Container-friendly Varieties of Vegetable Plants

For many gardeners, the question of what are container-friendly varieties of vegetable plants comes up at some point in time. With the advent of genetically modified crops and other innovations, there are many vegetable plants that grow better when planted in containers than they do when they are grown in the ground. Following are some varieties of container- friendly vegetable Plants, which are a great choice for container gardening.

Small-statured Vegetables

Compact seeds and snap peas have become very popular among those who want to try a new way of gardening. But for some gardeners, these ideas are just not right for them. If you fall into this category, there are several options available to you. You might want to consider two distinct groups of small-statured vegetables: container-friendly dwarf vegetables and bush-type vegetables.

Types of Container-friendly Vegetable Plants

As with most things, though, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Container-friendly varieties of vegetable plants come in two general types: bushy plants that love moisture and full sunlight; and plants that need less water but do far better when planted in a soil that needs less attention. Bush-type and smaller-type vegetables differ from bush-type and dwarf vegetables in terms of size and shape.

Bushy Plants

Bushy plants are generally thought of as “big” or extra-large varieties of vegetable plants. This is what we know by name, even if we don’t always think in those terms. Bushy plants, like dwarf plants and snap peas, are naturally small-statured vegetables. The bulk of a bushy vegetable is often hard to see, unless you get a good close-up picture. And their leaves may not have fully developed, making them look a bit fuzzy at times.

Compact Plants

Compact plants on the other hand are not really miniature. A compact plant is one that has fewer leaves than the average plant. These plants are commonly found in the home garden or around the house in the corners. Plants with fewer leaf surfaces than normal are also classified as compact plants. Some examples of compact vegetables include cucumbers and tomatoes, both of which are grown in the garden in a somewhat confined space.

Beans

If you want to grow a smaller vegetable such as a bean, be sure to use a larger pot and give the plant plenty of room to grow roots. Also, keep in mind how much of the area you have to cover. Some plants will require more space than others. Many container vegetable plant varieties can grow successfully in containers, but the results will vary depending on the plant and the space available. For example, the thicker plants that grow tall will have more roots for themselves, so they’ll take up more space and take much longer to mature.

Dwarf Plants for Container Gardening

Plants with dwarf varieties are perhaps the most “container-friendly” vegetables on the market. These plants are typically half the size of your average garden plant, making them ideal for small gardens and spaces. Container-friendly dwarf plants include zucchini, carrots, snap peas, potatoes, and squash. However, you should use water and fertilizer very carefully with these smaller-type plants because there is no additional room for the roots to grow. You might have to water these plants every few days or you’ll find that they don’t produce as well.

Smaller-type Plants

Some smaller-type plants such as herbs and strawberries are not very good for growing in containers. On the other hand, you may be able to grow some herbs and vegetables in a small container. One of the best things about growing your favorite vegetables in smaller containers is that you are able to serve them right from the plant. If you serve fruits and vegetables from containers, be sure to clean the produce before serving them to your family.

Conclusion

As you can see, you have many container-friendly variances of vegetables available to you. Just be sure to choose those that do well in small spaces and have plenty of room for the roots to grow. Keep an eye on the type of soil that your smaller-type plants are taking up and adjust your watering to suit. By being a bit more creative with your container gardening, you will end up with crops that are beautiful and healthy.