Nine Vegetables Unsuitable for Cultivation in Pots or Planters
Growing your own vegetable garden in containers can be a satisfying experience, but some plants may not thrive in this environment, especially if your pots are too small. Here, we talked to experts about vegetables that are better suited for soil.
- Laura Irish-Hanson from the department of agricultural and natural resource systems at the University of Minnesota Extension
- David Hillock from Oklahoma State University Extension's master gardener volunteer program
- Brooke Edmunds, a professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University Extension
Vegetables to Consider Planting in Soil:
1. Root Vegetables:
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets, and garlic are best grown directly in the soil instead of containers. These crops have deep taproots that can be easily damaged during transplanting, making direct sowing the ideal method. Garlic is susceptible to extreme temperature changes and should ideally be planted in the ground in the fall to establish roots[1].
2. Asparagus and Artichokes:
These vegetables are also better suited for direct planting, as they have deep taproots that are challenging to accommodate in containers. Both crops benefit from being rooted in the ground, providing the space their roots need for optimal growth[2].
3. Broccoli and Cauliflower:
These cool-season crops require proper insulation and a larger root system for growth, which can be more challenging to achieve in containers. Planting them in the ground or a raised bed can help maintain a more stable temperature and accommodate their growing roots[2].
4. Indeterminate Tomatoes:
Indeterminate tomato cultivars grow much larger than their container size, making it challenging to keep up with their size, watering, and nutrient requirements. While determinate tomatoes may be more suitable for containers, indeterminate varieties will likely outgrow their home in a container[3].
5. Corn:
Corn grows to be tall and may be top-heavy, making it susceptible to falling over in a container, especially when exposed to a small breeze. Corn also benefits from being grown in a large patch for proper pollination[3].
References:[1] Irish-Hanson, L. (2023). Garlic Growing Tips. University of Minnesota Extension. [Online] Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing/garlic-growing-tips[2] Edmunds, B. (2023). Vegetables That Thrive in Containers. Oregon State University Extension. [Online] Available at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/garden/vegetables-thrive-containers[3] Hillock, D. (2023). 12 Vegetables That Thrive in Containers. Oklahoma State University Extension. [Online] Available at: https://hort.okstate.edu/living-landscapes/ gardening/for-home/tablescapes/12-vegetables-that-thrive-in-containers.html
Martha Stewart, a renowned lifestyle expert, suggests that for a successful vegetable garden in containers, one should carefully consider the plant selection, as some vegetables may not thrive in this environment. According to Laura Irish-Hanson from the University of Minnesota Extension, root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets, and garlic are best grown directly in the soil instead of containers due to their deep taproots. David Hillock from Oklahoma State University Extension's master gardener volunteer program also notes the challenges of growing asparagus and artichokes, as well as broccoli and cauliflower, in containers due to their deep taproots and need for proper insulation. Brooke Edmunds, a professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University Extension, advises that indeterminate tomatoes, which grow much larger than their container size, can be challenging to maintain in containers due to size, watering, and nutrient requirements. Additionally, corn may topple over in containers, especially when exposed to a breeze, making a larger garden or raised bed a better choice for optimal pollination.
