Recently, I received a nice email from Emilie in Quebec:
“For this summer, I think about having lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes. (is it too much? I have class all summer too so I’ll have maybe 2-4 hours a day to give to gardening.) I know that I’m too late for most of the seeding process, but I don’t want to pay too much to start my garden. Anyways… I don’t know where to start! “
Merry Christmas Emilie!
Once you gather all these supplies:
- 1 large plastic pot {I got mine for free at the hardware store}
- 1 large heirloom tomato plant {$2.50 at local nursery}
- 1 4-pack lettuce starts {$1.25 at local nursery}
- 6 strawberry plants {these will run you about $1 each}
- 1 bag potting soil {I recommend Miracle Grow potting soil}
Planting your new vegetable container garden will be a snap! Simply fill your container with potting soil about 4″ from the top. Then plant your tomato plant about 4″ lower than the soil line and press dirt around it firmly.
Next, add your strawberry plants just inside the rim of the container. Back fill with more potting soil so it is level with the tomato plant.
Add your lettuce starts.
Then, when you are all done planting, move your new vegetable garden to a sunny location and water regularly. With proper maintenance you new vegetable container garden should keep you busy a whopping 5 minutes a day!
♥ Mavis
If you would like to learn more about growing vegetable container gardens, check out The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers
Krista says
I love this idea!
Emma Benefiel says
Thank you!!!
Dee says
How big of a bucket would you use? I only have a patio so only containers but I could save a lot of space this way…Instead of lettuce and strawberries, could you do herbs or radishes or beets?
Lyn says
I’m getting ready to do this, I have everything but the lettuce.
Jennifer says
Wow… I overspace my garden 🙂 I didn’t think you could shove all of that stuff into one spot and still have stuff grow okay! I may have to plant some more seeds next to the other things I’m growing 🙂
On a side note, we bought a house last year and these darn wild berry bushes keep coming back (we’ve dug them out 3 times now) but I think I’m going to transplant them this time. I hope that works! Then we can cover up this ungly metal fence with beautiful, eatable plants 🙂
~Melissa says
Wonderful project for a new gardener. I would add–watch out what type of potting mix you buy. I have noticed with Miracle Gro and other brands that they caution right on the package against using their general potting mixes for any food growing. There are ingredients in there that are not safe for consumption. Look for potting mixes specifically made for fruits and veggies (it will say so on the bag).
maria says
wow, i’m so excited to see this. i also need just the lettuce. wondering if i can add herbs
Mavis says
Yes you can!
Lara Fara says
super cool! good tips, great pictures 🙂
Maria says
Hello,
I had a question about the potting soil… you said to use miracle grow potting soil. What if I’m trying to grow organic veggies? Would that affect them? Sorry, I’m new to gardening and I want to make sure I’m doing it right! Also, what do you think about topsy turveys? Thank you.
Maria 🙂
Mavis says
I have never tried a topsy turvy. Maybe I should. I’m sure you can find organic potting soil somewhere. Maybe Home Depot or Lowes?