Anyone can produce fresh vegetables in the smallest of spaces even when they have no ground for a traditional garden.

With the trend to apartment living and apartment blocks being multi storied there is no possibility of making a traditional in ground vegetable garden. Fortunately most apartments do have a balcony so it is still possible to produce fresh vegetables by gardening in containers/pots.

There is also a trend to smaller and smaller properties which may be at ground level but again with no place for the traditional in ground vegetable garden.

Using pots or containers means a 'garden' can be created in the smallest of spaces and even where there is only concrete, paving or other hard surfacing. It is surprising what can be grown in a small area by utilizing walls, railings, tiered shelving etc.

There are no limits to the types of vegetables for container gardening as pretty much anything you would grow in a traditional in ground garden in your area will grow in containers. It is best to use small or dwarf growing varieties of any type of vegetable you wish to grow.

There are many other advantages of growing vegetables in containers.

Growing vegetables in containers allows gardening in all weathers without getting wet or muddy feet. The 'garden' can be sited in the most convenient place. This may be close to the kitchen, allowing quick and easy access to ultra fresh vegetables which certainly beats a trip to the market or store saving time as well.

Some gardeners may have the space for a traditional in ground garden but it may be in a shady or otherwise undesirable position, the soil may be unsuitable, may have soil borne diseases, or be contaminated in some way. Considerable time and money could be spent trying to bring the soil up to a suitable condition. Growing in containers allows a quick and easy solution to the problem.

Growing vegetables in pots means reduced time spent weeding, a huge benefit considering it is the main chore people associate with any type of gardening.

By growing vegetables in containers the gardener has complete control over the soil used and any chemical additives and therefore knows exactly what they are eating.

Growing in containers means optimum growing conditions can be provided:

The growing medium or soil most suitable for the particular type of vegetable can be provided.

Better drainage can be provided.

Because the containers are moveable (unless of course they are too big and heavy) they can be moved to shelter if necessary in windy or stormy weather. They can be placed in sun early in the season and then if it gets too hot later on they can be moved to a different position. The containers can also be moved to give protection from frost or easily covered if necessary because of their compact nature.

Because containers can be sited anywhere, microclimates that may exist can be taken advantage of even though there is no ground there.

Vegetable container gardening is suitable for a wide range of people:

The elderly and people with limited mobility can have containers at a suitable height to be manageable and make access easier.

People with limited time or no inclination to tend a large garden can still produce their own fresh vegetables.

It is a good way to get started growing vegetables experimenting with different types and varieties, seeing what is best suited to a particular position. The beginner gardener can start off in a small way and as their confidence and skills develop can increase the number of containers they use.

Children can learn about nature and how plants grow and that vegetables don't just come from supermarkets. They gain great satisfaction growing something themselves and then getting to eat it. It is an enjoyable way of teaching them a skill for life. They will learn that growing vegetables is easy and fun.

People living in mobile homes or living in rented accommodation can take their garden with them when they move house.

Tending a few pots containing vegetables is a pleasant activity and good as a relief from the stresses of daily life.

The use of containers extends the season for growing vegetables as plants can be started off in warm sheltered places and even moved indoors at night and be far more advanced before the soil in a traditional garden has warmed up in the spring. Vegetables often do better in containers and grow more quickly as the soil is warmer.

With all the different textures, leaf and plant shapes, sizes and colours vegetables growing in pots or containers can be just as ornamental as any other type of plant but with the added bonus of providing fresh produce for the kitchen or just for snacking! There is nothing nicer than picking and eating straight from the garden. I have happy memories of my son and his friend many years ago sitting on the roof of the hut having a picnic of peas and carrots and whatever else they had gathered from the garden.

Growing tomatoes in pots is a great way to add colour and taste to your outdoor living area, as is also growing bell peppers in container pots with their many different shapes, colours and sizes of fruit.

The containers used can be as cheap or expensive and decorative as you wish. It is a chance to use your ingenuity and flair because anything can be used as long as it will hold the soil mix and has provision for drainage. It is an opportunity for you to make a statement and personalize your outdoor living area with the use of unique containers. It is a chance for you to do something for the environment by recycling and using something as a container which would otherwise be discarded.

Because of their mobility containers can be rearranged at will to completely change the look of the garden in a very short space of time.

Growing vegetables in containers means anyone can grow some fresh vegetables even in the smallest of spaces.

About the Author

Dot Cruickshank has had a life long association with horticulture and growing plants. To find out more about growing vegetables in containers visit her website: http://www.VegetableContainerGardening.com