Preparing a Container Garden
Along with the many benefits of container gardening -- ease in portability of plants, less weeding requirements, and confined plantings, just to name a few -- comes several differences to conventional gardening practices that you should be aware of before starting a container garden.

1.      Ensure Adequate Drainage - One of the biggest mistakes I've seen with container gardening is not ensuring adequate water drainage. Because plants will be in a confined space, water flow is especially critical for successful plant growth. If your container of choice does not have an adequate amount of drain holes, drill additional holes in the bottom or sides before planting (note: this does not apply to self-watering containers). Follow by filling the pot with approximately one-inch of non-degradable coarse materials, such as small river rocks, empty soda or water bottles, or scraps of broken clay pots, to help with sufficient draining.

2.      Focus on the Soil - Fill your containers with a lightweight, porous soil mixture so roots can have sufficient air space and water retention. There are many great pre-packaged soil mixtures on the market today, or you can mix your own using equal parts peat moss, garden loam, and coarse sand. To save time in the long run, you can also add slow-release fertilizer, following the manufacturer's recommendations for quantity.

3.      Pick the Right Plant for the Right Pot - If your desired plant is not naturally small statured, dwarf varieties of most edible species are sold on the market today that are perfect for growing in containers. According to the West Virginia University Extension Service, "shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, peppers, radishes, herbs and most annuals need a container at least six inches in diameter with an eight-inch soil depth." Self-watering containers, such as the EarthBox, pictured above, creates an ideal, low-maintenance environment for growing vegetables. However, if using self-watering containers, be sure not to use manufactured soil that contains hydrogels to increase water retention, as the mix may become waterlogged. Most herbs (with the exception of basil) prefer to grow in traditional pots, where they can dry out before the next watering.

Designing with Edibles
So long as you keep in mind similar sun exposure and water needs, you can let your imagination roam when designing container gardens. Mix edible plants with non-edible yet colorful annuals, or play off the style of your container to coordinate with planting choices. I like combining miniature peppers with herbs such as basil and sage, or deep purple cabbage (try 'Red Express' or green 'Gonzales') with bright pansies or violas. Swiss chard adds vibrant color to your planting while doubling as a tasty dinner side or salad; I suggest trying 'Bright Lights,' 'Bright Yellow,' or 'Ruby Red'. Although the options are endless, other ideas include pairing a selection of lettuce with miniature tomato plants (ex; 'Robin's Egg'), or nasturtium and calendula (the blooms are edible!) with oregano.

Regardless of your selection, with proper care and front-end preparation, an edible container garden will reward you with seasons of bountiful produce that is equally pleasing to the eye and palate.

 

Trouble-Shooting Resources
Below is a list of resources I like to use if my plants become unhealthy or diseased: