The 20-30 Something Garden Guide. Dee Nash
pots can look nice tucked into small spaces, though. It helps if you line porous containers with some type of material that retains water. I sometimes use a layer of sphagnum moss in mine around the edges, but I have also used bubble wrap. I like moss better because it's natural.
There are several different kinds of containers to choose from. Here’s what you need to know to pick the best ones for your garden:
Container selections are nearly endless. Whatever type you pick, it’s good to be aware of the pluses and minuses of each material before you choose.
Drainage holes and saucers
All containers need drainage holes. Containers do not need saucers; they trap water and debris and are no longer suggested. If you want to lift your pot off of a deck or patio, use pot feet or a pot trivet. I also use small, flat rocks to level my containers and improve drainage.
What size container?
Container size is important, too. It must be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. Tomatoes and peppers especially need large containers. Although they aren’t fancy, five-gallon buckets are excellent choices for large plants. Be sure to drill those drainage holes first, though.
TIP: Most plants also need good air circulation, so try not to overcrowd them. Keep in mind how large they will eventually grow, and leave a little space around the containers themselves, too. Gentle breezes keep foliage dry and disease free. However, try to keep containers out of strong winds that dry out soil and shred leaves.
Potting soil (it’s not dirt)
Who says you need dirt to garden? Good quality potting mixes can be found at your local nursery. Don’t be surprised to see the words “soilless mix” on a package. Most potting soils are mixtures of several ingredients. Many start with peat moss, which can be controversial due to the environmental damage of peat bogs. For more regarding peat bogs and their environmental impact on wetlands, see Resources. Don’t be afraid to ask your local nursery what goes into their soil mix. It should be organic. You’re growing these vegetables partly because you don’t completely trust commercial farming, right? Don’t grow with chemical fertilizers or pesticides either, and the ecosystem will thank you.
Garden soil. This is a no-go for pots because it is too heavy, slow draining and has weed seeds and bacteria. Container mixes are formulated to be light in texture, free of disease and weed seeds, and to provide good drainage.
Water: the stuff of life
So, you’ve picked your pots, plants and soil, and you’re ready to go. However, without water, your garden will quickly become a barren wasteland. All life needs water to survive. Plants should be placed where they are easy for you to water. Many apartments don’t have an outside water spigot on the balcony. If that’s the case, either hook up a hose to your kitchen faucet – with a faucet adapter – or carry water to your plants. Your choice comes down to convenience. If you plan to tote water to your plants, buy a good quality watering can. Plastic watering cans are lightweight and easy to carry, even when full of water. I particularly love Haws watering cans – a good Christmas present – because they are perfectly balanced, with a great watering rose (sprinkler).
Containers should be checked for moisture at least once a day when summer heats up. Even when it rains, containers beneath an overhang won’t get water. To test whether a container needs water, insert your index finger down into the soil. Potting soil should feel damp, not sopping wet or dry. Because containers are watered everyday, they will also need consistent nutrients. Buy a slow release or watersoluble organic fertilizer for monthly feeding. Group containers together for easier watering on hot summer days. You will probably water your plants before you head off to work, and no one wants to haul a hose around the deck while wearing office attire.
Drip watering. For even sweeter relief, install a drip watering system with a timer. This is perfect for when you leave town because containers can become diseased or die if they go more than a day or two without water. You can buy kits and additional drip emitters at varying water rates, all very easy to install. I placed a simple timer on mine to make sure the pots got watered to my specifications while I was gone. (See the next chapter for how to install a drip system for your pots.) If possible, group your containers together in the shade to reduce water loss. Have a veggie-loving friend come over to pick vegetables and check on things while you’re away. Some vegetables will quit producing if you leave them alone for too long.
Good to know: Crops like lettuce and other leafy vegetables require more water than bulbs like onions and garlic.
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