What would be some great fruits,spices,and herbs,and veggies to grow in my container garden?

Question

I am planning to have a container garden next year on my front and back stairwell and on the property surrounding it.I live in my parents' building and they said I can have my lawn decorations,holiday decorations,and garden only on my stairwells and the property surrounding the stairwells.

I am buying a couple of those Rubbermaid clear storage bins and I will drill small holes in the bottom so that water can drain and I want to plant some flowers,herbs,spices,fruits,and veggies.

I saw the dwarf blueberry tree that fits in a big pot and the Northpole apples that grow on stalks instead of trees, but what are some other fruits, veggies,spices,and herbs I can grow in my garden?

I live in Chicago and I am in planting zone number 5.

Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Growing herbs in containers are a great idea.  Just keep in mind that they need sunlight, so find a place where they can get enough of it, as well as little air draft.  Give it a try with mint, and basil.  They are the first thing they recommend if it is your first time with herbs.  Never let them get dried; always check their water, and keep them moist.

Veggies.  Lettuces are always a good choice, and one I could recommend.

I could go on and on, but for better tips and direct answers to your questions regarding a container garden, go to P. Allen Smith website, where you will find everything you need, from selecting the best container, to creating summer, fall, winter and spring gardens as well and their care.  Good luck! http://www.pallensmith.com/index.php?id=...

Answer 2

First, I'd put some stones at the bottom of the container for extra drainage.  I also don't know why you'd use clear storage bins rather than actual large pots, but that's just aesthetics and your plan should work.

Apples and Blueberries are best planted inground.  Especially in Zone 5, where it'll be tough for you to take them in for the winter (how will you water them in a stairwell?).  Those also take years to produce large amounts and I don't think they'd ever give you much in a container.

I'd stick to annuals you replant each year.  For herbs, Rosemary is wonderful along with Basil, Thyme and Cilantro.  Basil and Cilantro can be used all the time in the summer (pesto, salsa) and Rosemary dries really well.  Cilantro turns into the spice Corriander when it matures.  Rosemary is pretty hardy and I move mine indoors each winter (zone 7).

For veggies, Tomatoes are always great because they are a meal by themselves (maybe with basil and mozzarella) and can also be made into sauces and canned for the winter.  I love making fresh salsa, so I also grow onions and hot peppers.  They don't take up a lot of room in a small container.

Eggplant is another plant that grows pretty much vertical and would work in a container.  There'd be no way to grow squash, pumpkins, zuccini, cucumbers or anything that spreads.  Bell peppers will work too.

If you want flowering plants that you move indoors, I have miniature lemons.  The flowers smell fantastic and I keep my tree trimmed to grow up.  By the end of the winter it looks a bit ragged but springs back through the summer.

I guess the best advice beyond those suggestions would be to take it slow the first year and figure out what you can handle.

Good luck.