GROW YOUR OWN CONTAINER GARDENING

Jessica Bevan PWR 616 – Technical Writing

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Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2

Brief History of Kitchen Gardens ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Colonial Gardens

Victory Gardens

DIY Movement

Benefits of the Home Garden ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Nutrition

Exercise

Mental Health

The Container Garden ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Growing in Pots

Plants

Containers

Soil

Tips and Tricks

Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16

Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18

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Introduction

The kitchen garden plot has been a staple in many homes since the nation was colonized – it

“figured prominently in the early American psyche as a means to achieve the household

security and economic independence that were elusive dreams for many in the Old World”

(“Harvest of Freedom). From the victory gardens of World War II to the DIY culture of today,

we’ve taken pride in providing a little bit of produce for our homes.

Container gardening can be a great option for a number of gardeners, besides those who are

short of space: beginners who want to try their hand before committing to digging up the yard,

easier to treat plant diseases and deter pests, easier to maintain for gardeners with limited

mobility, and the growing season can be extended by bringing plants inside.

The Kitchen Garden

Colonial Gardens

Small kitchen gardens, like the small raised beds preferred by New

Englanders, were used by the colonists to grow plants for

medicine, food, and seasoning. These plants were valued for their

usefulness, not their beauty (National Park Service). A four square

garden – beds bisected by walkways – was typical, with pumpkins,

squash, artichokes, and cauliflower (Green).

Victory Gardens

During World War II, Victory Gardens were planted to ensure that

there was enough food for those fighting overseas – because

canned vegetables were rationed, these gardens helped people at home stretch their ration

coupons. This effort also helped to keep produce local, since trains and trucks were being used

to transport troops and equipment. By 1944, Victory Gardens were responsible for generating

40% of all vegetables grown in the United States, with over a million tons of produce generated.

City-dwellers and people with small yards pitched in with window boxes and rooftop gardens.

The Colonial Kitchen Garden: Herbs

Horehound – used for chronic cough, asthma, and consumption

Angelica – all-purpose herb, used for bronchial problems, colds, and to calm the nerves, as well as digestion

Winter Savory – diuretic, antiseptic, and to relieve bee and wasp stings

Sage – thought to improve mental disorders, digestion, and aid in lengthening life

Source: National Park Service

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Many schools maintained gardens and used the produce in lunches and throughout the

community.

The Dig for Victory leaflet below was published by the Ministry of Agriculture in the UK to show

gardeners how to yield vegetables year-round. Types of produce and a schedule for rotating the

crops would have directed users on how to get the most out of their home gardens during the

war.

Source: earthlypursuits.com

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Do It Yourself

Source: National Gardening Association

Gardening has had a resurgence in the past few years as part of the DIY or maker

movement. Making, building, and just doing “is a response to a growing sense of

disconnection from the physical world,” according to University of Virginia professor,

Matthew Crawford. “I think [the maker movement] is tapping into a really basic fact about

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us as human beings. From infancy we learn about the world by manipulating it, by sort of

poking it and seeing how it pokes back” (qtd. in Swan).

This need for connection, coupled with the satisfaction of creation, has led many back to

digging in the dirt to grow even just their own fresh herbs for cooking. According to

Sustainable America, 35% of US households grew food in 2012, up from 31% in 2008.

Additionally, “community gardens have been found to help stabilize neighborhoods by

retaining population and increasing rates of home ownership” (Waldman).

Benefits of the Home Garden

Source: Orangiclesson.com

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Nutrition

There are four big factors that can impact the nutritional value of produce, according to

AeroGarden:

1. Ripeness of the produce – The average produce item can travel over 1,500 miles to

reach a grocery store, meaning crops must be harvested well before they are ripe. This

limits the fruit or vegetable’s ability to develop its fully nutrient potential.

2. Length of time since harvest – All fruits and vegetables steadily lose vitamins while in

storage. For example, spinach loses 22% of lutein and 18% of beta carotene content

after just eight days of cold storage.

3. Varieties chosen – Most commercially available fresh foods are chosen for their ability

to ship and store well, while looking fresh on the shelf.

4. Harvesting methods – Mechanical harvesting methods used by most commercial farms

have a higher probability of bruising or injuring produce. This damage can accelerate

nutrient loss or impede ripeness.

The following chart further expands on the differences between commercial and home grown

produce.

Source: AeroGarden

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Growing produce at home allows gardeners to both enjoy the produce they know and explore

new flavors. This is especially true when children get involved with the process – knowing they

had a hand in growing the lettuce or peppers on their table will increase their interest in trying

new foods.

Physical Health

According to medical journalist Star Lawrence, “gardening provides all three types of exercise:

endurance, flexibility, and strength.” It can also be utilized as a form of physical therapy, “aimed

at improving motor skills, speech skills, and/or cognitive skills after debilitating illness or

traumas such as strokes” (Schmutz et al 7).

