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Container Gardening

Compost in Containers (Zone 9)

8 years ago

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but with the area I'm growing in (mostly sand) I'm looking into container growing. I have 5+ gallon containers and ample sunlight (and warmth).

I also found a free organic (commercial) compost and have hauled about 75 gallons so far. What are are the best, easiest veggies and fruits to grow in a zone 9 climate. I've done a bit of online searching and come across a few things. If there is a year round planting calendar that I've missed I would love to see it.

Currently I have a pumpkin vine growing in one container (2 total) and two cucumber vines I'm looking to move to the containers soon.

I guess... What's currently in season (I'm an excited gardening newbie) and what will be in season over the fall and winter season.

I'm also growing early scarlet globe radish seeds and chantenay carrot seeds in much smaller containers. Planning to move from .5L to 2L containers that I've repurposed.

Thanks in advance all!

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Have a large pile (3 to 4 feet in diameter). WATER it! I use a small sprinkler, set to low, and water the piles until water comes out the bottom every couple of weeks. It will compost more slowly than in wetter climated, but it does make compost.
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That is only about 20 inches in diameter. It will do well for a while, but then expect to either repot it or up pot it. That's about as big as I'm willing to go for pots because mine have to be moved inside for the winter. For a plant that will get large, it isn't all that big.
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Oh for heaven's sake!! Don't make more out of this than needs to be!! A Kwanzan\Kanzan or any other larger growing tree will not grow to full size in a container. That's what containers do - they naturally dwarf or stunt the growth of the tree due to root restriction. So you can grow them long term in a decently sized container but just do not expect them to reach optimal size. This is NOT bonsai and you are not trying to keep it to a tiny, miniaturized size like you would with bonsai but many of the care procedures are similar including pinching or pruning back topgrowth occasionally and periodic root pruning. Which you would need to do with any tree grown in a container. I know because I grow a great many trees in containers, several for as long as 25 years. But whatever you do, ignore comments about growing it indoors and under lights!! That is something you do not want to do!! You may get other, more appropriate advice on this topic if you were to post in the Container Gardening forum, where folks who do this routinely - grow large trees in containers - can contribute some meaningful information. Here are links to three threads from that forum's archives written by our resident expert that may further your knowledge and success. Trees in Containers Trees in Containers II Trees in Containers III
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