What kind of pot can I use to grow vegetables on the balcony?

In fact, the small balcony is also a good place to grow vegetables. The following is to introduce what kind of vegetable basin you should choose to grow vegetables on the balcony.

1. Container selection

Almost any type of container can be used to grow vegetables on the balcony, as long as it is strong enough to provide enough space and drainage. In addition to traditional flowerpots, planters and other professional containers, many objects in life can be used after modification, such as plastic pots, buckets, flower boxes, flower slots, wooden cases, aluminum suitcases, galvanized tin cases, plastic boxes, jars, food irrigation, and even bathtubs, tires, gunny bags, barbecue plates and so on.

Tuber vegetables such as potatoes can be planted in bags, onions, leeks and garlic seedlings can be planted in baking pans, tires and sacks are also good containers for growing vegetables. Cucumbers, beans and other trailing plants, you can put a "cage" to support the flowerpot.

two。 Drain hole

No matter what kind of container you choose to grow vegetables, you must ensure that there are drainage holes at the bottom to ensure smooth drainage. The drainage of the container is critical. If the drainage is poor, the plant roots will suffocate and rot; if the drainage is too fast, the plants will die for lack of water. Professional containers such as flowerpots and planters purchased on the market all have drainage holes at the bottom. For containers modified with household utensils, you have to drill several drainage holes by yourself. generally, several drainage holes with a diameter of 0.5-1cm can be evenly drilled around the bottom.

In order to avoid soil loss during watering, a "cushion basin" can be carried out, that is, a broken flowerpot, tile or window screen is used to cover the drainage hole, which is required to block the drainage hole. In order to promote drainage, you can put some coarse gravel or pebbles on the cushion to keep the drainage unobstructed.

3. Material

Generally speaking, ceramic and wooden containers drain faster than plastic containers and require more watering. Do not put plastic containers by the window, because plastic utensils are light and easy to be blown down by the wind. Do not use high-pressure treated wooden containers, chemical preservatives are added during high-pressure treatment, although this method protects the treated wood from termites, decay and other harmful factors for a long time, but the wood itself also contains toxic substances that can poison plants. If self-made wooden containers, it is best to use corrosion-resistant wood, such as pine, Chinese fir and so on.

4. Color

Containers should be used with caution because black absorbs heat and may damage plant roots. If you choose a black container, it is best to apply a layer of lighter paint, or just cover the container to avoid direct sunlight.

5. Size

The size of the container is important. The choice of growing vegetables would rather be big than small. Larger containers not only have plenty of room for fertilizer, but also have a large amount of water storage, which will not dry up quickly in summer. Tomatoes, peppers, beans and so on need larger containers, generally about 15-20 liters of containers are enough. When buying seeds and seedlings, it is best to consult the seller, how big a container is needed, how to water and fertilize, and so on.

Only by choosing the right container can we turn the small balcony into a green vegetable garden!