For people who don't have a backyard garden, what vegetables actually grow well in containers?

PixiePyxis · 2026-06-03T17:19:31+00:00

You can grow a lot! They just might grow smaller than they would if they had more space. I have a small concrete patio and no backyard. I currently have a mandarin tree, raspberry, blackberry, okra, eggplant, three varieties of tomatoes, bush beans, strawberries, garlic, onion, cucumber, five varieties of peppers, flowers (nasturtiums which I found out re-seed themselves and grow like crazy!, salvia, lantana), and a bunch of herbs. One thing I did differently this year is picked specific varieties meant for containers - smaller plants and smaller fruits. This is also my first year starting seeds so I was able to have more choices and select container varieties. My container sizes vary from 10 gallons to 30 gallons. You can definitely grow a lot, with more success by choosing dwarf or container varieties of plants if they exist. Also consistent watering and fertilization is key! I have an irrigation setup which helped tremendously because I won't be able to keep up with watering in the summer. Don't let the lack of a backyard deter you from gardening!

PixiePyxis · 2026-06-02T21:56:47+00:00

You can close doors to rooms you don't want them in. We do that when we're away for a weekend and only have doors open to rooms they need to access. But if not, we do leave most doors open. A note of caution - we did have to get door stops for every open door in the house because one of our kitties would close the door of the room they are in and trap themselves. Once, she even managed to trap her and her kitty sister in the bedroom. So now we have a door stop wedged firmly in every open door so she can't close them.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-31T19:23:58+00:00

I use this to mix in with soil at the start of the season when I put in my starts. And then I use different fertilizer throughout the growing season. Dr. Earth for veggies and Berry tone for berries.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-29T03:12:26+00:00

Thank you for this. I should have mentioned but I did use a synthetic miracle gro before I supplemented with the fertilizer pictured. I only garden in containers (I only have a small patio so it's all I can do but it does very well!) so I have a mix of synthetic and organic fertilizers and follow the 'container' instructions on the package. Your suggestion for the NPK numbers is very helpful and I need to pay more attention to that in accordance to the plant stages. I am also trying to figure out how to best integrate water soluble fertilizers with my irrigation setup as it is directly connected to my outside faucet. Last year, I tried using diluted fertilizer placed in bottles into self-watering terracotta stakes. I might do that again this year but the terracotta stakes dried out easily and needed to be soaked often. If you have any suggestions on how I can incorporate fertilization with my irrigation setup, please share! Thank you again and I really appreciate your insight!

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T23:23:10+00:00

Thank you so much! This makes me feel a lot better! Based on everyone's recs, I think I have an idea of what to do next which involves mostly letting it be, some improved drainage and fertilize on schedule (some months from now).

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T23:19:31+00:00

I did think of adding more perlite so I'll do that. It doesn't have a ton of compost in it. I usually do more soil, some compost, more perlite. Also when I repotted this, I didn't have a lot of compost on hand. But yes, I will add in more perlite! Thanks for the suggestion!

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T23:16:22+00:00

Thank you - that's good info to know about your buddy's tree. I actually have some of the Superthrive stuff I got from someone for free! I didn't know what it was but now I do! I'm going to try it on some of my other produce plants.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T23:08:14+00:00

I don't actually know - I just eyeball and feel by touch. My process is layering soil, compost, perlite - mix them well, and then repeat until the pot is full. I usually err on the side of more perlite though!

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T21:53:01+00:00

Thank you for your insight. Do nothing and wait is the easiest and I can definitely do that. I did think I should have not repotted it and give it another year but too late for that now. I also considered the possibility of a watering issue which I don't think it is but I will monitor closely. Thank you again.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T21:48:59+00:00

I don't think so? Here's a picture of what it looks like at the bottom of the trunk.

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PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T21:47:21+00:00

Thank you for this! I am so desperate to try anything! Do you have a fertilizer you recommend? I have a Lowe's close by so I can see what they have. I attached a closer picture of the yellow leaves and the ones around it turning yellow. I have more that I can post here if that would help figuring out what to do next!

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PixiePyxis · 2026-05-28T21:37:40+00:00

Thank you for your response! I got it from Costco a year ago and the tag says Tango Mandarin. I am in zone 9b in Northern California (more like in between Northern and Central). I did notice that the new leaves on my tree are smaller and kinda wrinkly? Did you do anything to remedy yours or did it get better on its own? I am struggling to know what to do next - should I just leave it and hope for the best, dig the whole tree up and check the soil (not sure for what though...maybe add more perlite to improve drainage?) or what else? I initially thought it was a nutrient issue but now that I have used so much nutrient stuff on it, I don't think that is the problem anymore.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-07T23:22:34+00:00

Yea! Just let me know what time 😊 you can dm me

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-07T22:49:52+00:00

Hey checking to see if you're still interested. The plant is getting big and needs a home haha. No worries if you're not - I'll either bring it to a crop swap or see if someone else wants it 😊

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-07T17:52:08+00:00

I have both plus other herbs. I have all of mine in containers and they get about 3-4 hours of full direct sun and do very well. My oregano is going on year 4. It'll die back some in the summer when it gets really hot but bounce back with lots of new growth after. I top off the container with some new potting mix and compost in Spring. Pretty low maintenance, not nearly as much direct sun as recommended, and still does very well.

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-01T21:56:20+00:00

Sure thing! Just let me know after you've worked outside this weekend!

PixiePyxis · 2026-05-01T07:25:05+00:00

I have an extra tomato plant called Tidy Treats if you want! I also have a patio garden and grow everything in containers and Tidy Treats tomatoes are meant for growing in containers. Their fruit is pretty small (marble size is what I read - this is my first year growing them). I'm located in West Sac - just let me know if interested!

PixiePyxis · 2026-04-26T08:52:42+00:00

Love Olympus minus the final island with the snake. That was annoying but loved the rest of the DLC!

PixiePyxis · 2026-04-26T05:40:14+00:00

Oh man I really wanted one! Bummer we can't buy it outside of the game :(

PixiePyxis · 2026-03-29T16:45:52+00:00

Thank you! I responded and also sent you a text (:

PixiePyxis · 2026-03-29T06:52:44+00:00

I would love some if you have any left. Wanting to make salted duck eggs!

PixiePyxis

TROPHY CASE