Do Not Plant These Vegetables in Containers

For those who don’t have the outdoor space needed for a traditional garden, growing plants, including vegetables, in containers is a great option. Unfortunately, not all vegetables can grow and thrive in containers. Instead of setting yourself up for failure, don’t plant these vegetables in containers.

Do not plant these vegetables in containers

While it is possible to start growing these vegetables in containers, at some point they will need more space to reach maturity and thrive. If your garden space is limited in what you can grow in containers, it’s probably best to skip these vegetables:

Potato

While it is technically possible to grow some varieties of potatoes in large containers, they are best planted in the ground .

Pumpkins and winter squash

Since these vegetables grow in vines along the ground and can really sprawl, they are not suitable for containers. But all is not lost: summer squash, such as squash and yellow pink salmon, can be successfully grown in containers.

Fruit trees

According to organic gardener Ann Marie Hendry , apples and other types of fruit trees need a lot of root space: at least half a barrel. This is probably not an option for those who work with limited space, such as a balcony or small patio.

Sweet corn

There’s a reason sweet corn grows in huge fields: it’s a wind-pollinated plant, and it needs to be in the ground next to other corn. In addition, it can become very high. If you try to plant sweet corn in a container, be aware that it will take much more effort to get a smaller yield than in the ground.

Carrot

Ideally, you want to be able to grow long, straight carrots: something Hendry says is difficult to grow in containers. However, some smaller carrot varieties, such as the Paris Market variety, can be planted in containers, she notes.