Growing Food on a Deck: Bell Peppers, Basil & Tomatoes

[wadesgirl]

I'm really interested in trying to grow some food this year. I'd probably be growing in pots on our deck rather than digging an actual garden. The first things I'd like to try are bell peppers and basil and maybe tomatoes. Any tips? Directions? I don't have much of a green thumb so I really have no clue what I'm doing!

 

[nikked]

I'm not much of a gardener myself, but I know this is called "container gardening"...if you google that, I'm sure you'll get lots of information! Good luck!

 

[Dutchess]

I much prefer Pot Gardens to anything else. In fact, because I rent I am very hesitant to put anything n the ground.Go look at your local garden store, not really walmart. if you have a public nursery that would be best. There should be just what you are looking for! I always use Miracle Grow Potting Soil too bc it is already full of fertilizer and all the vitamins your plants needs.Ive never done bell peppers or basil. But decide what kind of tomatoes you want. They are a pain to grow upright though bc of weight the tomatoes give. Im going to try one of those upside down things this year.Ive never heard of it called 'container gardening', maybe is an area thing. Google both of them. If you go to an actual Nursery then they should be able to give you a lot of advice. I usually know more about the plants when I ask ppl at Walmart, Home Depot or LowesIf you are going to keep them year round be sure to bring them in when its going to be too cold. I have a bad habit of not doing that and I lose a lot of plants to weather. Although here in Louisiana you wouldnt think we would have freeze warnings

 

[nikked]

I'd be afraid to google "pot garden"! Never know what'll come up!

 

[Dutchess]

I'd be afraid to google "pot garden"! Never know what'll come up!

lol - and here my brain wasnt even thinking along those lines

just another manic Monday.... oh wait its not Monday either...... man the week is going by too quick :balloon::balloon:

 

[pattikake]

If you've got some room on your porch, try an Earthbox or two. They are awesome and produce some great veggies.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I'd be afraid to google "pot garden"! Never know what'll come up!

LOL! Thanks Nikki for the laugh of the day!

 

[Teresa Lynn]

do you like to go to garage sales or flea markets?
Look for an old washtub with character
or other fun container I use my In laws old copper boiler it is oblong and I cram, as many herbs in there as possible
The key to being successful is keeping them pinched back

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I much prefer Pot Gardens to anything else. In fact, because I rent I am very hesitant to put anything n the ground.

Go look at your local garden store, not really walmart. if you have a public nursery that would be best. There should be just what you are looking for! I always use Miracle Grow Potting Soil too bc it is already full of fertilizer and all the vitamins your plants needs.

Ive never done bell peppers or basil. But decide what kind of tomatoes you want. They are a pain to grow upright though bc of weight the tomatoes give. Im going to try one of those upside down things this year.

Ive never heard of it called 'container gardening', maybe is an area thing. Google both of them. If you go to an actual Nursery then they should be able to give you a lot of advice. I usually know more about the plants when I ask ppl at Walmart, Home Depot or Lowes

If you are going to keep them year round be sure to bring them in when its going to be too cold. I have a bad habit of not doing that and I lose a lot of plants to weather. Although here in Louisiana you wouldnt think we would have freeze warnings

We tried upside down tomatoes and peppers last year...what a waste for us.


It's called container gardening here too - and I'm looking to do more of it this year, along with some Straw Bale gardening. (using Straw Bales instead of containers and soil.) Always trying to figure out how to maximize what little space I have.


Basil is EASY! Cilantro is a bit more challenging. Rosemary, Chives, and Oregano are perennials, so they will grow back every year. I do all of those in Clay Pots, and line my front walkway with them. It's sunny there, and I water the flowers on a daily basis, so it's easy to water those too. Herbs grown in pots just need plenty of sun, and adequate water, and they'll do great!

You can buy tomato plants that are specifically for growing in containers - they will say on them "good for container gardening" or "good as a patio plant"....Personally, I never start my tomatoes from seed - I always buy tomato plants later in the season. (like for MI, the beginning of May.)

 

[chefa]

Dude, I'm flashing back to the Sixties with all the pot and earthbox talk. Like groovy, man...

 

[Brenda.the.chef]

You can even grow your plants directly in the bags of soil if you don't want to purchase a container. Plants aren't too picky as long as you give them water! It all depends on how pleasing to the 'eye' you want their growing environment. I've planted potatoes in a stack of tires, tomatoes and peppers in bags of peat moss, herbs in my flower beds, etc.