5 Common Mistakes When Growing Vegetables in Containers

Container gardening is an excellent way for struggling vegetable gardeners to enjoy a bountiful harvest without the need for a large outdoor space. However, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your container-grown goodness. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 mistakes that container gardeners often make and provide you with practical solutions to maximize your success.

1. Choosing the Wrong Container Size

One of the biggest mistakes is selecting containers that are too small for the plants you wish to grow. Inadequate space restricts root development and limits nutrient intake, leading to stunted growth. Instead, opt for containers that provide ample room for root expansion.

For example, if you want to grow tomatoes, choose a container that is at least 18 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. A 5-gallon bucket is commonly used for growing tomatoes. This will allow the roots to spread out and absorb nutrients more effectively.

2. Neglecting Drainage

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues. Many gardeners make the mistake of using containers without drainage holes or insufficient drainage material. To ensure adequate drainage, drill holes in the bottom of your containers.

This pot didn't have drainage holes and my toddler decided to provide it a lot of water. I didn't realize it for a day or two. It made a recovery but many don't.

For large containers, you can help drainage and either make them lighter or heavier by using different materials at the bottom. Lightweight fillers include packing peanuts or Styrofoam blocks, unused plastic pots turned upside down, and recycled plastic containers. If your planter will be top-heavy and you want to weigh a large container down, you can use broken pieces of ceramic or brick, large rocks, or pieces of wood logs. Fillers also allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogged soil. For either, it is best to place landscape fabric to divide the soil and the fillers.

3. Overcrowding

It's tempting to pack as many plants as possible into a single container, but overcrowding can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Each plant needs sufficient space to grow and thrive. Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each vegetable or herb to avoid overcrowding.

For example, if you are growing lettuce, provide at least 6 inches of space between each plant. If you have limited space, consider growing smaller varieties or focusing on companion planting, where compatible plants grow together and support each other's growth.

4. Inadequate Sunlight

Most vegetables and herbs require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish. Placing your containers in shaded areas or indoors can severely limit their growth potential. Ensure your plants receive ample sunlight by positioning your containers in the sunniest spot available.

For example, if you want to grow basil, place your containers near a south-facing window or on a sunny balcony. If sunlight is limited, you can utilize reflective surfaces, such as white walls or mirrors, to redirect sunlight onto your plants. You can also focus on planting leafy and root vegetables that can handle partial sunlight.

5. Underwatering or Overwatering

Maintaining proper moisture levels is crucial for the health of container-grown vegetables and herbs. Many gardeners make the mistake of either underwatering or overwatering their plants. Check the moisture content of the soil regularly by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Avoid overwatering by ensuring your containers have proper drainage and using self-watering containers or watering techniques like bottom watering. Bottom watering involves placing the container in a tray of water and allowing the plant to absorb water through the drainage holes at the bottom.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the success of your container garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables and herbs. Remember to choose the right container size, provide adequate drainage, avoid overcrowding, maximize sunlight exposure, and maintain proper moisture levels. With these tips in mind, your container-grown goodness will thrive, bringing joy and delicious flavors to your table. Happy container gardening!

Do you struggle to grow vegetables in containers? Container Grown Goodness contains 5 short videos, accompanied by supplemental documents, that will guide you through the setup and maintenance of a thriving container garden filled with delicious vegetables and herbs. With easy-to-follow tutorials, reference guide, shopping list, checklist for maintenance, and insider tips on companion plants and natural pest management, you'll be growing your own produce in no time.