Post by ottawagardener on Jan 20, 2009 9:09:16 GMT -5
I thought it might be a useful post if we pooled our knowledge.
So here is how I understand (corrections expected and appreciated), the problems with container gardening are at least two fold. One is that the typical container will dry out faster than garden soil and two that the container will restrict root growth. Restricted root growth means less likelihood of mining resources and more limited top growth which leads to a plant possibly maturing earlier but producing less. The size of the container and growth potential of the plant will determine the exact impact (as well as the gardener remembering to water...).
Anyhow, when it comes to roots, one of the most interesting things I have observed in my gardens is their lateral spread. My soil is quite sandy and light allowing for good root penetration but yet my tomatoes send out roots nearly horizontal to the garden bed surface for quite a distance, approximately the same length as their sprawling vines. In a pot, this lateral growth would definitely be restricted.
Things that have done well for me in containers:
Greens if well watered, I like to place these in the partial shade.
Hot peppers
Carrots have done okay but tended to be bitter
Potatoes - less yield than in garden.
Many types of Herbs - mint will grow on concrete I think.
I hear that eggplants and bush cucurbits do well too. How about trellised cukes? There are some great books from the last 'oil crisis,' ie the 70s about rooftop and container garden where they grow just about anything in a pot.
This year, I'm going to do more experiments with other vegetables just to increase my understanding as there is a sudden increase in interest in veggie gardening amoung my friends, neighbours and contacts.
So here is how I understand (corrections expected and appreciated), the problems with container gardening are at least two fold. One is that the typical container will dry out faster than garden soil and two that the container will restrict root growth. Restricted root growth means less likelihood of mining resources and more limited top growth which leads to a plant possibly maturing earlier but producing less. The size of the container and growth potential of the plant will determine the exact impact (as well as the gardener remembering to water...).
Anyhow, when it comes to roots, one of the most interesting things I have observed in my gardens is their lateral spread. My soil is quite sandy and light allowing for good root penetration but yet my tomatoes send out roots nearly horizontal to the garden bed surface for quite a distance, approximately the same length as their sprawling vines. In a pot, this lateral growth would definitely be restricted.
Things that have done well for me in containers:
Greens if well watered, I like to place these in the partial shade.
Hot peppers
Carrots have done okay but tended to be bitter
Potatoes - less yield than in garden.
Many types of Herbs - mint will grow on concrete I think.
I hear that eggplants and bush cucurbits do well too. How about trellised cukes? There are some great books from the last 'oil crisis,' ie the 70s about rooftop and container garden where they grow just about anything in a pot.
This year, I'm going to do more experiments with other vegetables just to increase my understanding as there is a sudden increase in interest in veggie gardening amoung my friends, neighbours and contacts.