdoor space (in the city, this could be a balcony or rooftop) with some sun (6-8 hours/day).

Many people are accustomed to growing flowers and maybe herbs in containers, but they are surprised to learn that vegetables can be grown organically in containers. The vegetables that do particularly well with organic container gardening include tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, greens such as swiss chard and lettuce, and zucchini.

Because plants such as tomato and eggplant can get quite large, look for varieties that are meant to go in containers- the names connote smaller stature such as "patio", "pixie", "dwarf", and "compact". (More information on vegetable container gardening).

Most herbs will be successful in containers, but dill and tarragon are two that prefer to be in-ground, unless you are able to use a very deep pot.

Choosing a Container
You can go with a standard plastic or terra-cotta pots for organic container gardening, or use your imagination: take your pick from gorgeous ceramic urns to food-grade plastic pails and buckets. I have even heard of opening up a bag of potting soil and planting vegetables directly into it- you can't get much simpler or less expensive than that.

Just make sure you have holes at the bottom of your container for adequate water drainage; if you don't, the roots of your plants may rot. It is often suggested that you line the bottom of your pots with something such as small pebbles to keep your potting soil from from escaping and to promote good drainage.

Tomatoes and eggplants need to be in large containers- figure about 5 gallons per plant. If you plant them in a smaller container, they may not be very happy. It is very tempting when the plants are small to want to put more than one plant into each pot, but for the most successful organic container gardening, refrain from doing this- your plants won't do well if they are crowded.

Potting Your Plants
Do not use regular garden soil for container gardening. It compacts too much and dries out too quickly. An organic soil-free mix meant to be used in a container is best. Container soil mixes are much lighter and allow your plants to be adequately aerated and hydrated.

It is a good idea to mix in some compost when you are putting in your potting mix (unless it already contains some- check the label) because compost provides nutrients, boosts soil fertility, and will improve the health of your plants and your harvest. I have read that you can skip the potting mix and just put your container plants in compost but I personally have not tried this yet.

Moisture crystals added to your potting mix can help retain water, but they are a synthetic product, not a natural one, and I have no experience using them.

After you have potted your plants, you should cover them with some sort of mulch to keep weeds down and conserve moisture. Newspaper, straw, wood chips, pine needles, rocks or pebbles all make good mulch or you could use a product like sweet peet.

Watering Your Container(s)
Water your plants well immediately after potting and frequently thereafter. Perhaps the only problem with container plants is how often they need to be watered. They will become thirsty much more often than comparable plants in the ground, so check them daily. Watering early in the morning and/or in the evening is best.

Fertilizing Your Container(s)
If your potting mix does not contain any fertilizer (check the label though, because the mixes usually do), it is a good idea to fertilize container plants the first week you plant them and again after a few weeks. An organic sea-based fertilizer is best.

Tomatoes in particular need to be watered deeply and regularly, and fertilized, too. More information on growing tomatoes in containers.

For a lot more information and wonderful container gardening photos and videos, please visit www.container-gardening-for-you.com.