Comments on: Why wont my outdoor container garden thrive?

By: Teri V

Teri V — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:55:30 +0000

I live in the north San Francisco bay area. I have been growing tomatoes for the past ten years in containers. I like to think that I’ve learned a bit.
First of all I do not use the same soil two years in a row. I used to use Super Soil, but changed to Miracle Grow Garden Soil. I like it much better. I just use the old soil around my garden and it works great. I have had some very nice tomatoes over the years. I tried to grow some peas a couple years back and didn’t have much luck with them either. I just wish I had a larger yard to grow more. I hope I was of some use to you. Good luck.

By: juncogirl3

juncogirl3 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:59:49 +0000

You need to buy plants that accept containers for homes. Look for varities of tomatoes that are condusive to a pot. Tomatoes have a long tap root and many fibrous roots. They need a lot of space and a huge container. Cherry tomatoes are the most condusive to pots. Peas come up early in the season and are a cold weather crop. Once they are in the sun for too long, they die. Peas are not at all happy in a container. Peppers do well in containers, especially chili peppers. Herbs are very slow growing but depending on the herb, they need a lot of room and a lot of pot. Sage would not be good in a pot but Basil should do great. Garlic just is not a container plant but chives will do fantastic in a pot. If your plants are in total sun all day, create some afternoon shade. Some plants just cannot take a full day California sun.

By: TrueSunn

TrueSunn — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:50 +0000

Hmmm… I think also perhaps part of the problem may be overcrowding. Generally tomatoes need a square foot of space by themselves. Peas also need room and a trellis to grow up.

Maybe try getting a couple more pots and seperating out the plants and see if they fare any better.

By: crusinthru

crusinthru — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:40 +0000

Sounds like you are watering too much. I also have a container garden and I live in central CA. Everything grows fine for me. I started with compost that I bought at walmart and I also use mircle grow. I water about once a week and a bit more often when the temp. goes up. My tamatos are just getting a hold and seem to be doing ok. No flowers yet I usually wait till the weekend after Easter to plant anything. There’s a great book by a guy named Jerry Baker on organic gardening. Check out his web site when you have time. I bought one of his books and it has been very helpful over the past few years.

By: xoticscene

xoticscene — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:18:43 +0000

Ttomatos need a lot of drainage-use stones or broken pot sherds at the bottom after repotting. Peas like it cool, so they probably were baked. Water every other day.