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Container Gardening

New to Container Gardening

15 years ago

Ive read quite a few posts here, and googled around, but nothing seems to have a definitive source of information that Im looking for. I'd like to grow some tomato's ( mostly if not all cherry), hot peppers, sweet peppers, lettuce, beans, and some cucumbers. I have several cat litter containers ( a little less than 5 gallons I believe). I'd like to know what size containers I need, how many plants per container, what to mix as the medium, and basically any other beginner information. If anyone could give me a link to this information (all I can find are university extensions!) or could just write me some beginners tips I'd be very grateful. Thanks!

Steve

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Comments (4)

freemangreens
15 years ago
Steve:
Email me and I'll point you down the right pathway.
justaguy2
15 years ago
Why not respond in the forum so others can see the information too? Seems a little odd to use a forum to request emails for a reply to a forum question.
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ericderek
15 years ago
Yes, please post your reply here. After many years off, I will be planting several similar items. I have seven 1/2 barrels and plan to construct 3-6 rectangular raised beds.

I'd like to get some tomatoes, snap peas, herbs, peppers, cucumbers and maybe something else, along with some flowers.

Please post publicly so others can learn.
freemangreens
15 years ago
Please disregard my initial post.

I've had some trouble lately on the forum by posting information links. I thought an email would be a less disruptive way to help out instead of posting a long reply.

stthomas2004:
Narrow down your list of questions and I'll respond to each one on the forum to the best of my abilities. I'm a hydro grower, but the 'ground' rules are basically the same (no pun intended).

For starters, tomatoes like full sun and well-drained soil. There are several "tricks" to make them grow, but for starters, choose what kind you want to grow and get started.

Cat litter containers will do; make sure there are adequate, screened drainage holes punched or drilled into the bottom of each. They should be white or covered with aluminum foil to keep the light and heat off the roots.

Sooner or later you will be faced with the dreaded horned tomato caterpillar as well as a host of other things. Hop down to the Home Depot and buy some "BT" for around $6. That'll take care of the caterpillars.

Aphids are a big problem too, but they can be controlled using several methods.

There are whole books written about growing tomatoes, so for now, ask specific questions and we'll go from there.

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