As an organic container vegetable gardener, you’ll want to decide if you believe plastic containers are safe for vegetables. Some gardeners still use five-gallon plastic pots to grow vegetables, but others avoid them completely. No matter if you choose to plant in plastic, though, you shouldn’t use pots that have contained herbicides, pesticides, oil or other harmful chemicals. Some of these can still be present when the container is removed from the ground. And the chemicals leach into the soil as water erodes the clay, causing it to break down over time. So, make sure your container gardening starts with a clean slate!
Container vegetable gardening is more effective than ever, thanks to the various types of containers available on the market today. You can find all kinds of containers designed specifically for vegetable gardening, from windowsill planters and hanging baskets to woven baskets and walk-behind hoses. You can also find specially designed plants and flowers to go with each particular container type. Even if you choose not to use one of these designs, there are many others available that will work very well for your garden. Look for ideas on container gardening at online gardening forums or by asking experienced gardeners for tips and ideas.
When you’re considering containers for your home vegetable garden, keep in mind that some are designed for more comfortable plant growth and others are designed more for ease of access. A good example is the raised beds, which provide ample drainage and are usually less expensive than pots that take more of a pounding in the soil. However, raised beds typically don’t lend themselves to the same variety of plants that root well in the soil found in traditional in-ground gardens. So, unless you’re absolutely committed to growing only in this style of container, it might be a better option to stick with pots and keep your soil plants shallow.
Biochar has proven to be an excellent solution for increasing the nutrient value of the soil in container gardens. It works by adding organic matter (mainly magnesium) to the soil, thereby improving its ability to retain moisture and nutrients. This process helps to prevent the loss of these vital nutrients while the plants feed and grow. Many farmers and gardening publications recommend the application of biochar to foods as a pre-emergent insecticide and to plants before they’ve even been planted.
As a soil conditioner, biochar works best when mixed into the topmost trimmings and soil before applying to your container garden. If you plan to mix it into your soil, make sure to do it with enough dissolved fertilizer so that the soil has time to become aerated. That will give the microbe’s a start at improving your container garden soil, too. You can apply the compost as a topdressing, one inch deep, or as a mulch, covering the top and leaving a light cover of one inch. Another good thing about this natural fertilizer is that you can vary the levels of it in your container garden, depending on the weather conditions.
Many people have successfully started their own organic vegetable garden using this method. To start, dig out a hole two feet deeper than your container’s rim. Fill the hole with a layer of bone meal, crushed bones or dried corn stalks. Add some black oil sunflower seeds or shredded coconut.
Cover the layers with compost, a handful of shredded newspaper and water. Set your plants in the holes a few weeks before you expect them to begin growing. They should begin to blossom in the early summer months after just two weeks of being planted. They’ll require about six to eight inches of water per week during this time and will need plenty of sunlight, too. By spacing their roots properly, container gardening is not only easier but also more productive.
Organic container gardening has many advantages. You can save money by not using pesticides or other chemicals, allowing your soil to become a healthier place for the plants to thrive. And while your plants grow quickly, they’re guaranteed to look great, stay healthy and be even easier to maintain. With so many varieties to choose from, there’s no reason not to get started today. Start your in-ground garden today.