Do you want to plant a suburban garden?

The other day I got a comment from 1wellman asking:

What are the easiest vegetables to grow in a suburban garden? By easy, I mean, least likely to die from inexpert care. Thanks!

I thought this was an excellent question. Years ago my husband and I tried to grow a small suburban garden in our backyard. We were serious. We were going to save tons of money and eat healthy, delicious food we grew ourselves. I had visions of walking outside, picking the produce, washing it, cooking it... a very noble endeavor! We searched the newspaper and found a relatively inexpensive tiller. We bought fancy (a.k.a. expensive) organic seeds. We used the rationale that we would "make up" the extra cost of the tiller and the seeds in the quality and quantity of our harvest.

We planted directly into the ground (over the course of one year): tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, corn, broccoli, turnip greens, green beans, carrots and potatoes. I watered. I doted on these plants (this was before I had 3 children : ) ) I nurtured them. Guess what I got in return? Not much. It was an expensive and sad experience. I wish I could say we had an abundance of perfect, delicious produce. That would be a lie.

After much research, I have found that growing cucumbers, peppers, squash and tomatoes in containers is the easiest and most cost-effective way to grow a suburban garden. Here is some very helpful information from Pamela J. Bennett and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science from Ohio State University:

When garden space is limited, certain cultivars of cucumbers, peppers, squash and tomatoes can be easily grown in large containers with plants still producing the same amount as garden planted varieties.

In order to be successful you must first choose those varieties suitable for growing in containers. These varieties generally have a reduced growth habit and will not grow too large for a container. The seed packet information should include whether or not the cucumbers and squash varieties are suitable for container gardening. Most varieties of peppers and tomatoes are suitable for containers.

The biggest advantage to container growing is that you can grow them just about anywhere in the yard providing they get at least 8 hours of sunlight. They can be easily moved as needed and fruit can be harvested with ease. The disadvantage to container growing is that you have to watch the watering more closely as they are above ground and dry out quickly.

Type of Container
A standard type pot, the same height as diameter, with a diameter of at least 12 inches is recommended. A plastic pot will not dry out as rapidly as a clay pot and will require less watering. It is essential to have drainage holes in the bottom or root rotting will occur. Place a round fiberglass screen of the same shape and size as the pot in the bottom to prevent soil from washing out of the holes and to bar the entry of pests into the pot. Half whiskey barrels, black plastic pots and bushel baskets can also be used.

Starting the Plants
Pepper and tomato seeds can be started indoors in individual pots or in peat pellets as early as mid-March to April. You can also purchase already started plants in May. Cucumber and zucchini can be planted directly into the container as they are more difficult to transplant. These seeds can be sown early to mid-May.

For a fall crop, plant cucumber and squash seeds in early July. This produces a September harvest when the earlier plantings are beginning to decline. The potted plants can be moved into the garage during frosty fall nights extending the harvest into November.

Soil Mix
Because these plants are being grown in containers, you can mix the soil to the exact requirements, giving you better growth and production. They require a loose, well-drained soil generous in organic matter. A good mix consists of one part each of potting soil, perlite, sphagnum peat moss and compost. Garden soil should be avoided as it is likely to be infested with soil pests. When using compost, make sure temperatures during the composting process were high enough to kill pest organisms. Add a slow release fertilizer by following label recommendations to each pot. This provides additional nutrients slowly over a longer period when there is active growth and fruit production.

Water holding gels or hydrogels have been introduced recently to help reduce the watering requirements of container plants. These gels are either separate and can be added to the soil mix or can already be included in the mix. The gels help to retain moisture in the soil until it is needed by the plant.

Staking the Plant
Depending on the growth habit of the plant, it may be beneficial to stake it. Be sure to place the stakes in the pot before filling the soil and before you plant. There are several types of staking systems to use depending on the plant.

A good type of staking system to use with cucumbers is a teepee form that allows the plants to grow up the stakes. Tomato cages or stakes can be used to support tomatoes and peppers. Squash may or may not require staking, depending on plant growth habits.

Planting
Fill the container three-fourths full with the soil mix. Select stocky, vigorous plants and position the plant close to the stake and fill in the soil mix around the plant. Water thoroughly; if the soil settles, add more soil until it comes to within 3/4 inch of the top of the container.

For direct-seeding squash and cucumbers, fill the container close to the top and plant five to six seeds in the center of the pot, covering with 1/2 inch of soil mix. Water and keep the soil warm. After germination, cut off the seedlings except for the two largest to avoid overcrowding. After they reach a height of 8 to 10 inches, cut off one, leaving only one plant per container. Avoid pulling out the seedlings as this disturbs the roots of the remaining seedlings.

Growth
Place the container in a site with full sun and protection from the wind. Check the plants daily for watering needs. By mid-July, begin to use a fertilizer solution for supplemental feeding. Once a week give each plant a good watering with a water soluble fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Miracle Grow 15-30-15 at the recommended rate. Do not fertilize when the plants are dry-water them thoroughly first. Check plants daily for signs of insect and disease infestation. Keep mature fruits harvested to induce continued fruit formation.

Suggested Varieties:

Cucumbers:
Salad Bush Hybrid
Bush Champion
Picklebush
Spacemaster
Hybrid Bush Crop
Midget Bush Pickler

Tomatoes:
Most varieties will grow in containers.

Peppers:
Most varieties will grow in containers.

Squash:
Burpee's Butter Bush
Burpee's Bush Table Queen
Bushkin Pumpkin
Bush Crookneck
Bush Acorn
Hybrid Jackpot Zucchini


I hope this information is helpful. Let me know 1wellman if you plant a suburban container garden and if you get any results! I think I may try growing one again this year. Using these methods, maybe we can get some fruits from our labor!