You don’t need a lot of space to start container gardening.
No matter the size of your backyard, growing your own food is easier than you think. We’re sharing everything you need to know to plant edible containers, perfect for growing your very own salad bar, salsa garden, or maybe a summer fruit platter… all just steps from your kitchen door.
Jessica Berrett is a horticulturist and florist who said these compact creative gardens are ideal for families in small spaces who love a little homegrown goodness.
The Joy of Edible Gardening
Jessica shared her passion for edible container gardens. “I just love that you can make something that is beautiful and it’s also fun to taste,” she said. She emphasized the joy of harvesting herbs and produce right from your patio to your plate. Patio gardening is even engaging for kids, helping them connect the dots between garden and table.
Choosing the Right Containers
There are many container options you can choose from, from plastic, clay, or cement pots to newer, more flexible grow bags. “Another option that has gotten more popular is these temporary grow bags,” Jessica explained.
These are easy to store or throw away, and are a great option for seasonal planting. However, Jessica noted that, “you do need to watch the water more on these because with the permeable sides, they are going to lose water a little faster.”
Soil and Drainage Tips
Jessica recommended using potting soil specifically designed for containers. “It’s lighter weight. In a lot of cases, it’ll hold moisture better and it drains better,” she said.
For drainage, she suggested placing mesh at the bottom of solid pots to prevent soil from washing out. “It just helps keep all the dirt in place in the pot where it belongs,” Jessica explained.
Fruiting Plants for Containers
You don’t need a full garden to enjoy fresh fruit. “We’ve got a blackberry bush that is meant to be grown in a container,” Jessica mentioned. Other options include raspberries, strawberries, citrus trees, and even cherries and figs.
For citrus, she advised, “They just need full sun… and I would fertilize them every couple of weeks.”
Vegetables That Thrive in Pots
Tomatoes, peppers, and Swiss chard are good pot-growing options. “Tomatoes come in two varieties,” Jessica mentioned. “ There’s determinant and indeterminate, and indeterminate are the long vines that will just grow forever. So look for determinate.” These are more compact and suited for containers.
She also recommended lunchbox peppers and colorful Swiss chard, which is both nutritious and looks pretty.
Herbs: Flavorful and Functional
Herbs are a must-have in any edible garden. “Mints are perfect for containers because they spread a ton,” Jessica said.
Other great picks include rosemary, chives, and basil. “The more you cut it, the more it grows,” she noted about basil, making it a good choice for frequent use.
Planting Advice
Jessica encouraged creativity when planting your edible garden. “You can add nasturtiums—an edible flower. People put them in their salads,” she explained.
Jessica also suggested mixing herbs and greens in one container and planting them at the same depth as their nursery pots. “You can put something taller in the back,” she added, helping to create a visually balanced and productive arrangement.
Find Jessica on Instagram @plant.geek, or at sunlinelandscapes.com.
Add comment