Container gardening on a balcony or patio

Many vegetables and herbs grow well in containers. All you need is a sunny spot, containers with drainage, good soil and regular watering.

Containers that work

• Food-grade buckets with holes drilled in the bottom
• Fabric grow bags
• Large pots from yard sales or neighbors
• Anything that held food or water safely; avoid containers that held chemicals

Rough sizes

• Herbs and lettuce: small pots or window boxes
• Peppers and bush beans: about 3 to 5 gallons
• Tomatoes and zucchini: 5 gallons or more

Tips

• Most vegetables need six or more hours of direct sun
• Containers dry out fast in summer; check daily
• Use potting mix, not garden soil, in containers
• Check weight limits and rules for balconies

General educational information. Growing conditions vary; check with your local Cooperative Extension office. Nickel Harvest isn't paid by any seed company, garden brand or store.