Module 6: Choosing Containers For The Vegetables

Using the right container is crucial if you want to grow healthy vegetables. The roots will need sufficient growing space so it can provide necessary nutrients and moisture to the plant.

Choose The Container Type

You get containers made with different materials such as plastic, ceramic, terracotta, wood, and metal. You could use a grow bag instead of a container. Each of them have their pros and cons.

Plastic Containers: Plastic containers are lightweight, affordable, and retain moisture well, but they can deteriorate over time when exposed to sunlight.

Terracotta Pots: Terracotta pots are attractive and provide good airflow to the roots, but they can dry out quickly and are prone to cracking in freezing temperatures.

Fabric Grow Bags: Fabric pots are breathable, prevent overwatering, and are easy to store when not in use, yet they may degrade faster than other materials.

Ceramic Pots: Ceramic is more durable than terracotta and it also has beautiful aesthetics. They tend to be expensive and heavy.

Others: You can reuse any pot or container you may have at home that is the right size. You only need to check that they don’t have some chemicals that could leach into the soil.

I would suggest using plastic containers because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. They hold moisture longer and are a good choice for beginners.

Pick The Correct Size

Container size is crucial to grow healthy vegetables. The good thing is you already created a list of vegetables you want to grow. So you can pick containers that are the right size for them.

Container size is measured in gallons or inches. For example, a 5-gallon pot or 12-inch pot.

You can find this container size information in the list I’ve created below. You pick the container size that can hold the mature plant when it’s fully grown.

Container Plant Information List

You want the container to have the right depth and width so it can provide sufficient growing space for the plant and roots. 

Here’s a rough idea of container size for some of the vegetables and herbs.

Where To Buy Containers

I would suggest reusing containers if you have some at home. You could reuse buckets, pots, dog food bags that you might have. You can use any container that has the right size and is free from chemicals.

If you want to buy containers, you’ll get them at all the online stores, garden centers, and nurseries. So check for cheap containers at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot.

Action Steps

• Choose whether you want to use plastic containers or grow bags.
• Find out the container size you’ll need based on your vegetable list.
• Reuse containers at home or buy some from an online store.