Santa Fe Container Vegetable Gardening: Complete Guide

Yes, You Can Grow Vegetables in Containers

South-facing space with sun = ideal. Almost any backyard vegetable works in pots.

Best Container Varieties

• Tomatoes: Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim, Saladette, Toy Boy, Spring Giant, Tumbling Tom, Small Fry.
• Peppers: Yolo Wonder, Keystone Resistant Giant, Canape, Red Cherry, Jalapeno.
• Eggplant: Florida Market, Black Beauty, Long Tom.
• Squash: Dixie, Gold Neck, Early Prolific Straightneck, Zucco, Diplomat, Senator.
• Lettuce: Buttercrunch, Salad Bowl, Romaine, Dark Green Boston, Ruby, Bibb.
• Beans: Topcrop, Greencrop, Contender, Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder (pole).
• Radish: Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, Icicle.
• Cucumbers: Burpless, Liberty, Early Pik, Crispy, Salty.

Growing Media

Synthetic "soilless" mixes (peat, vermiculite, perlite, etc.)—disease-free, moisture-retentive, well-draining, lightweight. DIY: 1 bushel each vermiculite & peat + 10 Tbsp lime, 5 Tbsp superphosphate, 1 cup 6-12-12 fertilizer.

Containers

• 6–10" for herbs, onions, parsley.
• 5-gallon for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant.
• Drainage: 1" gravel, side holes ¼–½" from bottom.

Seeding & Transplanting

• Start seeds 4–8 weeks before transplant; transplant at 2–3 true leaves.
• Use peat pellets/pots for easy transfer.

Fertilization

• Nutrient solution: 2 cups 10-20-10 (or similar) in 1 gal warm water = base.
• Growing solution: 2 Tbsp base in 1 gal water; apply daily.
• Weekly leach with plain water to prevent salt buildup.
• Occasional micronutrient supplement (Fe, Zn, B, Mn).

Watering

Daily with nutrient solution; avoid wetting foliage. Weekly leach.

Light

Full sun best. Leaf crops tolerate partial shade. Mobility = advantage—move for optimal light.

Pests & Diseases

Inspect regularly; use EPA-approved controls; consult extension agent.

Harvest

Pick at peak maturity for best flavor.

Troubleshooting Table

Includes symptoms (spindly, yellowing, wilting, leaf burn, stunting, holes, spots) with causes and fixes.