How to Grow Organic Vegetables in Pots

Overview

Organic gardening has gained popularity with rising awareness about health problems related to chemical pesticides and synthetic products used in normal gardening. This form of gardening is quite versatile and can be done in pots if garden space is a problem. In fact, container organic vegetables reduce pests such as nematodes and provide you the flexibility of moving them around according to their sunlight or shade requirements. By providing your organic vegetables optimum growing conditions, you will reap the benefit of healthy vegetables free from any chemical side effects.

Step 1

Purchase pots from a nursery or garden supply center. Make sure these are large enough to support hungry and thirsty roots of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage and squash. You can select clay, wood, stone or recycled pots depending on personal taste and the surrounding landscape. Make sure the pots have adequate drainage holes in the bottom to provide the vegetables well-drained soil. Also purchase organic potting soil and compost, such as manure.

Step 2

Place a layer of marbles or gravel in the base of each pot to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Mix two parts organic soil to one part compost in a bucket and add it to the pot, filling it until 2 inches below the rim.

Step 3

Follow label instructions when planting and spacing seeds, since different vegetables have different requirements. Water the soil gently to prevent the seeds from washing away. Make sure the soil in the pot is evenly moist.

Step 4

Feed your vegetables two or three times during the growing season with organic fertilizers, such as seaweed, fish or bone meal.

Step 5

If pests become a problem, remove them with tweezers, or spray your vegetables with insecticidal soap, hot pepper spray or liquid solution.

Step 6

Harvest your vegetables as they mature by pulling them off carefully without disturbing the plant.