When growing plants at home, it is important to review all the available vegetable containers to see if those fit your desired vegetables. Both the type and size of pots or containers can affect how your vegetables grow, so it is only imperative to pick out the right ones.
In this article, we will help you choose the correct type and size of containers for your vegetables. We believe it is a crucial part of the process, so we will make it easier for you. Make sure to read further!
Types of containers
Not quite sure about which type of container best fits your veggie needs? Don’t worry, because your vegetables are not really picky about what kind of container they thrive in. The only necessary requirement is that the pot should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth, and that it has drainage holes for excess water to escape.
Plants in clay pots usually need more watering compared to other types of pots. This is due to the porosity of the material. If you plan on recalibrating your veggie garden around the house, choose a lightweight container. Once the vegetable is planted, it usually gets heavy, especially after watering.
You should also consider the color you’re choosing for your pot. Dark colors absorb heat, making soil too warm for several vegetable crops during summer, especially in tropical areas.
You may also want to avoid pots made of wood because it may contain chemical compounds that can be absorbed by vegetables.
Sizes of containers
Remember the rule of thumb when it comes to pots: the bigger, the better. This rule is especially applicable for beginners who don’t have an idea about how huge plants grow in pots.
There are many reasons as to why larger pots are considered superior than small ones. Large containers tend to hold more soil and moisture, removing the need to water it every day. Keep an eye on containers that are at least 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide.
For plants that produce vines, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, it would be better if you provide support such as a wire cage in the container.
Common vegetables and their corresponding sizes
Here’s a brief list of common vegetables and their suggested pot sizes:
Asparagus: You can grow two plants in a 7.5L container, and five plants in a 38L container.
Beans: Give an allowance of at least 8 to 12 inches of soil depth for the beans. You should plant them at least 9 inches apart, with the pole beans being 4 inches apart. You can maintain two plants in a 38-liter container.
Bok Choy: One bok choy can be grown in an 8-inch pot.
Broccoli: You can grow a single plant in a 5- or 10-gallon container. It is advisable that you start with young plants.
Brussels sprouts: Starting from seedlings, you can grow a single plant per 11-liter container: two plants in a 5- or 10-gallon container.
Carrots: You can grow varieties that grow mature at 2-4 inches in a 1- or 2-gallon container. For varieties that are around 5-6 inches, use a 5-gallon container.
Celery: You can grow a single plant in a 2-gallon bucket. If you want more of it, grow five celeries in a 38-liter bucket.
Eggplant: You can take care of a single plant per 19-liter container. Grow from two to three plants in a 10-gallon container.
Peppers: Grow one large bell pepper in an 11-liter container or something larger. Smaller chili plants thrive in narrow spaces.
Pumpkins: A 5-gallon container can accommodate a single vine.
Spinach: A 2-gallon container can accommodate three plants, while a 10-gallon container provides enough room for ten spinach.
Tomatoes: Probably the most common house vegetable, you can tend to one large variety in a 38-liter container, while a 57- to 76-liter is much better. Miniature tomatoes can thrive in a 5-gallon container. You can start planting tomato seeds in a 3-inch pot, then upgrade to a 5-inch pot, then continue upgrading to accommodate their growing features.
Care tips for vegetables
Next to sunlight, the most important aspect of growing plants is watering them. So, make sure to inspect your vegetables from now and then to make sure the soil has not dried out. You can check by tapping the soil using your finger.
Make sure to also keep an eye out for pests and weeds. Plants in containers are not that vulnerable to diseases, such as those that breed in the ground, but you should always make sure that they’re clean and healthy so that you grow equally healthy vegetables. Prevention is always better than cure!
When it comes to harvesting (aka the most fulfilling step), pick your crops carefully as soon as they reach your desired size. When harvesting root crops, it’s advisable to use knives, pruners, scissors, and other tools that can help you effectively remove them from the soil.