![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tips-for-building-a-container-garden-Zolo-infographic-1024x5352.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s some of the best advice so that you can learn how to start your own edible container garden at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start with Great Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/reduce-sustainable-living-at-home-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe core of a productive edible container garden is good soil. That\u2019s true of any garden, of course, but it\u2019s even more important for container gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, so look for soil that is light and fluffy. Don\u2019t reuse soil from your garden, as it\u2019s more likely to be contaminated with soil-borne pests and pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invest in the Right Containers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choose containers that are well-draining. Look for a container that already has good drainage holes and consider its size, too. A large pot will let you plant more vegetables, but it will also require more water (and more soil).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, consider the material that your planter is made out of. Clay pots tend to hold the heat, so you might want to reserve those for heat-loving crops like tomatoes. Those made out of lighter-coloured materials will stay cooler for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have your containers picked out, get them in a place where you want them before filling them with soil. They\u2019ll be heavy once they\u2019re totally filled!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Your Crops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Container](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Container-small-garden-tomato-plants-homesteading-Zolo-1024x666.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust about any kind of vegetable or fruit can be grown in a container, as long as the pot is large enough. However, it can be helpful to choose cultivars that are bred specifically for growing in small spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what to look for? When you\u2019re ordering seeds or buying plants, pick those that have words like \u201cpatio,\u201d \u201ctrailing,\u201d \u201cdwarf,\u201d \u201cbush,\u201d or \u201cminiature\u201d in the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, good options to consider include tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, onions, summer squash, and leafy greens. Most cool-season crops, like broccoli and carrots, can also be grown in containers. The sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch Your Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Good watering habits are essential for any garden, but especially in a container garden. Plants that are grown in pots need to be water much more often than those grown in heg ground – containers have less soil and dry out faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to mulch, either. Plenty of people forget about this, but mulch offers the same benefits to edible container gardens as it does to gardens grown in the ground. It can not only retain moisture but it can also deter insects (and weeds, if your containers are placed low to the ground).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember to Fertilize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just as containers need frequent watering, so, too, do they need frequent fertilizing. Fertilizers get diluted more quickly when the containers are being regularly watered. Use a liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer, like compost tea, to keep your plants well-fed and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy Container Gardening Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tips-for-starting-a-container-garden-Zolo-Infographic-1024x3588.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Tomatoes](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bigstock-Ripening-Tomatoes-On-The-Garde-255426022-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some basic layouts that will help you get started as you begin your container gardening adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grow Upward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to have a lot of horizontal space to grow a container garden. Grow up instead! You can support climbing vines and vegetables (like beans and squash) by directing them upward with the help of a cage or trellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although most people focus on the most recognizable vegetables when growing their container gardens, don\u2019t discredit those that will make your garden look nice, too. Some good options to grow include herbs like lavender and chives – but other edible flowers include marigolds, nasturtiums, and violas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play With Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stagger containers of various sizes next to each other. This will help prevent your container garden from looking boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also stagger height within your planter by growing plants of different heights. For example, a single planter could include both tomatoes and basil. These two are also great companion plants, helping prevent pests and diseases for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Crops to Grow in Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An edible container garden is a perfect option for someone with limited ground space. Even if you have plenty of room in the garden, a container garden is a great way to add interest and beauty to your existing digs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing in containers is easy – as long as you follow these tips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An edible container garden is a great option for someone with limited ground space and a great way to start an urban homesteading project<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":13821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-13768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13768"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24773,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions\/24773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=13768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/reduce-sustainable-living-at-home-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe core of a productive edible container garden is good soil. That\u2019s true of any garden, of course, but it\u2019s even more important for container gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, so look for soil that is light and fluffy. Don\u2019t reuse soil from your garden, as it\u2019s more likely to be contaminated with soil-borne pests and pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invest in the Right Containers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choose containers that are well-draining. Look for a container that already has good drainage holes and consider its size, too. A large pot will let you plant more vegetables, but it will also require more water (and more soil).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, consider the material that your planter is made out of. Clay pots tend to hold the heat, so you might want to reserve those for heat-loving crops like tomatoes. Those made out of lighter-coloured materials will stay cooler for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have your containers picked out, get them in a place where you want them before filling them with soil. They\u2019ll be heavy once they\u2019re totally filled!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick Your Crops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust about any kind of vegetable or fruit can be grown in a container, as long as the pot is large enough. However, it can be helpful to choose cultivars that are bred specifically for growing in small spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what to look for? When you\u2019re ordering seeds or buying plants, pick those that have words like \u201cpatio,\u201d \u201ctrailing,\u201d \u201cdwarf,\u201d \u201cbush,\u201d or \u201cminiature\u201d in the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, good options to consider include tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, onions, summer squash, and leafy greens. Most cool-season crops, like broccoli and carrots, can also be grown in containers. The sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch Your Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Good watering habits are essential for any garden, but especially in a container garden. Plants that are grown in pots need to be water much more often than those grown in heg ground – containers have less soil and dry out faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to mulch, either. Plenty of people forget about this, but mulch offers the same benefits to edible container gardens as it does to gardens grown in the ground. It can not only retain moisture but it can also deter insects (and weeds, if your containers are placed low to the ground).