Herbs and veggies grown in a garden are not only delicious but also more nutrient-dense, free of dangerous toxins, and inexpensive organic food! However, not everyone has the space in Utah (or a yard) to grow their own delicious crops straight from their backyard. If you lack adequate space for vegetable gardening, consider growing fresh, nutritious, homegrown vegetables in containers. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City - Utah - Best Vegetables for Container Gardening-companion planting

The Benefits of Container Gardening in Utah

Switching to a container garden can reduce soil-borne diseases, nematodes, and weeds; if any do find their way into your garden, containers are higher and easier to access, so you won't strain your back dealing with them! It's also very easy to move containers around if your plants need more or less sun, and harvesting is quick and easy when you’ve got your vegetables closer to the kitchen and herbs within arm's reach near the barbeque.

How to Start With Seedlings 

The first step in growing your seedlings in pots is choosing the best container size, determined by the type of vegetable you're growing. Here at Millcreek we sell plastic trays and pots, soil blocks, and peat pots to house your mini herbs and veggies while they grow. Regardless of the size of the pot, drainage holes are essential for preventing waterlogging in your containers and avoiding root rot.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City -Utah- Best Vegetables for Container Gardening-seedlings

Before transplanting your veggie seedlings to a bigger container, you’ll want to ensure that they are about 2-3 inches high and that their two first true leaves have come out. You will also want to harden your veggie seedlings before you transplant them. Some best practices to follow in transplanting your seedlings are:

1. The area you have prepared for the plant should be heavily watered.
2. You should heavily water plants and seedling trays before transplanting.
3. Hold it by the base of the stem, keeping as much soil around the roots as possible.
4. Transfer the plant gently into your hole.
5. Ensure that half of the transplant is below ground and the other half is above ground by covering it with soil.
6. Refresh with water again.

Best Container-Grown Herbs and Vegetables

Some of the best vegetables that are suited for growing in containers include tomatoes, peppers, carrots, eggplant, green onions, beans, lettuce, and radishes. Herbs that likewise thrive in containers are mint, parsley, chives, basil, dill, fennel, garlic, and more! We've included some easy container-grown veggies for beginners below.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City - Utah - Best Vegetables for Container Gardening-container grown tomatoes

Tomatoes & Eggplants

If you want to harvest tomatoes just as fruitfully as your neighbor's, container gardening is the way to go. Water your soil consistently and keep it moist but not too soggy. You may need to water your tomato plant twice a day during hot summer days, but be sure to keep these sun-loving container-grown vegetables in a spot with plenty of sunlight! They need 6-8 hours of sun daily, and if they are not getting enough light where they are you can simply move them around in their container.

For eggplants, you will ideally want to use a container that has a 5-gallon capacity to support its heavy roots and provide optimal drainage. Like your tomato plant, your container-grown eggplant needs to be kept in an extra-sunny area, receiving at least six to eight hours of sun daily. 

Leaves & Root Vegetables

One of the most crucial aspects of container-grown vegetables is that the container is big enough; this is especially true for root vegetables, as they'll need deep soil to grow in, and for leaves, as they'll need space to grow back again and again. 

When harvesting your greens, simply pick or trim the leaves, and they'll keep coming back all season for delicious fresh veggies on the table. Many root veggies have edible greens, such as carrots and beets!

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City - Utah - Best Vegetables for Container Gardening-container grown herbs

Herbs

Herbs have varying water requirements, but you can group them according to what they like. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots work well for growing herbs that thrive in consistently moist soil, such as basil, parsley, thyme, and mint. Herbs such as lemon verbena, rosemary, sage, and tarragon prefer dry soil between waterings. Most herbs require at least 4 hours of sunlight per day to grow well. Be sure to pinch off any blooms that sprout so your plants can focus on growing those delicious leaves!

Vegetable container gardening in Salt Lake City is stress-free: it's affordable, saves space, and is easy to adjust if your plants don't thrive as expected. From tomatoes to squash to green onions, you will bring your kitchen pantry to life with your homegrown herbs and veggies, and Millcreek Gardens has everything you need to get started today!