Having a patio or indoor garden is much easier than you might think!The main considerations are space, light and what herbs and vegetables you actually like and will use. All of the suggestions I have provided here can be grown in standard or specialty potting soils readily available at most department store garden centers. If there are special requirements regarding the planters used, it will be noted, but most will do fine in nearly any container that is big enough and has drainage holes. Be creative!
I do encourage the use of heritage or heirloom seeds. These plants produce seed that may be saved and grown next year. Too many of the new hybrids available won't grow true to type, if at all. Even though many of us prefer using 'starter' plants, making a point of purchasing proven reproducers encourages nurseries to grow and sell those types. This safeguards our food sources for the future.
Unless otherwise noted, there are a few basic principles that will apply to nearly every container grown plant. Observing these will greatly increase your chances of success.
- Good drainage is critical. Over watering and/or using pots that force the plant's roots to sit in water are the most common causes of sickly or dead plants. Using a deep enough pot with one inch of clean, coarse gravel in the bottom is advised. Each pot should have one or more holes in the bottom or sides. Most commercial pots have these already. Using creative containers will usually require drilling a few (3 to 5) small holes in the bottom or on the side just above the base.
- Good light is vital for fruit and vegetable production. Each plant has a fairly broad range of tolerance, but will produce best in a location that provides the ideal number of hours and strength of light. These ideal requirements will be noted, as will tolerance ranges if available.
- Pick ripe fruits and trim leafy herbs regularly. This will increase production. If you let fruit rot on the vine or go to seed, new production will slow or stop entirely. Leafy herbs will attempt to make seed as well. Keeping them trimmed encourages continued new growth.
- Regular feeding with an organic fertilizer is a must for container vegetable gardens! To learn more about these, click here. This is a fairly comprehensive list of different types. It is a commercial supplier, but I don't know anything about them, just liked their information and have used it with good results. Herbs, as a general rule, don't like overly rich soil or fertilizer.
- Tomatoes Several varieties of tomatoes are suitable for container gardening. Most notable, of course, are the Cherry and Patio varieties. These are compact plants with small to medium fruit that produce well in at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. No matter which variety you choose, look for sturdy, compact plants. Small and medium fruits are the most tasty, in my opinion. Tomato plants dislike having wet leaves, so water at the side or base of the plant. Keep soil damp, but not soggy. Watering once a day in dry weather is recommended. If you use clay pots and live in a dry, hot region it is best to water twice a day. I have managed to grow cherry and patio variety tomatoes inside over the winter. They must be very near maturity by the time light starts to weaken in the fall. A window that provides a good, solid 8 hours of bright light a day is a must. You can supplement with standard fluorescent or incandescent lighting if available.
- Squash Although most types of squash will vine and take up huge amounts of space, I have managed to grow two old-time favorites with good results... Yellow Crookneck and Black Beauty Zucchini. You will need a good 3 to 4 foot area for each plant since they bush out with large beautiful leaves. Although considered 'bush' varieties, these will often put off runners too. I usually just keep them clipped back (do this early in their growth) to fit the space I have available. These plants require as much direct sunlight as possible in cooler climates, but do well in light shade in the hotter regions. They like to be watered every day and kept moist so long as they have good drainage. Container should be fairly large to provide support and room for developing fruit. One to two healthy plants will produce enough squash for a family of four to get tired of it before the end of summer.
- Radish, Green Onion, Chives Quick growing, undemanding and tasty... These are a zesty additions to any window garden! All of these can even be grown in an old sheet cake pan, recycling what would otherwise be just more trash! There are many varieties to choose from and all I have tried were remarkably easy to grow. You will need bright to direct sunlight for at least 5 to 6 hours a day (no direct sun for very shallow containers due to heat issues). These vary a little on moisture preference, so check growing instructions. Onions will need a deeper container if you want the classic white 'neck'. This is achieved by banking additional soil up the plant as it grows.
- Lettuce There are many types of lettuce available. Some have very attractive, colorful leaf patterns and make great window plants. Almost all lettuce likes it cool and will do well in 6 to 8 hours of bright light to light shade. Only in cooler climates does it seem to do well in direct sunlight during the late spring and summer. Requirements vary with the type, but most like rich, moist, well drained soil.
- Basil Very easy to grow plant that does well in the house over winter with a bright window location. The biggest issue I have with my indoor Sweet Green variety of basil is that it grows faster than I use it! Easily rooted from cuttings in a glass of water, it is a perfect 'gift' plant to pot up and give to friends and neighbors. This herb likes ordinary, well drained soil and bright light to full sun. Keep it trimmed for continual growth since it will die back once it has gone to seed. This plant is a good companion plant for your tomatoes, repelling insects and improving growth and flavor. Use a larger pot or a longer planter box to grow them together.
- Rosemary I have never been able to start rosemary from seed. Plants purchased have always done well in containers, but must be brought in over the winter to protect from hard freeze. It likes well drained soil that is allowed to dry a bit between watering's. Very bright light to direct sun is preferred, but it will survive with much less over winter months in most places. Rosemary makes a beautiful, fragrant shrub that is good in many dishes, as a tea for colds and headaches not to mention a lovely decorative accessory.
- Dill and Parsley Both of these make excellent patio or windowsill plants that can be used medicinally and in cooking! Easy to grow in ordinary potting soil with bright light to direct sun. Parsley may be companion planted with tomatoes. They like well drained soil and being allowed to dry a little between watering's. Clip regularly to encourage new growth.
- Chamomile Not only does this herb have lovely, fragrant flowers, it is one of the best calming teas I have ever used! Easy to grow in containers, it likes average to rich soil, very bright to full sun light and consistent moisture. Harvest flowers at peak bloom and use fresh or dry in a dark, dry place (paper bag with a few small holes for air circulation works nicely). May be used as a sachet (dried), hot or cold tea and added fresh to punch for decoration and flavor. This is one herb that like to be fertilized on a regular basis.
