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Veggies in containers? You bet!
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Hanging tomato planter
Previously we talked about losing the lawn and finding the garden, a vegetable garden. There are many varieties of easy to grow vegetables that do well in backyard gardens or in medium to large sized containers with only a minimum amount of work. As you develop your skills as a seasoned gardener you'll want to select other types of vegetables that may require a little more care.
Pittsburgh's zone 6 hardiness zone is ideal for growing many different varieties of vegetables. Early spring crops such as lettuce, peas, and radishes thrive in cooler temperatures before the arrival of warm weather when tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and eggplants rule the summer garden.
Small lawns that might prevent you from having a garden shouldn't deter you from growing your own vegetables in containers. Many first time gardeners find growing summertime vegetables in containers the ideal solution to the problem of not having enough yard for a garden. And choosing containers can almost be as fun as growing the vegetables themselves.
Practically any container can be used for a pot; old wash tubs, wire baskets, wooden boxes, all make great containers for vegetables. Depending on your preference for whimsy, some containers can even be made from old tires. Five gallon buckets can be used as hanging pots for upside down tomato plants. All you have to do is cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket, insert your tomatoe plant top first down through the hole, and then fill the bucket with good soil amended with a little fertilizer and compost. Hang your tomato planter in full sun and wait for ripening fruit as the plant matures and vines downward.
Vegetables in pots positioned around the porch or patio will add more than a fruitful end-of-season harvest, they can also help you develop your skills as a diverse city gardener.
For more info:
Warm Season Vegetables (PDF Format)
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