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Most veggies and herbs need at least 8-12 hours of full sun. There are a few that can take more shade, such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, parsley and onions. But, for the most part, they need a lot of sun to produce a crop!
Clay, wood and plastic pots are the best to use. If using wood, it is best to use cedar. Treated (deck) wood is not advisable because it contains toxins. If using old plastic containers, make sure they have not contained any toxic chemicals. Depending on what type of plants you are planting, you can even use plastic trash containers. Tip: To jazz up an old trash can, spray paint it a lighter color. Looks good and the lighter color helps to keep the roots from getting hot. Be certain that the paint you select is appropriate for the container you have chosen (i.e. wood, plastic or clay).
No matter what type of pot you choose, it must have good drainage; one small drill hole in a five gallon container will not do the trick. A good rule of thumb is to always put at least three holes in the bottom of your pot (three large holes for a five gallon container, slightly smaller for smaller containers; you get the idea). Adding an inch or two of gravel to the bottom of the container will also help with drainage. If your pot is located on a deck or concrete/cement, you might want to lift it by placing a few bricks underneath, thus ensuring good drainage. An ideal situation is to put it on a caster with wheels. This allows you to rotate the plant to ensure it receives sun on all sides and grows evenly. It also makes it easier to relocate to the garage, indoors or to any protected area where inclement weather will not harm it. Remember to choose a container that will support the plant once it reaches it’s full potential.
>>Check Out Our Veggie & Herb Companion Plant Chart
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