Container Gardening
Patio. Deck. Apartment.
Best containers
- Self-watering planters — Earthbox ($35), Vegepod, GroBucket.
- Fabric grow bags — $5-15, breathable. Roots don't circle.
- Half whiskey barrel — beautiful + roomy. $30-60.
- 5-gallon nursery pots — cheap. Drill drain holes.
- Tower garden — vertical. Strawberries + lettuce. $50-300.
- NEVER use containers without drainage holes.
Best container plants
- Tomatoes — Patio Princess, Better Bush. 5+ gallon.
- Peppers — happy in containers.
- Herbs — basil, mint, oregano, parsley.
- Strawberries — multi-tier strawberry pot.
- Lettuce — fast + reseeds.
- Cherry tomatoes — productive.
- Bush beans — pole bean variety.
- Lemon trees — Meyer lemon dwarf.
Sun + water needs
- Vegetables need 6+ hrs direct sun.
- Herbs OK in 4-6 hrs.
- Containers DRY OUT FAST — water daily in summer.
- Self-watering containers reduce daily care.
- Saucers under pots catch overflow.
- Mulch top to retain moisture.
Senior tips
- Pots on rolling caster bases — easy to move.
- Lighter potting mix (peat + perlite) — easier to lift.
- Group containers — reduces watering trips.
- Long-handled trowel — saves bending.
- Garden cart for moving heavy bags.
- Timer for hose/irrigation — set + forget.
Best for renters
Container gardens come with you. Move? Bring your tomato plant. Apartment balcony, retirement community deck, condo patio — all work. Best gardening for downsizing seniors.