What pots can be used for growing vegetables on a balcony? A container selection guide

A small balcony is actually a great place for growing vegetables. Below we introduce what vegetable pots you should choose for growing vegetables on a balcony.

1. Container selection

Almost any type of container can be used for growing vegetables on a balcony, as long as it is sturdy enough and can provide enough space and drainage channels. Besides traditional flower pots, flower troughs and other specialized containers, many household items can be used after modification, such as plastic basins, buckets, flower boxes, flower troughs, wooden boxes, aluminum boxes, galvanized iron boxes, plastic boxes, jars, food cans, and even bathtubs, tires, burlap sacks, barbecue trays and so on.

Tuberous vegetables such as potatoes can be grown in bags, while scallions, Chinese chives, garlic sprouts and the like can be grown in roasting pans. Tires, burlap sacks and similar items are also good containers for growing vegetables. For vining plants such as cucumbers and beans, you can give the flower pot a “cage” as support.

2. Drainage holes

No matter what kind of container is chosen for growing vegetables, it is essential to ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom to guarantee smooth drainage. Drainage of the container is crucial. Poor drainage causes plant roots to suffocate and rot; drainage that is too fast causes plants to lack water and wither and die. Flower pots, flower troughs and other specialized containers bought on the market all have drainage holes at the bottom. For containers modified from household items, you need to drill several drainage holes yourself, generally by evenly drilling several drainage holes 0.5-1cm in diameter around the bottom.

To avoid soil loss when watering, you can do “pot lining”, that is, use broken flower pot pieces, tiles or window screen to cover the drainage holes, so as to block the drainage holes. To promote drainage, you can place some coarse gravel or small stones on top of the pot-lining material to keep drainage smooth.

3. Material

Generally speaking, ceramic and wooden containers drain faster than plastic containers and need more watering. Do not place plastic containers by the window, because plastic vessels are light in weight and easily blown over by wind. Do not use wooden containers that have undergone high-pressure treatment, because chemical preservatives are added during the high-pressure treatment process; although this method enables the treated wood to be protected from termites, decay and other harmful factors for a long time, the wood itself also contains toxic substances that will poison plants. If making wooden containers yourself, it is best to use rot-resistant wood, such as pine, fir and so on.

4. Color

Use black containers with caution, because black absorbs heat and may damage plant roots. If you choose black containers, it is best to apply a coat of lighter-colored paint, or simply shade the container to avoid direct sunlight.

5. Size

The size of the container is very important. When choosing containers for growing vegetables, it is better to go larger than smaller; a larger container not only has ample room for fertilizer, but also holds more water and will not dry out quickly in summer. Tomatoes, peppers, beans and the like need larger containers; generally a container of about 15-20 liters is enough. When buying seeds and seedlings, it is best to consult the seller about how large a container is needed, how to water and fertilize, and so on.

Only by choosing the right and suitable container can you turn a small balcony into a green vegetable garden!