Spring is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons, not least because we plant our patio garden. We’ve been tending a patio garden for 12 years, and it continues to be an inspiring, rewarding experience. I love watching tiny seedlings from a local nursery quickly grow into productive greens and fragrant herbs. There’s nothing better than stepping into the backyard to pick lettuce for a salad, Swiss chard for a quesadilla, or fresh herbs for a dressing or sauce. Growing your own food is powerful — and it tastes incredibly fresh.
Over the past few years I’ve shared our gardening journey on Instagram Stories. After countless requests, I’m finally publishing our how-to tips and best practices here. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or expanding an existing patio plot, I hope you’ll join us and grow a patio garden this year.
Background
My husband and I have grown vegetables and herbs in patio pots for over a decade. We started small and added new pots and plants each year, learning and experimenting along the way. When we moved to the suburbs 12 years ago we knew we wanted a garden. Gardening runs in our families—my great-grandfather, grandmother and mother all gardened, and my husband’s family ran a greenhouse—so trying it ourselves felt natural.
We didn’t have a dedicated in-ground space and were concerned about animals, so we began with pots on a patio ledge. That modest start gradually became an expansive, eclectic collection of clay and plastic pots filled with lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and lots of herbs. Below I share our experience and the best tips we’ve learned for a thriving patio garden.
Caveats
- We live in Connecticut, so timing and experience reflect Northeast weather. Check your local USDA gardening zone and seasonal dates.
- These tips are focused on patio gardens in pots. Many points also apply to in-ground or raised beds, but those have additional considerations.
Let’s make this an ongoing, interactive post
My goal is to build a single resource that grows with our garden—I’ll add updates as we plant, tend and harvest, and I’ll answer questions in the comments. Below are general tips, what to do now if you plan to plant this year, and step-by-step notes on planting and early care.
Tips for Growing a Patio Garden
1. Start small
Our garden looks large now, but we began with a few small pots on a ledge and added more each year. Some years we used clay pots, other years plastic. Start with a few favorites and expand as you learn what grows well in your microclimate and which plants you actually use. Don’t feel you must do everything at once—build gradually.
2. What grows well in patio pots
In our experience, the easiest, most productive patio plants are greens and herbs: lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and a variety of herbs thrive in pots. Fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplant are possible but more demanding. They need more water, warmth and root space, so expect to water frequently—sometimes twice a day in hot weather. If you try fruits, choose smaller varieties such as patio or cherry tomatoes, pickling cucumbers and Japanese eggplant.
If you’re unsure what grows best in your area, ask your local nursery or garden center—they’re an excellent resource.
3. Planting basics — timing and weather
As a rule: greens prefer cooler, damp weather; herbs do well in moderate temperatures; and tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers need warmer conditions. In the Northeast, greens perform well in May, June and early July. Herbs can go in mid- to late May, while tender summer crops like tomatoes are best planted closer to Memorial Day. Greens and herbs produce quickly; fruits usually start producing later in the season. Check local recommendations for exact timing.
4. Pot size
Pot size matters. Lettuce and greens prefer larger pots to allow root spread. Herbs can do well in small or large pots depending on how much you use them—small pots for mint, thyme, chives and oregano; larger pots for basil, parsley and rosemary. Fruiting plants require the largest pots for adequate root space and moisture retention.
5. Potting soil and fertilizer
Use high-quality organic potting soil whenever possible. Potted plants can’t access ground nutrients, so fresh, nutrient-rich soil helps them thrive. We replace soil each year for two reasons: potted plants deplete nutrients, and we remove soil to store pots indoors for winter. Pro tip: buy more soil than you expect to need.
Fertilize when you first plant and then about every 2–3 weeks. We use a small amount of organic granular fertilizer and follow package directions.
6. Keeping animals away
Animals can be an issue. One year a determined groundhog ate almost everything, but most seasons our patio pots remain untouched until late summer. To deter wildlife we spray the outside of pots with a certified organic animal repellent every 2–3 weeks. Fair warning: it smells unpleasant, but it can be effective. Check with your local nursery for recommended products and availability.
7. Garden upkeep — watering, fertilizing, harvesting
Maintaining a patio garden requires routine care. Plan on daily watering once temperatures rise, and possibly twice daily during hot spells. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks. Harvest regularly—picking herbs and greens encourages continued growth and keeps plants productive.
8. Enjoy it
Watching seedlings grow into produce you serve at the table is incredibly satisfying. Take pleasure in the process and the fresh flavors your garden provides.
What you should be doing now — planning and prepping
Late April to early May is the right time to plan and prepare. If this is your first season, consider:
- What you want to grow. Choose vegetables and herbs you’ll actually use and that match the sunlight available.
- Where to place pots and how much sun the location receives.
- Which pots you already own or need to buy—local nurseries, garden centers and hardware stores are common sources.
- Where to get seedlings and potting soil. Nurseries and garden centers sell flats and starter plants.
- Buying potting soil in advance—remember you’ll likely need more than expected. Put pots in place and pre-fill them so you’re ready to plant.
When night temperatures warm up, visit your local nursery to choose seedlings. Many stores also offer phone ordering or curbside pickup.
Up next — planting
April 25th: Planting hardy greens
This year we planted about two weeks earlier than usual, starting with hardy greens that thrive in cool, damp weather. We planted green and red lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, rosemary and curly parsley—plants we know do well in our region.
We use seedlings (small plants with some soil and roots) and plant them so they’re just covered with soil, spacing them to avoid overcrowding as they grow. After planting we water each seedling with a diluted organic fertilizer solution following package directions. Give seedlings room to expand and they’ll reward you with steady growth.
Tell me—are you growing a garden this year? Is this your first time or have you been gardening for years? What are you planting? Ask any questions and I’ll respond in the comments as we continue to update this post.