Organic vegetable gardening takes away the need for pesticides and chemicals and uses compost, mulch, and hardy vegetables to grow tasty, healthier plants. Organic potted vegetables merely need to be able to grow in a container while incorporating the chemical-free nature of organic gardening. Starting out vegetable gardening in a few pots on a deck can be a rewarding and frugal way to go green.
Radish
Radish plants can vary widely according to the cultivar. Some are 4-inch high annuals and others 6-feet tall biennials. Radishes can be grown for the seed, the root or the leaves according to the variety as well. Flowers on a radish are four-petaled and white, purple or pink in color. Radishes need full sun or partial shade. For container use, according to NC State University, they require a 5-gallon window box. Good cultivars for container planting include Icicle and Cherry Belle radishes. Propagate by seed, with germination coming in about a week from planting.
Beet
Beet plants are grown for either their roots or their leaves, depending on the cultivar selected. Leaves are green or red, and flowers are also red or green in color. Beets are biennial and will not flower until the second season of growth. They need full sun or mid-day shade with moist soil. NC State University states that for beets to grow in a container they require a 5-gallon window box. Good cultivars for potted beets are Little Egypt and Early Red Ball varieties. Propagate by seed.
Broccoli
Broccoli is an annual with an edible clustered green flower head. When not harvested, broccoli can flower and have seed pods. Broccoli can be grown in containers depending on how many plants you need. One broccoli plant does well in a 5-gallon pot, while 3 plants need a 15-gallon tub, according to NC State University. Cultivars that are good for containers are DeCicco and Green Comet. Grow broccoli in full sun with regular watering without letting the soil dry out. It can be propagated by seed, with germination in approximately a week.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing annual that will vary in size, color and flavor depending on the cultivar selected. The leaves of lettuce are the edible portion. For container vegetable gardening, good cultivars to select are Ruby and Salad Bowl varieties. These should be placed in a 5-gallon window box, according to NC State University. Lettuce requires full sun or partial shade with regular watering. Propagate by seed.
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