What Size Container Is Recommended for Growing Vegetables?
Not just tomatoes, but also squash, cucumbers, peppers, etc… I have heard of using 5 gallon buckets, but some recommend as big as 15, especially for tomatoes. I assume the bigger the pot the better the plant does, but what is your experience?
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Tagged with: 5 gallon buckets • growing tomatoes • Growing Vegetables • pot • Size Container • tomatoes
Filed under: Your Garden Q and A
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I could go on and on but, just go to " squarefootgadening .com "
That site will answer any And all questions you have. Great site for gardeners.
Ok vegetable heads!!
15 gallon size containers are great & or 1/2 whiskey barrels. Some garden centers have lightweight plastic terracotta colored 26" size pots (do not use tray or saucers).
Fill with organic potting soil. & Yum
Generally herbs and leaf crops are most successful in pots. You can definitely grow a salad.
Re:Tomatoes have very deep root-systems, however there are a few varieties that are tiny bushes perfect for pots. (from seed)
Red Swiss chard is easy and quick and ornamental as well !
Whenever I do any container plants I never go under 18 inches. Bigger is usually better but if you go really big you might as well have an actual garden. I like doing raised beds, because you don’t have to mess with a container and you can make them as big as you want.
It really depends on the vegetable. Some are big and sprawling, or have deep tap roots. Some can be supported easily in small containers.
5 gallon buckets are big enough for tomatoes and peppers. If you have a 15 – you can grow several peppers, and maybe even some cucumbers trailing down the sides.
If you grow squash in containers, make sure they’re the bush kind (pumpkins will sprawl 20 feet or more), and I’d use a 10 gal or lager, because they are quite broad, even when they’re bush types.
I’ve grown a tomato plant out the bottom of a hanging 5 gal bucket – just water from the top….pick from the bottom – no staking…..I hung it from the deck frame.
There are compact varieties of cucumbers and squash that will work well – but yes…..a large pot is recommended and also using a trellis to stake them and support upward is recommended.
I grow lettuce in a window box and snip as I harvest for salads.
Remember tho – containers need more frequent waterings – so I use water soluble crystals and water less often….you can also use a 2 litre bottle with an opening attachment you buy to distribute water as needed.
Peppers were grown grouped in pots too as they are more compact and easy to move to a sunnier spot…..using wheeled bases.