Summer Vegetable Garden Container Ideas

The warmth of spring and summer bring with it the desire to get outside and garden. After a long winter of low temperatures and hot cocoa next to a roaring fire, it is time to get into the sunshine with your hands in the soil. But with so many of us choosing an apartment home as our preferred living arrangement, the traditional backyard garden is not often an option. The good news is, a backyard isn’t necessary. Container gardening for renters is ideal because you can take it with you when you move. Container and pot gardening has become one of the most popular garden trends in the past 10 years as individuals and families have largely downgraded to live more simple lives. So, if you’re interested in growing an edible garden, here are a few tips to get started:

Container Choices

Your choices for containers are endless, so use your imagination. Whether you select a standard plastic pot, or get creative and recycle items such as used wine boxes or old dresser drawers, selecting a container can be a resourceful endeavor. Once you choose your container, some preparation will be necessary before you fill it with soil and seeds. Wine boxes and other wood containers need to be weatherproofed prior to planting. Danish Oil is a widely used product that is inexpensive and easy to apply. Additionally, be sure that your container has appropriate drainage holes for healthy growth. While wine boxes are ideal for planting salad crops, dresser drawers are traditionally deeper and ideal for root crops such as beets and carrots.

Herb container options include large food tins such as olive oil or coffee tins. These items may rust over time, but will add charm to your container garden. Drill holes near the bottom and around the sides rather than at the base, for optimal drainage.

Potting Soil

A widely known rule of thumb for potting soil is to not skimp. . Buy the best quality you can afford. Containers need a potting soil that can hold moisture and drain well for optimal growth. Look for organic composted materials, such as perlite sand or vermiculite. Other ingredients may vary seasonally. Inquire at your local nursery for assistance when selecting your soil.

What to Plant

While containers are perfect for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, salad crops are perhaps the most rewarding. They are very easy to grow and flourish in different climates. There are several varieties of lettuces to grow. Generally, lettuce falls into two broad categories: heading and loose leaf types. Loose leaf lettuces are ideal for small spaces. They are known as “cut and come again” crops, meaning that you simply cut the lettuce at 2-4 inches tall and within weeks the new growth will grow to the same height, leaving you with bowls of fresh cut salads to indulge in. Heading lettuce grows in bulb shapes. Wait until your head is about the size of a baseball before each harvest.

Other ideas to get you started include the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you begin this endeavor, remember that growing a garden is something you ‘do’, not something you buy. From creatively selecting your containers, to finding the highest-grade soils and selecting which foods to grow, it’s a process. The satisfaction from growing and harvesting your own food is immense. You will certainly be able to tell a difference between what you grow, verses what you buy in the supermarket.

Multi-family units continue to be in high demand as folks opt for apartment dwelling over single-family residences. With innovative amenities pushing their way into the market, renters find the conveniences of apartment living a preferred way of life. If you’re in the market for a new apartment, check out our Habitat Apartments. Contact us to learn more!