Start collecting containers of various sizes. I utilize a combination of grow bags, planters and pots. You can even use buckets, pillow cases or potato sacks in a pinch. You just want to make sure there is adequate drainage. Keep an eye out for garage sales where you might score some fancy pots for cheap! The fancy ones are always expensive at the garden store, so when a relative offered me around 2 dozen decorated pots, I couldn’t resist!

Use decent potting soil and fertilizer. I use regular potting soil to fill my containers and top them with compost (you can purchase bags of compost from the garden store where you buy soil). The compost incorporates more nutrients for the plants. I also make sure to fertilize a few times a month. Just read the instructions on the fertilizer for best results! 

Choose the appropriate location for your garden. Make sure you observe the amount of sunshine your garden receives throughout the day and select plants that are appropriate. My garden gets plenty of evening sunshine (from 2-7 pm the sun shines directly on my balcony). I also have a balcony railing that blocks any sun from shining directly below the railing, so I put plants that prefer more shade in that space, like tender herbs. I place my vegetable plants along the back where they will get the most sunlight throughout the day to support veggie growth!

Water often! I typically find myself watering everyday unless we get lots of rain. You want to keep an eye on containers because they can get oversaturated or dehydrated very easily. To determine if the plant needs watered, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels damp, you probably don’t need to water yet, but if the soil is dry you will need to water ASAP.

Consider the weight of the containers. If you plan to move plants to different locations or bring certain plants indoors for cold weather seasons, think about placing the containers on wheels or a wagon. This will prevent injuries or accidently dropping a heavy pot! 

Think about vegetables you want to eat before you plant. If you don’t really like tomatoes, don’t waste the resources and grow something else! I personally love zucchini and peas, so I added several zucchini plants and multiple types of peas so I can have a decent supply all summer. I don’t care for tomatoes so I didn’t even bother growing them. 

Think about the pollinators! If you live in an urban area with very little green space, you may have a hard time attracting pollinators, which means your vegetables might not grow very well or you will need to hand pollinate. A simple way to remedy this is to grow plants for the pollinators! Selecting native varieties will attract the local pollinators in your area, especially if you have bright, colorful and fragrant flowers.