3 Easy To Grow Container Vegetables
Whether you need a plan for rooftop gardening or you live in an area with limited space for ground gardening, these veggie container ideas will give you inspiration for the spring and summer growing seasons.
Radishes
One of the easiest and fastest growing vegetables is the humble radish. You can quickly grow these spicy and peppery little gems from seed and within a month will be able to pluck them from the container to enjoy in a savory salad or just as a snack. You’ll have a wide variety of seeds from which to choose, so try thinking outside the box (or container) and try something new – maybe something that your local grocers don’t carry. Taste what you’re missing!
Radishes can be planted and grown in 4″ – 6″ deep containers. Make sure and have them in partial to full sun, although moving them to shaded areas during hot weather is a must. They’ll need good drainage and moist soil, so watering them regularly is essential. They will thrive in USDA growing zones 2 to 10.
Try these easy recipes for your homegrown radishes:
Roasted Radish and Feta Salad by Simply Recipes
Cabbage Radish Apple Cole Slaw by Blackberry Babe
Tomatoes
A sunny back porch is the perfect place for a medium to large container that can hold a tomato cage for these juicy red orbs that are a favorite for gardeners. Technically a fruit, tomatoes come in a wide range of varieties from small cherry-sized to large palm-sized. The tastes are just as varied – from sweet to tart and acidic.
Since tomatoes require deep and rich soil, make sure your container is large enough to hold the variety that you choose. Each plant should have its own container. Five gallon buckets are a good choice. Make sure they have good drainage, too.
Once tomatoes start growing with plenty of sun and water, their vines will shoot up quickly. Be sure you have stakes or cages ready to help contain them so that the vines stay intact once the tomatoes start to appear and grow. Tomatoes are grown in all zones as an annual.
Enjoy your fresh tomatoes right off the vine. They’re perfect with just a dash of salt and pepper or try these savory recipes.
Tomato Pie With Cheddar Herb Crust by How Sweet Eats
Easy Marinated Tomatoes by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a spring and summer favorite known for their distinctive and crunchy taste as well as being instantly refreshing. Luckily they’re easy to grow and do well for container gardeners.
Cucumbers will need a larger container because their vines tend to grow either low as a bush or high and spread out. You will need a trellis or cage to help contain the vines. Cucumbers love water, so keeping their soil moist is a priority. They also love heat, so they will thrive in warmer climates.
Choose between varieties that are specific for canning and those that are for eating. Both will need full to partial shade and will work well in USDA zones 4 to 12.
Here are a few ways to enjoy your bounty of cucumbers:
Quick Pickled Cucumbers by Garlic And Zest
Creamy Cucumber Salad by Wholesome Yum