Vegetable Planter Buying Guide
When selecting a planter to grow vegetables in, there are several things you need to take into consideration, including the type of vegetable you'll be growing and where you'd like to place the planter. Keep in mind that not all vegetables will grow well in containers, so it's best to stick with those that do. Use the following guide to select containers that will be appropriate for growing vegetables.
Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets can be a great way to grow vegetables, herbs and even tomatoes if you don't have a lot of space. There are all sorts of hanging baskets to choose from, including metal baskets with coconut fiber liners and simple plastic containers. Some ideas of vegetables and edibles that you could grow in hanging baskets include miniature cucumbers, basil, mint, lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Make sure your basket is hanging low enough so that you'll be able to access it easily to harvest your vegetables.
Large Deck Planters
You can easily grow vegetables on a sunny deck in a large container. To utilize the most space, choose a long, rectangular container. If you only want to grow a small selection of veggies, a round floor pot should do just fine. A few things to keep in mind when shopping for vegetable planters for your deck are sturdiness and drainage capabilities. Do not select a container for vegetables that doesn't have drainage holes, as it's especially important for veggies to grow in well-drained soil. Terra cotta or wood planters may also work better for vegetable gardening, since they're less flimsy than most plastic containers. To grow climbing or top-heavy vegetables and edibles in containers, such as tomatoes or beans, you can easily place a cylindrical cage over or around your planter. This will provide your vegetables with a surface to climb as well as support their weight.
