Pro tips for growing crops in pots

You don't need a large garden to grow food.

Crystal Godfrey, a Halifaxbased garden designer and container specialist, has noticed a sharp rise in the interest in growing vegetables, herbs, and berries in small spaces.

According to Godfrey, the owner of Secret Gardens by Crystal, any sunny deck, patio, balcony, or even a rooftop can be put into production when you grow in containers.

“All types of vegetables can be grown in pots, but there are a few things to keep in mind to boost success,” says Godfrey. “First, consider pot size and choose those that will accommodate the roots of the plant at maturity.”

Not sure how big the plant will grow? Read the seed packet or plant tag.

She also says that the pot material and size will impact how often you need to water. “When you can, always choose a bigger pot over a smaller one,” she says, noting that large containers hold a higher volume of soil and therefore dry out slower than small pots. Pot colour can also come into play with darkcoloured containers absorbing heat from the sun and drying the soil out faster than lightcoloured pots.

Another consideration is drainage.

“Drainage holes are a must,” Godfrey says.

If your pot has no drainage holes, she advises adding small rocks, broken pieces of terra cotta, or crumpled-up nursery pots to the bottom of the container.

“These provide a space

between the growing medium and the bottom of the pot where excess water can drain.”

Of course, it's fun to get creative in the garden and Godfrey loves to upcycle items like barrels, metal teapots, baskets, and buckets for potted vegetable gardens.

“My go-to item is an old wheelbarrow,” she says. “They offer plenty of space for roots and because they have wheels, they can be moved to follow the sun if light is a challenge.”

Whatever items Godfrey upcycles, she makes sure to drill holes in the bottom before planting.

Most vegetables are heavy feeders and grow best when planted in a rich growing medium.

“I blend potting mix with compost or composted seaweed,” says Godfrey. “The compost provides a nutritional boost and aids in moisture retention.”

You can also add a slowrelease organic vegetable fertilizer to the pot at planting time to further ensure a steady supply of nutrients.

The fun part is choosing what to grow. I always recommend growing vegetables that you like to eat as well as those that cost a lot to buy like lettuce and tomatoes.

“Micro dwarf tomatoes, as well as dwarf peppers, have small root systems and are fun to grow in window boxes and hanging baskets,” says Godfrey. “Determinate tomatoes, which grow three to four feet tall, do well in seven-gallon pots and tall, indeterminate tomatoes require a 10 to 15-gallon container.”

Salad greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula are quick to go from seed to harvest and can be grown in just eight inches of soil. Strawberries too.

As a designer, Godfrey's designs use every inch of space, transforming a deck or balcony into an edible oasis. She likes to include elements like hanging baskets, window boxes, and vertical structures like trellises for vining vegetables like squash, melons, cucumbers, pole beans, and peas.

When considering varieties, she keeps vigour and disease resistance in mind.

“I want low maintenance varieties that are well suited to containers,” she says, adding that she likes to play with colour and shapes and therefore gravitates towards vegetables that have unique foliage and fruit.

“Corbaci' pepper is a Turkish heirloom with a twisty, dramatic appearance and

‘Fish' peppers have variegated foliage and striped fruit,” she says.

Her tomato picks include ‘Purple Heartthrob,' a dwarf variety with purple heartshaped fruits, and ‘Splashes of Cream,' a variegated tomato with bright red fruits.

Other suggestions include pea ‘Blue Pod,' which has bold purple pods, and pak choi ‘Rubi,' a superstar with burgundy-purple foliage and bright green stems.

“It's also fun to mix various types of lettuce and other greens in pots for a gourmet blend of textures, colours, and leaf shapes.”

Godfrey also includes herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme in her designs.

“They're very easy to grow in containers and add flavour and fragrance to outdoor spaces,” she says. “My favourite herb is rosemary ‘Foxtail,' which has unique arching stems and violet coloured flowers.”

To encourage healthy plants that are resistant to disease and insects, Godfrey recommends a regular application of a liquid organic vegetable fertilizer.

“Also pay attention to soil moisture with watering frequency depending on pot size, soil quality, plant maturity, and space.”