The idea that you need a large garden to be able to garden is long gone. Even those who have a small (city) garden or just a terrace or balcony can grow plants and even start one. Discover our tips for gardening in containers below!
Why garden in containers?
Gardening in containers is a good alternative for those who do not have room for a vegetable garden in the open ground or serreFor example in a small city garden, in a courtyard or on a balcony. Gardening in containers is space-saving and also flexible, because you can move the containers and pots whenever you want. Ideal in a rented home!
Moreover, growing vegetables gives you delicious fresh food and contributes to a greener world. After all, gardening in your vegetable garden is a fun hobby that is good for your physical and mental well-being. It is so nice to be outside, connected to nature and focused on growing your plants.
Tip! Make sure you are well prepared. Just as you make a vegetable garden plan and planting calendar for the greenhouse, a sowing calendar and an overview of your plants are not an unnecessary luxury when gardening in containers.
A vegetable garden in containers
You may be wondering: which plants are suitable for growing in containers? In principle, you can put all plants in containers. But there they have less space to grow and no direct contact with the moisture and nutrient-rich natural soil. On a covered terrace or balcony, your plants do not get rainwater either. So they are dependent on you to get enough water and nutrients.
These plants need relatively little water and are therefore ideal for beginners who garden in containers: beginners who garden in containers:
- Beans
- Peas
- Corn (be sure to secure it with a tension wire or bamboo cane)
- Eggplant
- Sweet potato
- Swiss chard
Are you sure that you have enough time and dedication to optimally care for your vegetable garden in containers?
Then you can also grow vegetables that need more water and/or care, such as tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, zucchini and cucumbers.
Tip! If you have large containers, you can certainly grow multiple plants in one pot. But watch out for such as radish and cucumber or lettuce and parsley that work against each other. It is also better to plant mint separately, because it spreads a lot and would therefore take over the entire container.
The best containers for your vegetable garden
There are various options when you are going to create a vegetable garden in containers: wood, plastic, terracotta ... But which is the best choice?
Growing vegetables in wooden containers
Wood is an aesthetically good option because of its warm, authentic look. But wood also requires a lot of maintenance, especially if it remains outside. In addition, quality wood has become very expensive in recent years, which means that it requires a larger investment in terms of budget. Less quality wood does not last long.
What is nice about wooden containers is that you can easily make them yourself and use recycled materials. Growing vegetables in wooden containers is certainly possible, but keep in mind that it will cost more and will require more maintenance.
Growing vegetables in plastic containers
Some people find plastic containers less attractive than wood, but there are already so many options available today that you will definitely find a look that suits your style. Growing vegetables in plastic containers is also easy: the pots are light (and therefore easy to move) and retain moisture well. Plastic is also easy to maintain: the material discolours little to not at all when it is outside and cannot freeze and break.
Because these containers retain water so well, it is important to provide sufficient drainage so that your plant roots do not rot if they get too much water. Therefore, choose a pot with holes at the bottom or drill them yourself in the bottom of the container. Does it rain a lot? Then put your plastic container or pot on legs so that excess moisture can drain away properly.
Do you not think plastic is that sustainable?
Many containers are made from recycled plastic and therefore give waste a second life. In addition, a strong vegetable garden container made of hard plastic often lasts a lifetime.
Tip! Be careful with growing vegetables in black plastic containers. Black may give a nice, contemporary and sleek look, but it also attracts the heat of the sun, which can dry out or burn your plant.
Growing vegetables in terracotta pots
Terracotta garden pots are often used to plant flowers, trees and shrubs, but they are also very suitable for vegetable garden vegetables. They are beautiful and breathable, which gives your plant roots more air and prevents root rot.
A disadvantage of terracotta is that it is very porous and therefore absorbs a lot of water. Water that you would of course rather give to your plants yourself. Southern herbs (such as oregano, thyme and rosemary) do like dry soil and therefore do well in a terracotta pot.
In addition, terracotta can develop a layer of lime over the years. Some people think that discoloured terracotta exudes a Mediterranean charm, but those who do not like this must always remove the layer of lime manually. Terracotta is also sensitive to frost (it can break if it gets really cold) and also very heavy, so it is difficult to move by yourself.
Tip! In addition to pots that you place on the ground, you can also garden vertically in containers. Extra handy when your ground surface is not that big. For example, you can do vertical gardening with hanging pots on your canopy or pergola. Or with containers that you can attach to the railing of your balcony or your patio gate. Hanging baskets or plant bags for the wall are also practical and nice to look at.
Buying soil for your vegetable garden containers
Have you finished your containers? Then now is the time to buy soil for your vegetable garden. ‘Normal’ soil from the garden is too thick and heavy for plants, especially when they have less space to root. You prefer airy, nutritious soil to really make your plants grow well.
The ideal soil for your vegetable garden container consists of three components:
- At the bottom of your container you put hydro grains, which ensure good drainage but also retain water for a long time. Perfect for providing your plants with enough water without them ‘drowning’ in heavy rainfall or when you got a little too enthusiastic with the watering can.
- On top of that you put a soil improver. This soil composition with dried stable manure stimulates the roots to grow.
- Finally, provide a layer of potting soil: the basis for vegetable gardening in containers. Potting soil contains a standard basic fertilizer for 6 to 8 weeks, useful for allowing your young plants to grow well. Then, if necessary, add food yourself based on the needs of your plant.
You can find hydro grains, soil improver and potting soil at a garden center near you. Check our list of partners to discover in which garden centers you can also admire ACD® greenhouses.
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