Container Gardening

Just because you don't have the yard space to grow vegetables at home doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the benefits of growing your own food! If you follow a few simple steps for care you can grow healthy vegetables at home in a bucket, garden box, or large enough flower pot. You can read more here.

Plenty of Sun

You should put your plant somewhere it can get full sun for 6+ hours a day. Out on a porch or patio would be ideal. More sunshine leads to more productive plants and more of a crop for you to harvest.

Water

You should consistently water your vegetable daily, especially during the hotter summer months. Water the soil around the plant and not the plant itself as that can cause blistering. Your container should also have drainage holes in the bottom so roots don't rot.

Soil

With high quality potting mix in the buckets the plants should have ample nutrients for the growing season. No amendments should be necessary. Adding a layer of mulch can help the soil maintain moisture.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes take about 60-80 days until they are ready to harvest.
Planting tomatoes deep helps establish strong root systems.
You should add a stake or tomato cage to help support the plant.
Once the fruit is ripe it should be a bright color and easy to pluck or cut off with shears.
For more details on growing click here.
For common tomato diseases or pests click here.

Peppers

Peppers from seedling to maturity take about 60-90 days to when you can begin harvesting.
Peppers can be picked green for a spicier bite or until they turn orange or red for a bit more flavor.
Be sure to wash your hands after picking spicy varieties so you don't end up with capsaicin on your face or eyes.
For more in depth care info click here.
For some common pepper diseases click here.

Herbs

Herbs are easy to grow in small containers and can even be placed in a sunny window if that is all the space you have.
Herbs need regular watering but adequate drainage as well to stay healthy.
Once well established you can pinch off leaves to add to your favorite dish!
You can read more here.