Mental Health

Gardening has also shown its worth “for people with acute or persistent mental health

problems, or especially difficult personal circumstances, regular involvement in gardening or

community food-growing projects, or formal horticultural therapy, can:

Contribute to improved social interactions and community cohesion.

Reduce the occurrence of episodes of stress, and the severity of stress and associated

depression.

Reduce reliance on medication, self-harming behavior, and visits to psychiatric services,

whilst also improving alertness, cognitive abilities and social skills.

Alleviate symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, such as agitation and

aggressive behavior, which can in turn improve circumstances for careers.

Provide productive manual activity and beneficial social interaction for people tackling

drug and alcohol dependency.

Help people manage the distress associated with mentally challenging circumstances,

such as making the end of life more peaceful, sociable and enjoyable for hospice

patients.” (Schmutz et al 4)

Additionally, with so many people living in urban areas – more than half of the world’s 6.7

billion people, according to the United Nations – scientists are beginning to explore what that

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means for mental health, with primary findings showing that “city life can impair basic mental

processes, such as memory and attention.” This impairment is called directed attention fatigue,

“a neurological symptom that occurs when our voluntary attention system, the part of the

brain that allows us to concentrate in spite of distractions, becomes worn down” (Edwards).

However, by spending even just a short period of time in a more natural setting, like with a

garden, can help the brain recover from this fatigue.

The Container Garden

Growing in Pots

Creating a garden in containers is a wonderful alternative for aspiring green thumbs who are

city dwellers, who may not have ideal soil in their yards, or don’t have the time or physical

ability for a full garden. These plots are smaller and easier to manage than their in-ground

counterparts. A variety of pots can be used to fit the available space, from recycled plastic food

containers to large ceramic planters. The quality of soil is easier to control, especially when

different plants require different nutrients or pH balances. And the containers can be placed

wherever there is enough sunlight – away from deer and rabbits and at any height for easy

access – turning any spot into a vegetable garden.

Plants

The plants chosen for a garden of any type are certainly based on personal preference – reflect

on what will be used (and how) before committing to a type of pepper or herb. Environmental

conditions are the next consideration. Light and sun are foremost; depending on their need for

light, plants are divided into three categories:

Plants for sunny, bright locations. Many plants enjoy some shade at midday

instead of sitting in the blazing sun all day long.

Plants for partial shade, that is, for places that get no sun for about half the day

or have light shade for many hours at a time.

Plants for shady locations, where there is direct sunlight for a few hours at most.

(Mayer 11).

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Additionally, the amount of wind and rain can impact the plants greatly. “Steady rainfall will

affect the blooms of many species and may also cause the soil to become waterlogged.

Completely unprotected places, especially if they face west, are therefore somewhat

problematic for species that are sensitive to rain and damp” (Mayer 12).

While not a complete list, these suggestions of vegetables and varieties from “Successful

Container Gardening” are an excellent starting point for exploring what will work well in pots.

Suggested Vegetables and Varieties Suitable for Container Gardening

Container Size Plant Type Spacing/Planting Recommended Varieties

Half-gallon Parsley 1 plant Dark Moss curled, Paramount

One gallon Cabbages 1 plant Any

Cucumbers 2 plants Salad Bush, Bush Champion, Spacemaster

Green beans 2-3 plants Topcrop, Tendercrop, Derby

Leaf lettuce 4-6 plants Green Ice, Salad Bowl, Red Sails, Seeded Simpson, Buttercrunch

Spinach Direct seed, thin to 1-2 inches apart

American Viking, Long Standing, Bloomsdale, Melody

Swiss chard 1 plant Fordhood Giant, Lucullus

Cherry and patio tomatoes

1 plant Pixie, Patio

Two gallon Beets Thin to 2-3 inches apart

Ruby Queen

Carrots Thin to 2-3 inches apart

Little Finger, Danver’s Half Long, Nantes Half Long

Eggplant 1 plant Dusky

Peppers 2 plants Lady Bell, Gypsy, Crispy, New Ace, Red Chili

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Radishes Thin to 2-3 inches apart

Champion, Comet, Sparkler, White Icicle, Early Scarlet Globe

Three gallon Standard tomatoes 1 plant Jetstar, Celebrity, Super Bush

There is much more freedom in selecting herbs. In Grow Your Own in Pots, Gardener Kay

Maguire recommends:

Chives – minimum depth of 4 inches; will thrive in containers, hanging baskets,

and window boxes. Loved by bees and other pollinators.

Dill – Twelve in diameter pot; the flowers will attract beneficial insects.

Horseradish – Thrives in a pot, because it is invasive in open soil. Use a large,

deep tub or pot.

Cilantro – Use a well-drain pot, at least 4 inches deep. Seeds, leaves, and even

the root are edible.

