Container Gardening Basics

By Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator

As long as you have a sunny spot for a container, you can have access to fresh produce or herbs! There are so many cool container or pot options that can fit perfectly at your home. They can be added to an existing garden or used to create growing space on a porch, patio or deck. With just a few minutes of planning and prep, you’ll be able to enjoy your own local, fresh and healthy produce this season.

Site Selection

Sun exposure is important to growing a successful crop. How much sun your plants will be exposed to in the space you’re using will affect how successful your container garden will be. Watch the space on a bright, sunny day and see how long the sun shines on it. The general rule of thumb is to have 6-7 hours of direct sunlight for food crops, but there are few exceptions—like crops in the brassica family (like kale and collards) and other leafy greens (like spinach and Swiss chard). If you’re unsure how much sunlight your plants might need, check the back of your seed packets. There’s a lot of valuable information there!

Crop Selection

When selecting crops to grow in containers, always do a little research. Many crop varieties have been specifically bred for containers or pots. Plants in the nightshade family—such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes—do well in containers, as do greens like lettuce, kale, collards, Swiss chard and spinach. Crops like corn or pumpkins may not be as successful due to root system needs and spreading growth habits. Focus on varieties that are more compact and have words like “bush,” “dwarf” or “patio” in their name or description.

Container Selection 

When selecting a container for a particular crop, take into consideration its style and material. Clay or terracotta pots are great, but because they’re porous, they lose moisture more rapidly and require more frequent watering than a plastic or metal container. 

Pot size (both diameter and depth) is another important factor to consider. Try to match your container to the specific crop’s needs. Leafy greens, for instance, don’t need a deep pot because their root systems are smaller. On the other hand, potatoes require a much deeper container because they need deep soil in which to develop and grow.

Growing Medium

You should always use a potting soil or make your own—never use your native outdoor soil in a container! It’s too heavy and dense, which can prevent proper drainage. Potting soil is best for containers because it’s a mixture of materials that’s formulated to decrease soil compaction and allow roots to grow unobstructed. It’s also free of weed seeds and other pathogens that may be lurking in your native soil. Adding finished compost to your potting mix can be beneficial by providing a slow-release of fertilizer that can help you grow a successful crop.

We’ll have container-friendly varieties available at GrowFest on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and if you’re interested in growing your own strawberries in containers, check out our Grow Your Own Strawberries class on April 26!