Options for Decks and Patio Gardening

Vegetable gardening is a great way to grow your own produce, but not everyone has a ton of space to prepare an in-ground or raised garden bed.  Whether in an urban or suburban setting, as long as you have good soil and plenty of sunlight, you can grow vegetables just about anywhere.  Grow bags, plastic planters, clay pots, and garden towers are a few options to maximize our growing space.

Grow Bags

Grow bags are just what they sound like; soft-sided fabric bags you grow stuff in. 

Pros: Grow bags can be used anywhere and are easy to use.  They come in several sizes, making them very versatile for growing produce in small spaces.  The bags are very breathable and provide excellent drainage, so root rot isn’t much of a concern with grow bags.

Cons:  Grow bags aren’t as aesthetically pleasing and won’t last as long as plastic or terracotta containers.  Many grow bags are made of poly plastics that won’t break down.  Grow bags require more water than other pots.

Plastic Planters

Plastic planters and pots are often the most popular option at the nursery or hardware store.

Pros:  Plastic planters are available in a wide variety of colors.  Plastic is strong, flexible, and lightweight.  The walls are not breathable, which will keep the soil moist longer than terracotta pots or garden bags.  It is easy to add more drainage holes in plastic planters.

Cons:  Plastic planters can become brittle over time.  While the nonbreathable walls keep the soil moist, it is also a little easier to over water plants in plastic containers.  Plastic containers are, well, plastic and therefore not the most eco-friendly option.

Terracotta and Glazed Clay

Terracotta and glazed clay pots are often what many people think of when they think of planting containers.

Pros:  Terracotta and glazed clay pots are both durable.  Glazed pots are available in a variety of colors designs.  Both are more stable and less likely to tip over.  The thicker walls of terracotta and glazed clay pots can provide some protection from temperature changes.

Cons: Terracotta and glazed clay will break easier than plastic.  They are also heavier than plastic.  Terracotta can accumulate buildup on the outside of the pots from fertilizers.  They are more expensive than plastic.  It is also harder to add drainage holes in terracotta or glazed clay pots.

Vertical Garden Towers

Vertical garden towers, like the GreenStalk garden, are multi-tier planting systems with several planting pockets allowing gardeners to plant several plants in a small space.

Pros:  Garden towers allow for a wide variety of plants to be grown in a small footprint.  The watering systems are easy to use and allow for good drainage.  Most garden towers either include, or have available for purchase, a wheel base that makes moving them easy.

Cons:  Starting at around $150, garden tower systems are often more expensive than other types of planters.  Potting soil also adds to the initial cost.  While this isn’t an issue with the GreenStalk garden, the planting pockets of other brands may be too small for some types of vegetables.

What planting options do you use to fill you small garden spaces?  Follow us on Facebook and let us know!