Container Gardening: Tips and Best Varieties to Grow

I had always been convinced I wouldn’t be able to garden at my house because my yard is so small. The gardens I saw growing up were in-ground and seemed to be larger than my entire yard (front, back, side) put together! Of course, I had flower plants here or there along the borders of my house (which I love), but what I really wanted was to be able to walk outside and harvest fresh food. Thanks to a good friend, and avid gardener, she helped me realize that all I needed was a few containers and I could start harvesting food within weeks of planting.

Now 10+ years later—I have more than just a few containers—and am growing some of my favorite foods like potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, and so much more!

Here are some things I learned along the way:

1) Container size is important.

Larger plants like tomatoes or squash need a larger container for strong root systems. I started off with 5-gallon pots but ended up using 10 or 20-gallon containers depending on the variety. Veggies that are shallow rooted, like lettuce, are better suited for smaller containers.

2) You may need to water more often.

During the warmest parts of the summer, you may need to water your container garden once or twice a day. Use the finger trick: stick your finger into the soil about an inch – if it feels dry, then water!

3) Drainage is key!

There should be one large hole or several small holes at the bottom of your pots to let out excess water. It may also help to elevate your containers so they aren’t sitting flat on the ground, which could potentially cause the holes to plug up.

4) Think vertical!

To make better use of your space, try arranging your smaller pots in tiers. Place them on ledges, stairs, tables, crates, etc. I even added a large shelf to the back wall of my house to have some herbs near my patio door. Get creative!

5) Choose varieties better suited for growing in confined spaces.

Some varieties can tolerate growing in containers better than others. As a starting point, look for those that are bred specifically for container growing.

Here are a few of my favorites that I’ve grown over the years: