by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: September 08, 2010

Times have changed dramatically and it is no longer impossible to find great plants to grow in containers. There are even varieties of vegetables and/or fruits that can be grown in containers. That makes it possible for people who live in places where, for whatever the reason, have severe space limitations to grow pretty much anything they'd like. You will still have to consider things like your climate, how much sun you have and the ease with which you can water your plants.

*Finding seeds -

If you are going to grow things in containers, especially fruits and/or vegetables, your best bet is to purchase seeds. This way, you can find exactly what you need and not have to wonder whether a starter plant that you bought at a garden center will grow well in a container. While many regular plants will adapt to growing in containers, they may not perform as well as those that have been hybridized or genetically treated to grow in containers. Don't let your objection to genetically modified things get into the way of your ability to grow things in more suitable and appropriate conditions. You can get a fabulous selection of seeds to grow in containers at Container Seeds.

*Planting seeds -

Most vegetables that you opt to grow from seed and annuals will need to be started well in advance of the time you want to keep them outside. Early February should assure you of plenty of time - unless you live in a place where your growing season is longer. Just as is the case with cool weather vegetables that are grown in the ground, you can plant successive plantings and plant a spring and fall crop.

You should avoid going with a traditional potting mix if you can find some sort of specialty seed starting mix. If not, you may want to make your own. You can combine equal parts of peat moss and perlite and add both to some soil. You will want to go light on the soil because most potting and/or commercial soils don't breathe properly and some lack adequate drainage. While you'll want to keep the seeds moist until they sprout, you certainly don't want to have overly wet soil.

*Great choices for container growing -

Strawberries can easily be grown in containers. You won't get as sizable a harvest as you would if the strawberry plants were allowed to spread out and grow over a large area. You can even grow strawberries in hanging baskets to maximize the amount of space you have for other things.

Lettuce, spinach and other vegetables that you'd ordinarily grow in rows can be grown in

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