Vegetable and Herb Gardening on Your Porch or Patio

In the summer, there is nothing that I like more than to be able to make dinner from the fresh herbs and vegetables from my garden. Aside from the health benefits, there’s nothing that tastes better. But just because you don’t live somewhere that allows you to plant a large vegetable and herb garden doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. You can grow an entire garden on your porch or patio!

What Kind of Containers to Use

Because your vegetable and herb garden will be contained, you will want to look for containers that are large enough to hold both the plant itself and its roots. For herbs, a smaller container for each individual plant will work, as will a larger, long container where you can plant several varieties together.

Peppers will thrive in a medium size container. And tomatoes need a larger container and room to grow – tomato plants grow up and will eventually need a cage or stake to help them grow upright. Most manufacturers also make containers to match any décor – you can get planters that look like stone, wood, or the traditional terra cotta.

What Types of Plants Grow Well?

When selecting plants for patio vegetable and herb gardening, there are several varieties that are generally successful. Patio favorites are tomato plants. They grow easily in a container, and you will quickly be enjoying fresh tomatoes. While any variety of tomatoes will grow well in a large container on your porch or patio, there are varieties that are specifically for containers.

These varieties often grow shorter and are more compact. Peppers are another plant that does very well in a container. Ask at your local garden center and they will be able to help you select plants that will meet your needs. Of course, you also want to be sure you are growing plants in your vegetable and herb garden that you will enjoy eating!

Most any herbs will grow well in pots on your patio. Consider the herbs that you use most often in your cooking, and focus on those. For example, in my herb garden I grow basil, parsley, oregano, cilantro, mint, thyme and rosemary. They all grow well in small pots, and are a tasty addition to my cooking.

How to Care for Your Patio Vegetable and Herb Garden

Caring for your vegetable and herb garden is actually quite simple. Because your plants are growing in containers, the soil is likely to already be full of nutrients and organic material. You can add fertilizer occasionally or compost if you have it. You will need to water your plants daily – remember, because they are not in the ground, the soil will not retain as much water. Also make sure that your plants get plenty of sun.