How to Plant Vegetables in Garden Pots.
Start with Seeds
Plant your vegetable garden pot gardens at the same time you would plant in the garden. Depending on what types of vegetable you want to grow, you can start seeds in your garden pots, grow transplants from seeds started indoors, or purchase transplants from a garden center.
Fill Pot with Soil
When filling your pot with soil, stay 2-3 inches below the edge of the pot so that you have room to fill with water. Regardless of whether you are planting seeds or transplants, thoroughly water the garden pot before you plant. Soak the potting mix completely, then allow it to sit for a few hours to drain excess water.
Add Plants and Fertilize
Leave 3-4 inches of space in between each plant, and adjust according to the seed package directions. Because not all seeds will germinate, plant more than you need, then thin the excess later. Set transplants or starters at the same level they were growing in their pot (except for tomatoes, which you can pinch off their lower leaves and plant them deeper in the container). Bury plastic tags to help with identification of each plant.
Sprinkle organic fertilizer in soil, either before or after planting. Don't over-fertilize—plants will grow too quickly, get soft, and the flavour won't be as intense. Starting about a month after planting, feed your vegetables about once a week with a water-soluble fertilizer, following the package directions. After planting, water gently but thoroughly to settle the seeds or transplants. Keep the soil in your vegetable container garden from drying out as fast by mulching with straw, compost, leaf mold, or a similar material. Water every few days to keep your plants healthy.
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