Container gardening is often an ideal solution for space-challenged gardeners, as most vegetables can be grown successfully on a patio or balcony. Container gardening is especially convenient for gardeners with bad backs or knees, as container gardening requires little bending and stooping. Although container gardening isn't difficult, the growing requirements are different than traditional in-ground vegetable gardening.
Container
Use a container at least 8 to 12 inches in diameter with a minimum depth of 9 inches to plant shallow-rooted plants, such as onions, radishes, beets or lettuce, advises Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension. Vegetables such as eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, pepper and peas require a container with a depth of at least 12 inches. Select a container at least 16 inches deep to grow cucumbers, beans, cherry tomatoes or squash. Any sturdy container will work, but be sure the container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom.
Soil
Fill the container with a high-quality, lightweight, porous commercial potting mixture. Alternatively, make your own potting medium by mixing one part compost or well-rotted manure and one part perlite, coarse sand or vermiculite. Never use garden soil, which will be too heavy and compacted to drain well and may contain bacterial diseases, fungus and weeds. Avoid peat moss, which is too lightweight and won't absorb water well.
Sunlight
Place the container where the vegetable plants will get adequate sunlight. Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight every day to thrive. The exceptions are leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, beets, carrots and onion, which will grow in partial shade, according to Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension.
Water
Check the moisture by sticking your finger in the top inch of the soil at least once every day, and water if the soil feels dry. Remember that soil in containers dries out quickly, and during hot, windy weather, you may have to water twice daily. Water until the water runs through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, but never allow the pot to stand in water. Allow the soil to dry out slightly during cool, damp weather, as soggy soil can cause plants to rot. Never allow the soil to dry out completely, however. Water at the base of the plant as much as possible, and water in the morning so the foliage won't be wet during the night when temperatures are cooler. Keep in mind that small containers dry out faster than large containers, and dark-colored containers will dry out faster than light-colored containers.
Fertilizer
Container vegetables require regular fertilizing because the roots won't be able to absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil the way that in-ground plants are able to do. Feed vegetables every two to three weeks, using a water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. Alternatively, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that will last for eight to 10 weeks. Use bone or blood meal, liquid kelp or fish emulsion if you choose to garden organically.
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