Growing vegetables in containers is a great way for people without yards to have fresh produce. Putting containers on the patio also is a way to extend a garden.

AP

Plants that flower and fruit need lots of sun.

You can grow almost any vegetable in a container that you can grow in a garden bed. And you can place containers near a door, so gardening is as convenient as stepping outside.

The drawbacks: Plants in containers need lots of water, so have a hose or other water source nearby; vegetables generally need 6 to 8 hours of sun, so shady spots won't do; and because you use potting soil or soilless potting media, container planting could cost more than merely digging in your garden bed.

CONTAINERS: Almost any container can work. Use clay, wood, plastic or ceramic pots; recycle bushel baskets, gallon cans or wooden boxes; use a windowbox or make your own containers.

A container must have drainage holes.

Plants that will be large when mature need bigger containers. Crops with shallow roots, such as lettuce, peppers, radishes and herbs, can go in shallower pots than ones that have deep roots, such as tomatoes, squash and cucumbers.

LIGHT: Vegetables need light. Those that flower and fruit need the most direct sun, at least 6 hours and preferably 8. Root vegetables such as beets and potatoes need at least 4 hours. Leafy vegetables such as greens, cabbage and parsley can stand more shade than other vegetables. Place your pots accordingly.

PLANTING MIX: Most experts recommend soilless potting mixes, which usually are made up of perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, wood chips or other ingredients, instead of dirt. Any garden center carries such mixes, which are sterile and free from soil-borne diseases and weeds.

FERTILIZING: Slow-release fertilizers with trace elements as well as the usual nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium make the job easier. As a general guide, fertilize immediately after planting, then a month later. With a fertilizer that is not labeled as slow release, you'll probably have to feed the plants every two weeks. Remember: More is not necessarily better. Follow product directions.

WATERING: Just like in the garden bed, many vegetables need watering every day. Until the plants have established roots and are growing, keep the soil moist. After that, water only when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch. If your plant wilts in the hot sun, move it so it gets afternoon shade.Themed container gardens

The 2008 edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac All-Seasons Garden Guide ($3.99) has put together "cook's delight" container gardens. I have adapted it to our area by substituting vegetable varieties that do well here, based on recommendations from Texas AgriLife Extension Service and on what is available at local garden centers. Not all varieties are available at every garden center, but it's probably safe to substitute. At this time of year, plant transplants rather than seeds (except lettuce).

Salsa Garden: 'Little Porter' tomato, 'Jalapa' hot pepper, cilantro and Mexican marigold mint

Pizza Garden: 'Roma' tomato, 'Big Bertha' sweet bell pepper and oregano

French Gourmet Garden: 'Kentucky Wonder' snap beans, 'Cajun Delight' okra and marjoram

Stir-Fry Garden: 'Jade Pagoda' Chinese cabbage, 'Peter Pan' summer squash, 'Packman' broccoli and 'California #5' black-eyed pea

Thai Garden: 'Gypsy' sweet yellow pepper, 'Ichiban' Oriental eggplant and sweet basil

Mediterranean Garden: 'Black Magic' green summer squash, 'Sweet Banana' pepper, Greek oregano, 'Bush Pickle' cucumber and 'Sweet 100' tomato

1-GALLON POT: Sow seeds of lettuce or lettuce mix

2-GALLON POT Seven beets, six bush beans, one cabbage, one chard or one pepper

5-GALLON POT Two broccoli, one cucumber, one melon, one snap bean, one lima bean or one okra

15-GALLON POT 24 beets, five black-eyed peas or pole beans, five chards, five peppers, three cabbages, three eggplants, two sweet corn, two melons, two squash or one tomato

SOURCE: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,

The Old Farmer's Almanac All-Purpose Garden Guide