Container Vegetable Gardening Amy Reumann, Master Gardener Jeff Via, Master Gardener Apprentice Penn State Extension Dauphin County

Why Container Gardening? Allows you to garden in almost any location URBAN, RURAL, ANYWHERE! Poor growing conditions: soil, sunlight, space Low cost/low input Easy to be successful EARLY START Good for people with disabilities or mobility problems

Why Container Gardening at Your Food Pantry? Education on Fresh Food Model to copy to increase food security Boost self-sufficiency nutrition education COOKING CLASSES gardening reduces stress, promotes health

What Do You Need? Plan (why, what, who, how) Place CONTAINER Potting Media Plants or Seed Provide Water & Nutrients

Types of Containers

Types of Containers

Types of Containers

Types of Containers

Types of Containers

Types of Containers

No Container

Choose the Right Sized Container Don’t grow a tomato in a container that holds less than 5 gallons of soil. Pot sizes: • 1-2 gal.: pepper, chard. • 4-5 gal.: tomato, cucumber • 6-10” diameter pots: greens, beets, radish, onion.

Prepare the Container Scrub old pots with a 10% bleach solution before re-using. Season new clay pots by submerging them in water for 15 minutes before filling with soil. Add sand to bottom of container for tall plants to keep them from tipping over. Use non-biodegradable styrofoam packing peanuts or pieces of styrofoam instead of stones for drainage in bottom of pots to reduce weight.

Prepare the Container Slightly pre-moisten soil before putting it in the pots. Sphagnum peat works best with warm water. If possible drainage holes should be on sides of containers rather than on the bottom so excess water can drain out. Use a slow-release Fertilizer

Soil Plants need air, water and nutrients to grow. The best soil mix for your container-grown vegetables is one that is well-drained, well-aerated and has a ph that is close to neutral. Potting mixes are filled with organic matter such as peat moss, compost and bark chips to provide nutrients and a good ph balance for your plants. look for mixes with vermiculite or perlite, which help aerate the soil and retain moisture. Large pots that may need to be moved, choose soilless mixes since they are light. A good starter combination might be mixing 1 part of potting soil with 1 part of topsoil You want to build a soil that is light but yet can drain its self while holding sufficient moisture to support the plants(s).

First year stick to something easy, resistant to drought and diseases. Planting First year stick to something easy, resistant to drought and diseases. Choose plants that are more compact. Growers and seed companies offer many plants designed to grow in containers and many have an excellent yield of fruits within a shorter growing time.

Companion Planting

Watering Pay particular attention to watering container plants because the volume of soil is relatively small and containers can dry out very quickly, Daily or even twice-daily watering may be necessary. Consider a drip hose for irrigation Keep the plants in an area of moderate temperature. Avoid excessive heat. Check containers at least once a day and twice on hot, dry or windy days. Feel the soil to determine whether or not it is damp. Top mulching can help reduce water requirements for containers. Controlling moisture the biggest challenge in container gardening

Things to Avoid Large concreted or asphalted areas. They will produce excessive heat (latent) and will dry the soil very quickly. Avoid areas where plants will be exposed to vehicle exhaust and heat Avoid places where people will put things into the pots. Example: cigarette butts, pour coffee or other beverages into the pot. Coffee / Coffee grounds will acidify the soil and kill the plants. High traffic areas where the plants may be damaged by passing traffic. Location too far away from a water source.

Simple Ideas Milk Crate Container Gardening Materials: Milk Crates Landscaping material Soil Mix Seeds/Plants Soaker Hose

CONTAINTER GARDENING FOR FOOD SECURITY – YOUR IDEAS

Questions? Resources: Your County Extension Office Contacts: Amy Reumann areumann@sbcglobal.net Jeff Via jwv10@psu.edu