Lemongrass – Needs a large pot, at least 16 inches. Both leaves and stems can be

harvested to be used fresh or dried.

Fennel – Plant in any container, at least 12 inches deep with plenty of drainage.

Hyssop – Classic Mediterranean herb, with flowers to attract butterflies and

bees. Grow in any pot, of 12 inch diameter or more with good drainage.

Bay – Essential in a chef’s bouquet garni; any 12 inch container.

Mint – Another tenacious invader better suited in containers. Needs a minimum

depth of 6 inches.

Basil – Popular in pesto and pasta sauces. Sow seeds directly into pots after last

frost.

Oregano – Requires a pot 12 inches or deeper. Pick just before the flowers open

and dry by hanging; the leaves can also be infused in fragrant oils or vinegars.

Parsley – One of the most versatile and common kitchen herbs. Grows in any

container, including hanging baskets, with a depth of 8 inches.

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Rosemary – Grow in a large pot, 8 inches or more deep, more reliably grown

from cuttings than seed. The leaves dry well, can also be frozen and infused in

oils and vinegar.

Sage – Use a large pot, 8 inches or more deep, with plenty of drainage. Best used

fresh because they are difficult to dry well.

Thyme – Once planted, this herb can be almost ignored. Use any pot, hanging

basket, or window box with a minimum depth of 6 inches (140-157).

See Appendix A for a vegetable garden calendar, detailing ideal planting and harvesting times.

Containers

When selecting containers for the garden, the material may be just as important as the size.

Consider that porous materials, or ones that will soak up water, will require more attention.

These containers can be lined with plastic to help alleviate some of the water loss. Bonnie

Plants makes these suggestions:

Clay – These pots are attractive, but may be heavy and can crack in freezing

temperatures. They’ll absorb heat well – nice for early spring, but possibly troublesome

come mid-summer.

Plastic – Lightweight, durable, and affordable, this is a good choice for the economical

gardener. Plants in plastic containers won’t need watered as often as those in clay and

the dark-colored pots will absorb heat.

Glazed Ceramic – While heavy and more expensive, ceramic is attractive and less subject

to damage from cold temperatures.

Fiberglass – Another lightweight option, but they can come at a price. Plants will grow

well in them, however fiberglass can be brittle and isn’t a great insulator.

Concrete – Heavy and durable, so this is a permanent option for the garden space. A

long-lasting choice that will serve plants well.

Whiskey Barrels – For the size, these are an affordable choice. They will become fragile

as they age, so the barrels will need replaced every few years.

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Foam – A good selection when insulation from extreme temperatures is necessary, but

primarily found in just smaller sizes.

Metal – Long-lasting, metal containers will need to have holes drilled in for drainage.

Plastic liners may also be necessary for extra insulation.

Self-watering containers another option to consider. Recommended by Edward C. Smith, the

self-watering container, “stripped to its essentials, includes a place for soil, a place for water, a

way to keep the soil and water apart, and a way to bring the soil and water together” (28). See

Appendix B for artist Yumi Sakugawa’s demonstration on how to create a self-irrigating planter

with simple yogurt containers – a process that can be applied to larger pots, such as a 5-gallon

buckets.

Proper drainage is vital to plant health, regardless of the container, so ensure that there is a

hole at the bottom of the pot. “It allows water in the soil to drain freely so adequate air is

available for the roots. While various kinds of plants have differing drainage needs, few can

tolerate sitting in stagnate water. Healthy roots mean healthier plants” (“Successful Container

Gardening”).

Soil

Garden soil is another significant consideration when designing a container garden. “Soils for

containers need to be well aerated and well drained while still being able to retain enough

moisture for plant growth” (“Successful Container Gardening”). Soils created specifically for

container planting are actually a soilless mix, often composed of peat or bark. Potting soil can

be used, but it will need modified somewhat. “An acceptable soil based mix can be made by

using one part garden soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite or coarse builder’s sand.”

(“Successful Container Gardening”). Maguire recommends “mixing in food such as slow-release

fertilizer granules, garden compost, or well-rotted organic matter, as well as rootgrow to aid

root development” when using potting soil (14). Mulch is also suggested – “it reduces moisture

loss, acts as a barrier against weeds and pests, prevents compaction, and helps to insulate plant

roots against cold weather” (15).

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When filling containers with soil, leave at least one inch of space. The following chart from

gardener H. Mark Delman details the approximate amount of soil needed for a pot or container

by size.

Container Size and Soil Quantity

Source: H. Mark Delman, Planter Tomato

Tips and tricks

Although crops grown in pots are easier on time and space, they still need some extra care

because the roots can’t tap into the nutrients found in the soil. These tips for garden care all

appear in Fruits and Vegetables in Pots by Jo Whittingham:

Feeding – Most fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes, require regular applications of

potassium fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers come in concentrated or ready-to-use forms,

making them easy to add into the regular watering routine. Dry fertilizers, in granules or

pellets, can be added to pots during planting.

