Dwarf or miniature varieties often mature and bear fruit earlier, but most do not produce as well overall as standard varieties. With increasing interest in container gardening, plant breeders and seed companies are working on vegetables specifically bred for container culture. These varieties are not necessarily miniature or dwarf and may produce as well as standard types if properly cared for. The amount of sunlight that your container garden receives determines what crops can be grown. Generally, root crops and leaf crops can tolerate partial shade, but vegetables grown for their fruits generally need at least five hours of full, direct sunlight each day, and perform best with 8-10 hours.
Container gardening lends itself to attractive plantscaping.
A dull patio area can be brightened by the addition of baskets of cascading tomatoes or a colorful herb mix. Planter boxes with trellises can be used to create a cool, shady place on an apartment balcony. Container gardening presents opportunities for many innovative ideas. Containers The many possible containers may be made of clay, wood, plastic, metal, or other materials. Consider using barrels, flower pots, cut-off milk and bleach jugs, recycled styrofoam coolers, window boxes, baskets lined with plastic with drainage holes punched in it, even pieces of drainage pipes or cinder blocks.