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember to Fertilize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just as containers need frequent watering, so, too, do they need frequent fertilizing. Fertilizers get diluted more quickly when the containers are being regularly watered. Use a liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer, like compost tea, to keep your plants well-fed and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy Container Gardening Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some basic layouts that will help you get started as you begin your container gardening adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grow Upward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to have a lot of horizontal space to grow a container garden. Grow up instead! You can support climbing vines and vegetables (like beans and squash) by directing them upward with the help of a cage or trellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although most people focus on the most recognizable vegetables when growing their container gardens, don\u2019t discredit those that will make your garden look nice, too. Some good options to grow include herbs like lavender and chives – but other edible flowers include marigolds, nasturtiums, and violas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play With Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stagger containers of various sizes next to each other. This will help prevent your container garden from looking boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also stagger height within your planter by growing plants of different heights. For example, a single planter could include both tomatoes and basil. These two are also great companion plants, helping prevent pests and diseases for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Crops to Grow in Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An edible container garden is a perfect option for someone with limited ground space. Even if you have plenty of room in the garden, a container garden is a great way to add interest and beauty to your existing digs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing in containers is easy – as long as you follow these tips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An edible container garden is a great option for someone with limited ground space and a great way to start an urban homesteading project<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":13821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-13768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13768"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24773,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions\/24773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=13768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust about any kind of vegetable or fruit can be grown in a container, as long as the pot is large enough. However, it can be helpful to choose cultivars that are bred specifically for growing in small spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what to look for? When you\u2019re ordering seeds or buying plants, pick those that have words like \u201cpatio,\u201d \u201ctrailing,\u201d \u201cdwarf,\u201d \u201cbush,\u201d or \u201cminiature\u201d in the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, good options to consider include tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, onions, summer squash, and leafy greens. Most cool-season crops, like broccoli and carrots, can also be grown in containers. The sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch Your Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Good watering habits are essential for any garden, but especially in a container garden. Plants that are grown in pots need to be water much more often than those grown in heg ground – containers have less soil and dry out faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to mulch, either. Plenty of people forget about this, but mulch offers the same benefits to edible container gardens as it does to gardens grown in the ground. It can not only retain moisture but it can also deter insects (and weeds, if your containers are placed low to the ground).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember to Fertilize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just as containers need frequent watering, so, too, do they need frequent fertilizing. Fertilizers get diluted more quickly when the containers are being regularly watered. Use a liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer, like compost tea, to keep your plants well-fed and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy Container Gardening Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some basic layouts that will help you get started as you begin your container gardening adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grow Upward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to have a lot of horizontal space to grow a container garden. Grow up instead! You can support climbing vines and vegetables (like beans and squash) by directing them upward with the help of a cage or trellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although most people focus on the most recognizable vegetables when growing their container gardens, don\u2019t discredit those that will make your garden look nice, too. Some good options to grow include herbs like lavender and chives – but other edible flowers include marigolds, nasturtiums, and violas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play With Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stagger containers of various sizes next to each other. This will help prevent your container garden from looking boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also stagger height within your planter by growing plants of different heights. For example, a single planter could include both tomatoes and basil. These two are also great companion plants, helping prevent pests and diseases for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Crops to Grow in Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An edible container garden is a perfect option for someone with limited ground space. Even if you have plenty of room in the garden, a container garden is a great way to add interest and beauty to your existing digs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing in containers is easy – as long as you follow these tips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An edible container garden is a great option for someone with limited ground space and a great way to start an urban homesteading project<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":13821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-13768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13768"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24773,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions\/24773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=13768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some basic layouts that will help you get started as you begin your container gardening adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grow Upward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to have a lot of horizontal space to grow a container garden. Grow up instead! You can support climbing vines and vegetables (like beans and squash) by directing them upward with the help of a cage or trellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although most people focus on the most recognizable vegetables when growing their container gardens, don\u2019t discredit those that will make your garden look nice, too. Some good options to grow include herbs like lavender and chives – but other edible flowers include marigolds, nasturtiums, and violas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play With Height<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stagger containers of various sizes next to each other. This will help prevent your container garden from looking boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also stagger height within your planter by growing plants of different heights. For example, a single planter could include both tomatoes and basil. These two are also great companion plants, helping prevent pests and diseases for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Crops to Grow in Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An edible container garden is a perfect option for someone with limited ground space. Even if you have plenty of room in the garden, a container garden is a great way to add interest and beauty to your existing digs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing in containers is easy – as long as you follow these tips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An edible container garden is a great option for someone with limited ground space and a great way to start an urban homesteading project<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":13821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-13768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13768"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24773,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13768\/revisions\/24773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13768"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=13768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}