Edible container gardens are great ideas for pet owners, those with little space, and for people who are bound by the restrictions of the homeowners association. Container gardens are also convenient. Fresh foods are grown within reach of your arms.
My favorite edible container garden is full of fresh herbs. Basil is constantly growing in our container garden for two reasons. My family loves pesto pasta (see recipe below).
Container Gardens grow anywhere as long as they can provide water and sunlight. You can also grow almost all vegetables in a container with one precaution. The bigger the vegetables, the bigger the pot needs to be. Luckily, even if you move the pot to follow the sunlight, there is a movable plant stand and pot with rollers.
Don’t know if they’re for you or not? The benefits are undoubtedly inspiration for even the most troublesome skeptics.
The Benefits of Container Garden
Some benefits of edible container garden:
- Requires less space: Whatever your size constraints, you can always find the pot location. Containers save space. This means you can pack a small patio or balcony with many productive plants or use vertical spaces.
- Beautifully functional: The plants create a beautiful and natural environment, and the edible container garden is not only visually beautiful, but also provides healthy produce for the family.
- Healthy Soil: Are you worried about the health of your soil? Your soil health is directly related to the health of your plants and the fruits and vegetables they produce. You can easily use containers and raised beds to know exactly what’s going on in the soil.
- Easy to move: Edible container gardens allow for mobility in the event of shade or bad weather.
- Thoughtful Gift: Container Gardens make a great gift for anyone who may have mobility issues, such as grandparents. The garden will be something to offer beautiful, fragrant, healthy produce and take care of with pride and expectation.
- Need less water: Edible container gardens require less water than traditional gardens. Want to save more H20? Store your bucket in the sink (and the shower is also a suspect) and catch running water while waiting for heat.
What to grow
- Cucumber: This is another favorite of my family. To use vertical space, make sure to plant the cucumbers in a large pot near the trellis.
- Herbs: All herbs grow well in pots. You can start with seeds or find plants in the produce section of your local grocery store.
- Greens: Lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach and other lush vegetables grow well in edible container gardens. Growing greens in conveniently placed containers is a great way for your child to get excited about a healthy diet. And lettuce produces an astonishing amount of produce. Don’t forget to choose only the outer leaves so that you can continue harvesting.
- tomato They grow well in containers, especially small cherry and grape tomato varieties. Make sure the container is large enough and has good support as the plant grows.
- Citrus plants It grows well in pots in sunny areas and can be brought inside if the weather doesn’t help you get out all year round. Note: Lemon and grapefruit quickly outweigh the gardens of edible containers. Your best bet is naturally small variety. National Horticultural Association (NGA) These tips offer: “The “Improved Meyer” lemon, Bears “Lime”, “Satma” mandarin, and Kumcut are likely to remain healthy and productive in containers for several years. ” The NGA also suggests selecting citrus fruits grafted onto flying dragon (hiryu) rootstocks to extend the life of the container.
Container Options
Upcycled Bookshelf
My upcycler worships this idea discovered by a craft gardener who uses an old bookshelves to create gardens of edible containers. A great option if you have a slightly sunny spot on your garden or deck.
Traditional pot
Traditional pots can be found at local gardening centres and are perfect for edible container gardens. Keep in mind the size and mobility of the mature plant (whether the container was once filled with soil).
Recycled containers
You will be amazed at the few containers you will discover at your local thrift store. Not only will you save money, you will also be contributing to charities and supporting local businesses in your area along the way.
Growing bags
Grow bags like Gardener’s best universal glow bag from Gardener Supply Company Can be reused over and over again. The bag is made from BPA-free polypropylene. It has a sturdy nylon handle so you can move it if needed. The best of the gardener, their bags are:
“It’s perfect for beans, broccoli, kale, cabbage, carrots, eggplants, greens, herbs, radish, onions and Swiss chards – you can grow it! It’s made from a patented dough with airprunes rooted for stronger, healthier plants. The fabric also harms the soil, prevents heat buildup and expels excess water. Grow all vegetables in a growing bag or use to expand your existing garden without tilling up new beds. Fold the bag for storage and reusable year after year.”
Bonus: Pest Recipe
As promised, there is a recipe for the “green side” of delicious pesto sauce. Place it on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or throw it on salads. For perspective, this recipe makes about 2 cups of pesto, and is enough for at least 1 pound of pasta.
material
- 3 tablespoons of pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- ¾ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Split)
- 3 cups of fresh basil leaves
- One small garlic clove
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
direction
- Wash the basil leaves in cold water.
- Place nuts, salt and ½ cup olive oil in a blender. blend.
- Add the basil leaves, garlic and remaining olive oil. blend.
- Add the cheese and mix until the mixture is as consistent as you want.
- Taste and add salt and cheese to taste.
- Mix your favorite prepared pasta to enjoy a quick, healthy and delicious meal. enjoy!
Now it may be difficult to control excitement in your own edible container garden. We get it.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on September 30, 2016, this article was updated in February 2025.