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Weeding – A huge advantage to container gardening is that weeds are less prolific and

easier to control when they do arise. Weed seeds can blow in and may be present in any

homemade compost, so tend to them immediately.

Watering – Regular watering not only prevents wilting but also allows plants to take up

the soluble nutrients found the in compost. Plants may need watered twice a day in hot

weather – check the containers regularly, even after rain. Use a watering can with a fine

rose to create a gentle shower of water that will absorbed gradually. A single gush from

a spout may just run right off of the surface. The best times to water are early in the

morning or in the evening when the evaporation rates are low. Automatic irrigation

systems may be a good investment for lots of pots or if work and vacation making

regular watering difficult.

Compost – There are many types of compost bins to choose from, but the essential

requirements are an open base, a lid or cover, and good access to turn the heap and

remove the finished product. Try to balance between nitrogen-rich material, such as

kitchen peelings, and drier carbon-rich waste, like dead leaves, twigs, and shredded

paper.

Harvesting – Picking crops at the right moment ensures the best flavor. Many vegetables

are ready for picking when young and tender, and if left too long can become starchy

and tough. Picking fast-growing items when small will not only give the best flavor, but

will also stimulate the plant into producing more. Fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes, will

develop the best flavor when left to mature on the plant.

Protecting tender plants – Plants in containers are easy to take care of on unexpectedly

cold nights in spring or fall. Smaller pots can be moved indoors, while larger containers

can be covered. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and beans are especially vulnerable to

frost damage.

Pests – Container plants are still susceptible to pests, but damage can be limited by

creating barriers. Attacks can even be prevented by planting flowers alongside crops to

attract beneficial insects that prey on pests. Fleece, netting, and sticky sheets can also

keep pests and plants apart.

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Diseases and disorders – Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all cause diseases in plants,

while disorders like scorch, blossom end rot, and mildew are common. Keep pots well-

watered and cut out diseased growth promptly to prevent spread of infection.

Conclusion

Home gardening is not a new phenomenon but as concerns for nutrition develop along with the

access to fresh produce, it is gaining in popularity. The benefits of growing vegetables and herbs

at home far outweigh the effort. Containers and pots expand the possibilities of reaping a

substantial harvest in even the smallest of spaces.

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References

Delman, H. Mark. "Container Gardening: Container Size and Soil Quantity." PlanterTomato

Vegetable Gardening. 14 June 2011. Web. 2 Oct. 2015.

Edwards, Scott. "City Life and the Brain." On the Brain. Havard Medical School, 22 Dec. 2010.

Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

Greene, Wesley. "Kitchen Gardens in Colonial Virginia." Colonial Williamsburg Official History &

Citizenship Site. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.

Grow Vegetables in Pots. New York: DK, 2013. Print.

“Harvest of Freedom.” Harvest of Freedom: The History of Kitchen Gardens. Mann Library,

Cornell University, 2002. Web. 2 Oct 2015.

Lawrence, Star. "Get Fit by Gardening." WebMD. Ed. Louise Chang. 12 Mar. 2006. Web. 14 Oct.

2015.

Maguire, Kay. Grow Your Own in Pots: With 30 Step-by-step Projects Using Vegetables, Fruit,

and Herbs. US ed. New York: Hachette Book Group, 2013. Print.

Mayer, Joachim. Balcony & Container Plants from A to Z. Hauppague, NY: Barron’s 2007. Print.

National Park Service. "Colonial Kitchen Garden." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of

the Interior, 14 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.

"Nutritional Merits of Home Grown Vs. Store Bought Produce." AeroGarden. Miracle-Gro, 27

May 2011. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

Sakugawa, Yumi. "How to Make a Self-Irrigating Planter with Yogurt Containers." The Secret

Yumiverse RSS. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Schmutz, Ulrich, Margi Lennartsson, Sarah Williams, Maria Devereaux, and Gareth Davies. The

Benefits of Gardening and Food Growing for Health and Wellbeing. London: Garden

Organic and Sustain, 2014. Print.

Smith, Edward C. The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub.,

2011. Print.

"Successful Container Gardens." University of Illinois Extension, 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Swan, Noelle. "The 'Maker Movement' Creates D.I.Y. Revolution." The Christian Science

Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2014. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.

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Waldman, Laura. "INFOGRAPHIC: Grow Where You Are." Sustainable America. 5 Nov. 2013.

Web. 17 Oct. 2015.

"What Are Pots Made From?" Bonnie Plants. 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Whittingham, Jo. Fruit and Vegetables in Pots. New York: DK Pub., 2012. Print.

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Appendix A

Source: http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/veg_garden_calendar_printer_friendly.html

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Appendix B