You Can Successfully Grow Herbs and Vegetables in a 12″ Pot

This is number four in our Planting Depth series. Once you get to planting in 12 inch containers, the possibilities are pretty much endless!

Anything that can hold soil and water is a good candidate for container gardening.  Your choices are unlimited. Today I planted some potato starts in a laundry basket!  Punch holes in the bottom for drainage and you have an instant 12 inch planter.

Look for wooden tubs, old riding boots, milk cans, hanging baskets and fancy ornamental pots. You can choose the size, shape and cost to fit your needs and desires.

12 inch pots can handle tall plantings like fruit trees and blueberries.

When planting in pots you need to follow a few simple rules.

• Make sure you use a light enough soil (not clay based)
• Water frequently – in the summer that will mean daily and on hot days it may mean twice a day
• Use organic fertilizer at least once a month
• Re-pot with new soil each year

Planting Depth – What Can You Grow in a 4″ Pot?
Planting Depth – What Can You Grow in a 6″ Pot?
Planting Depth – What Can You Grow in a 8″ Pot?

Typical Container Materials

• Plastic – Pro: Inexpensive, holds moisture. Con: break down over time in sunlight.
• Terracotta – Pro: good drainage, allows air movement to root zone. Con: dries out quickly, may crack in winter.
• Fiberglass – Pro: long-lasting, lightweight, and no evaporation from sides. Con: expensive.
• Metal – Pro: long-lasting, holds moisture. Con: Rusts (except aluminum).
• Wood – Pro: allows air movement. Con:Susceptible to rotting, loses moisture quickly.

What Can you Grow in a 12″ Container? A LOT!

Bay, Beet, Blueberry, Carrot, Corn, Currant, Fruit Trees, Goose Berries, Kiwi, Potato, Raspberry, Rhubarb – plus any combination of plants that will grow in 4″ 6″ or 8″ containers